Kansas Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, D-Topeka, is seeking reelection over Republican challenger Michael Barron, a retired detective with the Topeka Police Department.
Schlingenseipen is running for a second term, having won the seat in 2022.
The Capital-Journal posed the same questions to each candidate. Answers were not edited for spelling, grammar or content.
What background information would you like voters to know about you and why you are running for office?
Tobias Schlingensiepen: It’s been an honor to have represented House District 55 the past 2 years, a district in which I have lived for over 40 years. As a pastor and police chaplain, I have seen firsthand the challenges - and opportunities - our community faces. From a young age, my parents taught me the importance of giving back to others. In my career, I have tried to stay true to that idea and serve in whatever capacity I can to improve the lives of others.
Michael Barron: As a lifetime Kansan living in Topeka, I have served 28 years as a Topeka Police Officer working in the community spending a large portion of that time in District 55. I have come to know the community and share some of their concerns. We would like to break some barriers and provide quality services for all.
I accepted the call of service for the people and as another option on this ballot.
Property taxes are largely a local issue, but what should the Legislature do about rising property taxes?
Schlingensiepen: This past legislative session, I was proud to support historic tax relief, which included over $256 million in property tax cuts over the next 5 years. It is my hope that this is just the beginning of the conversation of how we can reduce the tax burden on Kansas families. We should continue to cut property taxes for Topekans, especially fixed-income seniors and families.
Barron: The legislature must be wise stewards with tax payer's money and seek ways to cut property taxes. They should give relief to tax payers by cutting taxes and return to them monies from the surplus out of the budget. Also, they should reduce wasteful spending and limit regulations. Legislators need to make Topeka an attractive place for businesses to relocate and grow our tax base. Reducing crime and making Topeka a safer community is an important part of that.
Do you support taxpayer dollars going to vouchers or other forms of school choice for students attending private schools?
Schlingensiepen: I am adamantly opposed to school vouchers and any “school choice” policies. Public taxpayer dollars should stay in public schools. It is irresponsible to send state funds to unaccountable private schools that do not have the same reporting and transparency metrics as our school districts. As a steward of taxpayer dollars, it is irresponsible to support vouchers.
Barron: Yes, I attended public schools. I support public schools and fair wages for teachers, but I also support parental rights to choose educational choices for their children. We should support monies going to vouchers or other forms of school choice for those students attending private schools. We should promote fairness in education.
What do you think is the appropriate role of the Legislature on abortion policy following the Value Them Both vote?
Schlingensiepen: Kansans spoke loud and clear on August 2nd, 2022 when they told the Kansas Legislature NO to interfering in private medical decisions. Unfortunately, politicians refuse to listen to the will of the voters and push extreme measures that undermine a woman’s right to make her own healthcare choices. Some extremists went so far this year as to push for a total ban on abortion and even jeopardize IVF treatments for families. I am supportive of reproductive freedom and believe that private medical decisions should remain with individuals - not politicians in Topeka.
Barron: Uphold the voice of the people as they have voted on this matter.
Do you support Medicaid expansion? Why or why not?
Schlingensiepen: I absolutely support Medicaid Expansion in Kansas. Expansion would provide health insurance to over 150,000 Kansans, create over 20,000 jobs, and help reduce healthcare costs for all. We have left over $7 billion of our own federal taxpayer dollars on the table. It’s time to expand Medicaid and help save lives.
Barron: If it places a greater burden upon our tax payers we do not support expansion. Providing quality health care for citizens of Kansas is essential and we should utilize funding already allocated more responsibly.
What is the appropriate role of the Legislature in promoting economic development? And does the approach differ for large and small businesses?
Schlingensiepen: Economic development is critical to growing the Kansas economy, expanding our workforce, and keeping Kansans here after they graduate college or technical schools. While large projects like Panasonic often get most of the attention - and they are important - we also must consider small businesses and what we can do to help those in our communities thrive. This includes adequate access to healthcare, protections for workers, and eliminating bureaucracy when necessary. I will continue to support economic growth in Kansas while making sure our workers are protected and supported.
Barron: As responsible stewards of the people's money, legislature should promote and pass laws to support economic growth, with less regulation and responsibly represent the concerns of the people who we represent. We should seek substantial ways to help and provide tax incentives for small business owners as well as for large businesses recognizing there are different needs between the two.
Legislature should also monitor the budget to ensure resources are meeting the needs of the citizens in our community
What should the state government do about homelessness?
Schlingensiepen: Homelessness is an issue all around our state, and especially in Topeka. We must ensure we are continuing to invest in mental health as a state, and partnering with local cities to invest in infrastructure and support adequate housing, accessible healthcare, and a safety net to protect the most vulnerable in our state.
Barron: This is a complex issue with persons who are homeless for different reasons. One if these groups are persons with mental disabilities, and as a former LEO, I understand the lack of resources to address this issue and assist these persons in crisis. The legislature needs to help support agencies addressing this problem with funding designated, support law enforcement as they enforce law violations, and provide services for individuals qualifing for assistance. They should also pass laws if necessary for public safety and health issues.
Politics often requires compromise and debating ideas. What is an issue you've changed your mind on after listening to the other side?
Schlingensiepen: In committee work, we deal with issues, which at the end of the day, very few of us are experts. We have the opportunity to hear from the different experts - in both state government and stakeholders - and we learn together. In that setting, many of the typical partisan fights get put to the side and we actually collaborate in a genuine and thoughtful way to find solutions for our state.
Barron: As I have come into contact with individuals on both sides of the parties, I see there is a great division. Showing respect and honor towards one another, and a willingness to reason together, has allowed me to rethink some issues one being health care. I hope to sit down with those on both sides, listen and work together to find solutions to these complex problems.
What other issue(s) are top priorities for you?
Schlingensiepen: Investments in infrastructure, especially renewable energy, are essential to the future of our state. As a member of the House Utilities Committee, I am a strong supporter of the expansion of renewable energy, which spurs economic growth, creates good jobs, makes energy use more affordable, and combats climate change. Additionally, we must continue to make investments in local transportation, such as Billard and Forbes airports in Topeka.
Another critical issue facing our community is the epidemic of gun violence. As a parent and grandparent, I understand too well the fear that many parents feel when they send their children to school each day. Common-sense measures like red flag laws, universal background checks, and safe storage laws can protect our families while respecting responsible gun ownership. The legislature should do much more to address this issue, and I remain committed to helping reduce gun violence.
Barron: Addressing infrastructure, providing relief and lowering taxes for Kansans, supporting law enforcement for safe communities and defending the rights of all Kansans.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Tobias Schlingensiepen and Michael Barron for House D55 | Topeka Voters Guide
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