Lex Goff

Bill Rhiley

By Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — The following is the 80th District State Representative Sumner Newscow Political forum featuring the two candidates running: Republican incumbent Bill Rhiley and Independent Candidate Lex Goff. The 80th District consists of the following:

80th District of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Advance voting in person at the Sumner County courthouse will go through Monday at noon. Polls open at 7 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. at the Raymond Frye Complex.

Questionnaires were sent to both candidates via e-mail. Goff has responded.

Rhiley’s only response came the next day concerning question 8, saying, “Not a fair question, try a different question.” Sumner Newscow responded to clarify why the question wasn’t fair. Since then, after emailing the questionnaire again, Rhiley has not responded. Therefore, the following answers are from Lex Goff.

1. Please provide a background of yourself: i.e., your educational background, your work experience, etc. Please be as brief as possible.

LG — I graduated from Wellington High School this year. I have done a plethora of trade jobs. As well as managing stock portfolios and trading strategies for my family and friends.

2. Why are you running for the 80th District of the Kansas State House of Representatives?

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LG — I have always felt a calling to some type of public service, which in this case would be to represent the people of Kansas. I also feel as if people, myself included, are let down by an out-of-touch government.

3. Data Centers and Artificial Intelligence will undoubtedly be a central issue during the next two years. What should the Kansas State Legislature do concerning this topic?

LG — In no way am I pro-data center. Though we have to realize that it is going to be incredibly hard to keep all data centers out of our state. In case any are built, there must be extremely strict stipulations regarding how they contribute to the state. No tax breaks, no water cooling, and no contracts that screw over small communities.

There needs to be a state law requiring these data centers to adhere to a contract that prevents them from taking advantage of rural communities.

4. Kansas is one of 10 states that has not fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Are you in favor of or against Medicaid Expansion? Why? And would you put it up to a vote for the voters?

LG — I would be in favor of an expansion. There is a lot of federal money floating around that we could receive to help our rural hospitals. Kansas has the most rural hospitals at immediate risk of closing, around 30 currently. It seems rather arbitrary to not expand Medicaid when it’s a system we already pay into without receiving benefits. I’d support a public vote as well. I’d also look at other free market solutions, bringing in more competition so we don’t have an insurance monopoly in our state. As well as addressing the bloated administrative costs within health insurance.

5. Do you feel the Public Schools are adequately funded? Please explain what you think you would help change if elected?

LG — Our schools would be adequately funded if the state committed to covering 92 percent of special education funding, as promised. When there’s a $180 million gap, there are funding issues. Local schools have to front the burden by stretching their resources.

I’d support making the 92 percent funding commitment enforceable. As well as continuing to use the Gannon-based adjustments in any future funding formulas to match funding with inflation.

6. Do you believe in public vouchers to help children pay for a private education?

LG — Vouchers will not address the real issues that our schools are actually facing. Our best shot as a state would be to overhaul our current education system. The current education system is outdated and does not reflect the current job market and the nation’s living conditions.

7. What can the state do to help Kansas Farmers?

LG — Farmers are struggling more than ever, due in part to state issues but mostly to federal issues. Kansas would be best off by taking certain tax burdens off of farmers. Adjusting property tax valuations for agricultural land, sales tax exemptions on inputs, or fuel and farm equipment.

Also, promoting Kansas agricultural exports and supporting local processing capacity would be vital. Subsidies, crop insurance, and trade policy are all federal, so our best option as a state is focusing on issues we can address within our borders.

8. Did you support public funding to build an NFL Stadium for the Chiefs in Wyandotte County?

LG — There are a lot of possible outcomes with this deal, and there’s no way to predict whether it’ll pay for itself yet. Though I do think that it should’ve been up to the local taxpayers and not a closed-door meeting of select legislators.

9. What is the best way to stimulate the Kansas Economy?

LG — Making sure our farmers can operate at their highest level and maximize their yields. Bringing in new industries and expanding current manufacturing. Expanding job training at universities and ensuring those students have affordable housing near their workplaces. Our small businesses need a fair shot at the market too, as they are vital to the survival of rural communities. We also need to have our infrastructure well maintained and up to date.

10. Do you have anything to add or say to your opponent?

LG — I wish him the best!

Thank you for getting my platform out to the people, means a lot!

John Cooney Campaign ad: 

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