Both Kansas governor candidates came to speak and discuss policies rather than political attacks at a meet and greet held in Baxter Springs on Oct. 21.
The Baxter Springs Chamber of Commerce organized Meet the Governor Candidates on Route 66. The event was held at Maple and Rose Events in Baxter Springs. Republican candidate, Ty Masterson, and Democratic candidate, Cindy Holscher gave some remarks and then were available for conversation.
Masterson is the Kansas Senate president and a state senator from Andover. Cindy Holscher is a Kansas state senator from Overland Park.
Ashley Groves, mayor of Galina and schoolteacher, came as a citizen to hear out the candidates.
“Both the candidates came off very polished,” Groves said. “They were both intentional on what they shared with us. I thought both had great points that they mentioned. I know for one I’m going to go home and do a little more study on it.”
During the speech, both candidates shared some points of their campaign. Masterson’s main points include property taxes, education reform in Kansas, affordability, agriculture, economic development, and keeping young people in Kansas.
Holscher’s main points were property taxes, affordability, education, public schools, healthcare, small businesses, and economic development. The candidates share some of the same concerns but have different ways of approaching them.
“From the short bit that they’ve talked, they both had a lot of great things that they want to do for Kansas and for Kansans,” Groves said. “I think It’s just two different ends of the sword that they want to achieve.”
Both candidates identified property taxes and affordability as major concerns for Kansas families. Masterson emphasized the financial pressure of rising property taxes placed on homeowners.
“And so, we are literally at the point of taxing fixed income people out of their homes,” Masterson said. “I know a gentleman who’s taking on debt to pay his property tax and insurance on the home that he owns. That is unacceptable. We have to find a way to change that trajectory.”
Holscher focused on lowering property taxes and addressing other household expenses. Holscher also talks about healthcare affordability.
“I’m going to lower property taxes and bring down the cost of living for Kansas families,” Holscher said.
Both candidates discussed education, but their speeches emphasized different priorities. Masterson focused on classroom teachers and improving educational outcomes.
“We have to find a way to make the teacher the most valuable person in the building,” Masterson said. “I’d love to see people from college administration back to the classroom.”
Holscher emphasized public school funding and access to special education.
“We have to make sure that special education is fully funded because special education has not been fully funded since 2011,” Holscher said. “That will change with me as governor.”
Both candidates discussed economic development, but they emphasized different ways to strengthen the state’s economy. Masterson highlighted agriculture, energy and ethanol.
“Ethanol, it is a market for our farmers and it makes the prices fuel lower,” said Masterson. “So that’s a win-win for all of us on ethanol.”
Holscher focused on small businesses and ensuring economic development benefits local communities.
“I’ll focus on business development, making sure those mom and pop shops can thrive,” Holscher said. “I’ll ensure the developments and incentives work for the benefit of our people and our communities, not just billionaires or corporations.”
Election day is Nov. 3. Republican Senator Roger Marshall and Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Adam Hamilton will also be up for election.
“I am pro vote no matter what’s going on,” Groves said. “I think in the smallest election, whether it’s amendments, whether it’s personnel we are electing or it’s city, county, state, federal. Everything has a voice and I think our past military men and women, this is why they did it. They did it so that way we have freedom to do that. So, I think at any age, especially if we start young, it’s a habit that could be born and there’s no time like today.”
