I have been busy out campaigning across District 9 the last month, and I want to say that I have met so many nice people who really care about our Kansas. The one thing I have been asked more than once is what do I think the most important quality of a state representative should be?
When the voter sends a state representative to the House the most important is that their representatives establish good working relationships in order to earn leadership positions that will write policies that benefit your district as well as other districts. Our representative after six years has achieved no leadership position while those that were elected the same year have achieved leadership for their districts. Chairmanships and vice chairmanships are given out by key people like Speaker of the House O’Neil and Majority Leader Merrick, which both have bypassed our representative due to outlandish behavior. This has hurt our district’s chances of ever being at the decision table.
The upcoming primary election for District 9 Kansas State Representative is more important than ever. With a very tough Kansas economy, a new sales tax burden on small businesses and the recent 150 jobs lost at Haldex, your vote must really count.
I have campaigned for many candidates and have endorsed a few along the way. For me to walk door to door in 100-degree weather can only mean the candidate must be the best choice. Raymond “Bud” Sifers is a successful business owner in Iola as well as a personal family friend for many years. He knows this district well, but most of all he will build strong relationships with people who can help our district prosper.
We have a chance to have a new start with your vote on Aug. 3; a new governor for Kansas and a new representative for District 9. On Aug. 3 vote Raymond “Bud” Sifers Kansas House.
Thank you and see you at the polls.
Mary Alice Lair
Chanute and Piqua, Kan.
