Taxes, government spending featured in candidate debate

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- Taxes and government spending were just a couple of the issues broached and debated during a candidate forum this week at Fort Scott Middle School.

Michael Dann, of Baldwin City, is the Libertarian candidate for the United States Senate seat currently held by Republican Sam Brownback, who is running for governor. Dann was the only candidate for the seat who attended the forum, hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

"This is truly democracy at work," Dann said of the turnout of about 125 people assembled in the school's cafeteria to watch the forum, moderated by Tim McKinney of KOMB radio and Mark McCoy.

Dann said he spent more than 30 years as a financial advisor, has experience working with small businesses, and is running for the office because he is concerned about government overspending and the financial health of the United States.

"If you can't fund your future, you don't have one," he said. "Somebody in Washington is spending other people's money -- yours -- and I want to go to Washington and stop it."

Dann added he wants to also work to lower taxes and for "more personal freedoms."

Cheryl Hudspeth, a Democrat from Girard, is vying for the District 2 U.S. House of Representatives seat held by Republican Lynn Jenkins, who sent a representative, Hogan Miller, to speak on her behalf. Robert Garrard, of Edgerton, the Libertarian candidate for that seat, also did not attend the forum. Dann spoke on his behalf.

Hudspeth said she is "not happy with representation in Washington."

Miller said Jenkins has voted against $6 trillion in government overspending during her time in office and would vote to repeal the federal health care law. Dann said Garrard is a military veteran who supports free markets and fixing a "broken" tax system, and that he "speaks highly" of Garrard's character.

Hudspeth and Miller argued the topic of cap-and-trade, and federal legislation concerning the issue. Cap and trade is a market-based approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants, according to online references.

The government sets a limit or cap on the amount of a pollutant that can be emitted. That cap is allocated or sold to firms in the form of emissions permits which represent the right to emit or discharge a specific volume of the specified pollutant, according to Wikipedia.

Miller said Jenkins voted against cap-and-trade, calling it a "job-killing" bill, and questioned Hudspeth about her stance on the issue.

"It's a Republican proposal. ... The bill is dead," Hudspeth said. "We need to address carbon emissions, but there is no consensus for the bill. It's a red herring."

Miller said Jenkins voted against the federal stimulus bill, adding the focus should be on infrastructure spending. Jenkins also does not support privatization, he said.

Gubernatorial candidates addressing the audience included Andrew Gray, the Libertarian candidate for Democratic Gov. Mark Parkinson's seat, and Ken Cannon, the Reform Party hopeful. Republican gubernatorial candidate, U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, did not attend the forum due to a scheduling conflict. Kansas Sen. Bob Marshall, a Republican, spoke on Brownback's behalf.

"Government needs to work with business, not against it," Marshall said, reading a letter Brownback provided for the event.

Marshall also said "we need to refocus state dollars into classrooms" and "promote higher pay for master teachers."

Gray, of Topeka, said the Libertarian Party is the fastest growing political party in Kansas, and the party's goal in the gubernatorial race is to get 5 percent of the vote, then "we become a major consideration." Gray said he would offer "specific solutions to specific issues." He said he would also support small businesses, and work to simplify the tax code and make health care a "free-market enterprise."

Cannon, of Andover, said the focus of his campaign is what he calls "Three R's," -- recruit, rightsize and re-think. He supports a flat-rate fair tax that would make Kansas more competitive with other states. He also said that he thought it was "unfortunate" Brownback and his Democratic challenger, State Sen. Tom Holland, "can't find their way to Fort Scott."

Dennis Hawver, of Ozawkie, the Libertarian candidate for the attorney general seat held by Democrat Steve Six, also attended the forum. Derek Schmidt, the Republican candidate for the seat, did not attend the forum. Marshall also spoke on his behalf.

Marshall said Schmidt "promised to fight human trafficking."

Hawver, a Vietnam veteran, said federal government is "out of control."

"I understand how the legal system works, and quite frankly, I want it changed," he said.

Hawver said he would work to legalize methamphetamine and any other drugs and teach children about the dangers of drugs through "parental love, guidance and scrutiny." Hawver added he would teach youth to be responsible for their own decisions.

Also attending the forum to address the crowd and answer questions were State Treasurer Dennis McKinney, a Democrat from Greensburg, and his challenger, Republican Ron Estes of Wichita. Estes said the office's highest priorities are financial literacy and addressing the financial issues facing the state. McKinney said he is working to expand the state's unclaimed property program, adding his office set new records this year in unclaimed property returned to Kansas residents.

Kevin Jaynes, representing Kris Kobach, the Republican candidate for the secretary of state seat held by Democrat Chris Biggs, read a letter on Kobach's behalf. Jana Shaver, of Independence, a Republican candidate for the 9th District seat on the Kansas State Board of Education, also spoke at the forum.

A group from a Fort Scott High School Constitution class attended to gain extra credit. "I learned the difference between the Libertarian Party and the Reform Party," 16-year-old Elly Booth said. "The Libertarian Party puts more emphasis on social issues" and the Reform Party, more on fiscal matters.

"I thought it was very enlightening," Booth said. "They all seem kind of like they're putting on some big show."