The Hutchinson Tribune created a list of questions for local state senate, representatives and reno county commissioner candidates. The questions act as a voter guide for the 2024 election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The story will be updated as responses come in.
The responses posted are unedited and come directly from the candidate. If a candidate submits responses after the publishing date, The Hutchinson Tribune will add the responses in the story.
State Senate, District 34
Shanna Henry, District 34, Democratic
Still waiting on a reply from this candidate.
Michael Murphy, District 34, Republican
Still waiting on a reply from this candidate.
State Representative District 101
Joe Seiwert, District 101, Republican
Still waiting on a reply from this candidate.
State Representative District 102
Jason Probst, District 102, Democratic
Why are you running for office and what would you like voters to know?
I’m running for office because I love our community and feel a sense of duty to be of service and do my part to protect Hutchinson from people who don’t have our best interests at heart. I have lived here most of my adult life – I raised a family here, have grandchildren here, and have made a lot of friends here. I have a vested interest in this community’s future.
What issues matter most to you?
Medicaid Expansion and containing growing healthcare costs is a top priority. I also want to provide tax relief – particularly property tax relief – to working Kansans. I believe in funding our schools, investing in infrastructure, creating opportunities for small businesses, and responding to what our constituents tell us is among their top concerns.
What are some issues that you talk about that don’t typically make headlines?
I worked for 6 years to pass the Kansas Contract for Deed Act. This is actually groundbreaking legislation that creates some guardrails and protections for people buying a home on land contract. It requires sellers to be forthcoming about any debt on the note, and ensures they have clear title to sell the property. We’ve experienced issues with this in Hutchinson, and I’m proud to have been part of the solution to stand up against predatory practices in this area.
Do you believe that the topic of abortion has been put to rest following the 2022 constitutional amendment concerning abortion? Do you support any restrictions on the issue?
The voters in my district spoke loud and clear – 3 to 1 against allowing the legislature to regulate reproductive health. My voters clearly do not trust the Kansas Legislature with the power to interfere with a very personal decision between a doctor and a patient.
How well do you feel Kansas works together from a bi-partisan standpoint? How important do you think bi-partisan collaboration is?
I think bi-partisan collaboration is critically important. I think Kansas could do far better. It often feels to me in Topeka that partisan politics is placed ahead of what’s good for Kansas.
What are your thoughts on Medicaid expansion for Kansas?
It’s reprehensible that we’ve not expanded Medicaid – and it’s financially dumb. Our local hospital had to lay off many of its staff, partly because we have upwards of $6 million per year in uncompensated care that could be partially offset by expanded Medicaid. Additionally, we are being cruel by denying essential staff in Kansas access to affordable healthcare. Most of our service employees, hair stylists, hotel workers, and many care-givers would benefit from expansion – but Republican leadership seems to be more concerned that some insurance companies might sell a few less policies to people who can’t afford the deductibles.
What kind of approach can the Kansas government take to help eliminate fentanyl overdoses? What would that process look like?
I’m proud of my work to make sure fentanyl test strips were made legal. That has saved lives. Same with my effort to get the Good Samaritan bill into law. We can work to increase penalties for those who harm our community by bringing in this dangerous drug – while also putting in place policies rooted in compassion and love for people struggling with substance misuse.
Kyler Sweely, District 102, Republican
Why are you running for office and what would you like voters to know?
I’m running to give Hutchinson a strong voice in the Legislature. The current representative has repeatedly chosen party loyalty over the interests of the district. His liberal voting record does not reflect the values we hold in Hutchinson. As someone who fought for our freedoms while deployed overseas, I am ready to bring that same dedication and fight to Topeka.
What issues matter most to you?
If elected, I’ll immediately push for property tax relief, especially for disabled veterans and the elderly. These groups shouldn’t struggle to keep their homes because of rising taxes. I’ll also push to support law enforcement and keep our communities safe. When Kansas families need protection from human trafficking and illegal immigration, Jason Probst has consistently fallen short.
In 2023, Probst voted against HB 2350 which established the crime of human smuggling—exactly the kind of law that could have helped in situations like the recent tragedy in Finney County. There, two traffickers exploited immigrants, including children, forcing them into labor under horrific conditions.
What are some issues that you talk about that don’t typically make headlines?
As a veteran, I understand the sacrifices made by those who served our country, especially those who returned with lasting disabilities. Too many disabled veterans are being left behind, and we must do better as a state and nation to support them. I believe we should pass a property tax relief package based on a veteran’s disability rating. It’s the least we can do for those who fought for our freedom and whose lives will never be the same.
Do you believe that the topic of abortion has been put to rest following the 2022 constitutional amendment concerning abortion? Do you support any restrictions on the issue?
Look, we know that Value Them Both fell in Hutchinson. The people of the 102nd District no doubt showed up to the polls on election day and made their voices heard. Women in the entire state did, so I can acknowledge that. However, I do believe that there is too much support for current restrictions surrounding late-term abortions and using taxpayer funds for abortions. That is in no way fair to the people of Kansas who do not agree on this action. For example, using taxpayer funds for abortion to make Kansas a destination state for those that seek abortions- that statistic has climbed high in recent years, and I personally do not want Kansas known for that. We do, however, need to continue to provide alternatives to abortion, such as the many proper resources that women can have in order to make a decision that will potentially change them for the rest of their lives. I also agree that we have a right and responsibility to protect the unborn, while providing those necessary resources for women to make the decision to protect their unborn child. We need to continue to empower women in this monumental decision and offer a path forward for them and their babies. Now my opponent, Jason Probst, unfortunately can’t say the same. This past session, he voted NO on Senate Substitute for HB 2436 – Creating the crime of coercion to obtain an abortion and providing enhanced criminal penalties for offenses committed with the intent to coerce a woman to obtain an abortion, AND he voted NO to override the governor’s veto. He also voted NO on HB2653- providing child support for unborn children from the date of conception. That’s not all, though. In 2023, he also voted NO on HB2439- Requiring notification to patients that the effects of a medication abortion may be reversible. As you can see, my opponent wants to say he’s in the “party of inclusivity” or “the party of responsibility.” Well for our Kansas women and children, his actions don’t sound very inclusive or responsible to me.
How well do you feel Kansas works together from a bi-partisan standpoint? How important do you think bi-partisan collaboration is?
Kansas has had moments of bipartisan collaboration, but we can and should do more. Bipartisanship works best when we put the needs of our district and state above party loyalty and petty politics. The best solutions come from considering diverse perspectives and building consensus. When we prioritize practical outcomes over political agendas, we create policies that truly benefit all Kansans. My goal is to bring people together, listen to every voice, and work toward solutions that serve our community and state—not just a party platform.
What are your thoughts on Medicaid expansion for Kansas?
I am open to all conversations about how we can improve access to healthcare for Kansans. This issue impacts families across the state, from rural areas struggling with hospital closures to urban communities facing high costs and gaps in care. Whether it’s expanding telehealth services, reducing prescription drug prices, or ensuring our veterans, seniors, and low-income families receive the care they deserve, every idea deserves consideration. Healthcare is not a one-size-fits-all issue, and we need collaborative solutions that balance affordability, accessibility, and quality while still maintaining fiscal responsibility.
What kind of approach can the Kansas government take to help eliminate fentanyl overdoses? What would that process look like?
The impact of ignoring the southern border is already being felt in Kansas. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) confirms that 100% of the fentanyl in our state comes from the southern border. When Jason Probst says the border isn’t a Kansas issue, he’s not telling the whole story—and Kansans are paying the price.
We need a tough-on-crime approach to stop those pushing fentanyl into our communities and must stand with other states working to secure the southern border. Probst refused to support a resolution backing Texas in its fight against illegal immigration, turning his back on law enforcement and undermining efforts to keep our communities safe. While other states take action, Probst has chosen politics over protecting Kansans.
State Representative District 104
Lynnett Krieger-Zook, District 104, Democratic
Why are you running for office and what would you like voters to know?
I am running for House District 104 to listen and authentically represent the voters, families and businesses in the communities of Hutchinson, Buhler, Inman and surrounding rural and farming areas. As a retired teacher with over 30 years of teaching in public schools I have seen first hand how decisions of the legislature directly impact our schools and community. If we are to get the work done in Topeka for those living in my community and across the state we have to find ways to problem solve and find solutions to build a strong future. It is time to have a Representative that brings to Topeka the concerns of the district they are representing.
What issues matter most to you?
My top three priorities are strong public schools, tax reform and healthcare and women’s health.
Public Schools: Fully funding public education is one of my top priorities and the reason I decided to run for Kansas House. Public schools accept all students and are held to a high standard for the use of tax dollars. While I support the choices of private and homeschool, they have the ability to limit who enrolls and are not held to the same public school standards or accountability for your tax dollars. The push for vouchers (school choice) has made its way to Kansas. I am concerned about the misuse of your local tax dollars and the negative impact on our community public schools. Tax Reform: After talking with hundreds of voters, I continue to hear how the economy is affecting family budgets with increased costs and property taxes. In 1992, Kansas homeowners paid 35% of the overall tax base in property taxes. In 2023, it’s grown by 21% to 56%. We can work on a bi-partisan bill to lower the tax burden on homeowners and shift back a reasonable tax burden on corporations. Health Care: Valuing life recognizes that healthcare access is a life and death issue. Expanding
Medicaid is a common sense policy that would not only help our most vulnerable populations,including the elderly, veterans, and low wage workers, but would also bring many needed jobs to our state.
What are some issues that you talk about that don’t typically make headlines?
Bipartisanship and working for the voters and families in District104 is what a Representative needs to do in Topeka that does not make headlines. If we are to get the work done in Topeka for those living in my community and across the state we have to find ways to problem solve and find solutions to build a strong future.
Do you believe that the topic of abortion has been put to rest following the 2022 constitutional amendment concerning abortion? Do you support any restrictions on the issue?
The topic of whether a woman has the right to make medical decisions privately between herself and her physician continues to be discussed in the legislature as noted in proposed and passed bills. The Kansas Constitution upholds certain restrictions on this issue.
How well do you feel Kansas works together from a bi-partisan standpoint? How important do you think bi-partisan collaboration is?
In talking with hundreds of voters during my campaign we can have civil conversations. This civility needs to be brought to Topeka. When there is a super majority, bi-partisanship is difficult. It is critical that collaboration, working through the hard conversations and listening must happen in order to create legislation that truly assists the Kansans we represent in our community and those across the state.
What are your thoughts on Medicaid expansion for Kansas?
Valuing life recognizes that healthcare access is a life and death issue. Expanding Medicaid is a common sense policy that would not only help our most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, veterans, and low wage workers, but would also bring many needed jobs to our state.Kansas has lost nearly $7 billion in taxes to other states since 2014 due to not expanding. 80% of Kansans support expanding Medicaid and yet the legislature has continuously refused to bring this issue to a vote at the statehouse. It is time to expand Medicaid to support the 140K Kansans who work but do not have health insurance.
What kind of approach can the Kansas government take to help eliminate fentanyl overdoses? What would that process look like?
Strategies to help eliminate fentanyl overdoses include increase access to naloxone, increasing mental health support, treatment and recovery services and harm reduction strategies such as test strips and drug checking.
Paul Waggoner, District 104, Republican
Why are you running for office and what would you like voters to know?
I am running for Representative because I believe in the conservative principles I have campaigned on since 2018 and the voters in the 104th have endorsed those views repeatedly at the polls, by wide margins. I think conservative free-market economic policies create a more prosperous society for all and conservative social positions are beneficial to families and to our culture as a whole.
What issues matter most to you?
Issues of taxation matter for they effect working families and small businesses the most. The Kansas SGF (State General Fund) budget is on an unsustainable trajectory and must be brought down to earth. I am also hopeful we can revamp the poorly written sports gambling
bill from 2022 and make it less of a giveaway to the casinos and special interests. Literally tens of millions of dollars will be wasted if we do not change the bill.
What are some issues that you talk about that don’t typically make headlines?
The problem with the sports gambling legislation is out of the headlines currently (except in how in effects the Chiefs “stadium bill”). The benefit of keeping KPERS properly funded is not talked about much, but if we can stay the course for another 8 years the state will reap huge (I believe it is about $400-500m per year) savings in employee benefit costs.
Do you believe that the topic of abortion has been put to rest following the 2022 constitutional amendment concerning abortion? Do you support any restrictions on the issue?
Any issue that deals with human life is never “put to rest”. Court rulings change, new legislation can challenge in various ways the Kansas court pronouncements from 2019. That being said most of what we can do is related to expanding the ability of adoption agencies or pregnancy resource centers
to reach out to those in unplanned pregnancy situations. I have been struck by the negative and hostile reaction of Democrats in Topeka to support even the most modest legislation in this general field.
How well do you feel Kansas works together from a bi-partisan standpoint? How important do you think bi-partisan collaboration is?
I think Kansans work together relatively well on bi-partisan measures. Easily 80% of the bills we consider in Topeka pass with huge margins from both caucuses.
What are your thoughts on Medicaid expansion for Kansas?
Medicaid expansion is a bad idea and is totally oversold as to its “benefits”. For the $1.0-$1.4 billion annual cost to run the program we will see only marginal progress (fully 40% of the persons moving to Medicaid already have private insurance). I have gone to multiple
seminars put on by pro-medicaid expansion groups in Topeka and have only grown in my opinion that it is a bad policy idea.
What kind of approach can the Kansas government take to help eliminate fentanyl overdoses? What would that process look like?
I think we have taken some positive steps recently on fentanyl. Realizing that most of the deaths are really “fentanyl poisoning” from spiked drugs helped moved most all legislators to support test strips and other helpful measures.
State Representative, District 114
Kevin D. Schwertfeger, District 114, Republican
Waiting on a reply from this candidate.
No'Sweely / October 27, 2024
Sweetly, you just lost a vote, simply on your stance about women’s bodies and our rights to choose what’s best for ourselves and not what’s best for Kansas’ reputation!!!
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