Letters to the editor

Dear Kansas
9th District voters,
We are writing in support of Kent Thompson’s re-election to the House of Representatives of our 9th District. We have known Kent since the day he was born. His grandmother and David’s mother were sisters. We are a generation apart in age but have always been close in heart. 
Thinking that we know him really well didn’t prepare me for his performance at the Chanute Chamber of Commerce forum last Tuesday evening. He did an outstanding job that night. Kent and his opponent were to be given questions shortly before the forum began. The moderator selected the order in which the questions were asked and which candidate answered first. Each candidate had a prepared opening and closing statement. I have been told you can view this forum on Chanutetv5.com. 
Kent demonstrated his understanding of the issues facing the Kansas Legislature and, in many cases, he said where he stood on the issues. He spoke without notes and with clarity. It was entirely clear that he does hours of study on the issues that face the House and especially how they affect the 9th District. He not only studies the paperwork, which we know is endless, but he talks with as many experts and constituents as possible to make each decision.
He said several times that he welcomes input and values opinions from everyone in his district. If you care about a particular issue, he wants to know. One quality he doesn’t have is “mind reading!” There wasn’t a question asked that Kent didn’t answer sincerely and openly. Kent said, a number of times, that he is not obligated to any special interest groups or to any person. He is obligated to the 9th District. 
We are especially proud of Kent and his supporters for running a positive campaign. It is a compliment to the voters in District 9 to be presented with the facts as best they know them. Kent has told us what he has done and what he hopes to accomplish in the future. No more needs to be said. 
We believe that Kent’s 12 years as Allen County commissioner and this past year and a half as our representative have prepared him well for re-election. We know Kent to be smart, fair, caring and honest. Please join us on Aug. 5th in voting to re-elect Kent Thompson as our representative for the 9th District.
Sincerely,
David and Mary Kay Heard
Iola, Kan.

Dear Editor:
You may have noticed your mailman laboring under a larger than usual load the last couple of weeks. It is election season and everyone is putting a mailer into your hands, especially in the 9th District Kansas representative race. Be a smart consumer (voter) and always look to see who paid for the opinions and mailings you are receiving. Some of the political action committees are spinning the numbers and issues as fast as the guy on Ed Sullivan with the spinning plates on poles.
I have met both candidates for the upcoming Republican primary race for the 9th District representative. Chad Van Houden appeared at the Allen County Farm Bureau candidate forum a few weeks ago. He is a nice young gentleman with a solid family who has just decided to get involved with politics. While personable, when Chad was questioned about issues or interests with which he wanted to be involved on a state level, he had no particular idea or answer.
Kent Thompson, on the other hand, was very open about his recent experience in Topeka, how he voted and why. In a one-on-one conversation with Kent, I was particularly impressed by his level of research into issues, his reflection on how the issues could impact his constituents, and his willingness to call and poll the people most directly impacted by the issues. I was also ready to listen when he expressed that sometimes you cannot get exactly what you want or everything you want, legislatively, but must work to get the best you can for your constituency. I have known Kent for many years, even before he was an Allen County commissioner. I have always found him to be a good listener. Even when we don’t agree on an issue, he has been open to discussion, willing to hear my thoughts and explain his thoughts on a subject, and be able to conduct a civil and respectful conversation.
I believe Kent Thompson is the right person to elect to the Kansas House of Representatives from District 9. He listens, he researches, he seeks input and he tries to vote in a way that will be most beneficial to his district. I do not need a legislator who always agrees with me, but I do need an informed legislator who is willing to work to solve problems in a way that is as equitable as possible for myself and my neighbors.
As voters, it is our job, after the election is over, to continue to express our concerns to our elected officials. It is our duty to know them and keep their eyes and ears open to their constituents. We should not expect them to make decisions in a knowledge vacuum.
Informed discussion between the elected and the electorate will lead to better government. Let’s vote and give it a try.
Darrell R. Monfort DVM
Iola, Kan.