Grant: Leaders need to work together 'for good policy'

Editor's Note: This is part of a series of candidate profiles based on answers to a questionnaire sent out by the Tribune.

Incumbent House Rep. Bob Grant, D-Frontenac, was born in Clovis, N.M., and moved to Cherokee at age 1.

Grant is running for the second district House spot. He will square off against Republican Jeff Locke, R-Arma, in the Nov. 6 election.

When he's not in the legislature, Grant is the owner and operator of Grant's BBQ & Catering, a family business.

Grant has served 19 years in the Kansas Legislature. He was defeated in 1994, but was able to regain the position in 1996 "and have been rehired every election since.

"The job is one of constant education and negotiation, so it requires a willingness to learn not to promise too much other than to do your best," Grant said.

He approaches the job as a chance to work for the people of the second district and Southeast Kansas.

"It seems at times like I am jousting at windmills, but there is a lot of satisfaction when the legislature does its best for the constituents. I know that I do my best to achieve those results," Grant said.

He noted his phone number and address are readily accessible.

"I try to attend events throughout the district, as well send a newsletter during the session. I am always open to questions or comments," Grant said.

He is running again because "I want to ensure that our children and grandchildren have good public schools and that we have a responsible tax policy that does not overburden local property owners. Our state now, more than ever, needs leader who will keep an open mind and remain willing to work together for good policy instead of good politics," Grant said.

His commitment "throughout my job as state representative has been to working families and the people of the 2nd District. I am pro-life with the voting record to prove it.

"My longtime involvement with the Cherokee Gun Club has solidified my support of the Second Amendment. My

25-year work experience at the Ammunition Plant in Parsons was as an equipment operator, as well as a foreman estimator. Working as a union member and then as management gave me the insight necessary to work with two or more sides, recognizing the need for compromise and negotiation," he said.

"Constituent service is the most satisfying part of my job. Having made valuable contacts in the state agencies and locally, I have been able to many times use these contacts to help people in difficult situations or get answers for concerned citizens," he said.

If elected, Grant said he would continue to be a "rational voice for Southeast Kansas and work across the aisle for the good of all Kansans. That may be thought of as a weakness by some considering the extreme partisan atmosphere in the Statehouse at this time."

Grant said he has a proven track record of working with Democrats and Republicans in the Capitol to accomplish results benefiting the people of Kansas.

"I was appointed to the bipartisan committee to investigate charges against the Speaker of the House, as well as the recent bipartisan redistricting committee. In these challenging times, experience and the ability to work across party lines count for a hell of a lot," Grant said.

Grant belongs to the American Legion, Elks Lodge 412 and the Knights of Columbus.

He serves as president of the Cherokee Gun Club and holds lifetime memberships in Big Brutus Inc. and the Chicopee Foundation.

Grant was mayor of Cherokee for 16 years and was active in the local Little League as a coach and umpire and playing fast and slowpitch softball many years.