Republican • L Governor: Joe neWLanD 1. What interests you about serving in this role?
We know more can be done to streamline government and improve the lives of Kansans. Joe and I will make the entire state government more efficient, more accessible and less costly for all Kansans. We share a love of Kansas and a passion for service. Our care for others is what truly sets us apart. We have spent a lifetime serving others through opportunities stemming from our careers in healthcare and agriculture. We are good listeners, ask a lot of questions and learn quickly. We know how to work hard and put together common-sense solutions that will strengthen Kansas.
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2. How do you prioritize competing demands with limited resources?
I am a Bob Dole Republican. I’m not a culture warrior, but I am a fiscal hawk. I’ve already done the things that the people of Kansas want done in state government. At the Insurance Department I have lowered the cost of doing business in Kansas by over $96 million by overhauling operations and focusing on the basics like making sure employees answer the phones. I’ve prioritized customer service and returned over $206 million back to Kansans who were being cheated. I will do the same as Governor by listening, rolling up my sleeves and solving problems.
3. If elected, what would your top three priorities be during your first year?
Government spending and property taxes- Streamline state government and lower the cost of doing business. Get the key stakeholders together to work on a plan that lowers property taxes without unfairly shifting the burden.
Reining in AI & Banning social media for kids under 16 – Put parents, not algorithms, back in charge and protect our land, water and way of life.
Ensure schools are preparing students to be productive citizens in the workforce –Reauthorize the school finance formula with updates to improve transparency and accountability while preserving local control and funding special education.
4. Please list personal information or other information you feel is important.
My name is Vicki Schmidt, a lifelong Kansan and Republican. I have spent 40+ years working as a local pharmacist and currently serve as Kansas Insurance Commissioner. I grew up in Wichita, married my high school sweetheart, Mike. We have two sons and four grandchildren. I am a breast cancer survivor. My running mate is Joe Newland, former President of Kansas Farm Bureau and former member of the Kansas House. He and his wife, Dana, operate a diversified farming operation in Wilson County. They farm 4,000 acres and manage a 400 head cow-calf herd.They have four children, 11 grandchildren.
