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The incumbent and challenger in the Democratic primary in House District 103 in central Wichita share similar views.
Rep. Ponka-We Victors and political newcomer Angela Martinez both criticize the state income tax cut signed into law earlier this year and say it puts more burden on low-income families.
Victors is seeking a second term after being unopposed in her initial run for office in 2008. Whoever wins in the primary Aug. 7 faces no opposition in November.
District 103 cuts a swath from north to south through central Wichita. It is largely intact after redistricting, keeping about 90 percent of the residents who lived in the old District 103.
What candidates have to say about the issues
Angela Martinez
Age: 48
Occupation: Life skills coach, Wichita Children’s Home
Education: Bryan Institute Technical School, medical assisting certification
Experience: None
E-mail: angelamartinez9194 @yahoo.com
Are the income tax cuts Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law a good thing for Kansas?
No. Although it looks like small business may benefit, I believe it places an unfair burden on the backs of low income families.
What further changes, if any, would you advocate in the state’s tax laws?
I think the state’s tax laws can be written in such a way to more equally share the tax burden.
How would you change the state’s laws or budget to improve K-12 education?
By looking at legislation that would assure stable and fair funding to each school district.
What was the most meaningful event or experience in your life, besides births and marriages?
As a program coordinator, trainer and facilitator for a victim/offender conferencing program, I had the opportunity to work closely with juvenile offenders and those impacted by crime. I learned to look beyond negative behaviors, actions and attitudes. The years of experience taught me to be tolerant and understanding of people’s needs as well as in my everyday interaction with people. We are a product of environment and the world around us.
Ponka-We Victors
Age: 31
Occupation: Retired
Education: Master’s of public administration
Experience: State representative in District 103 since 2011
Phone: 316-573-6247
E-mail: ponka-we@votevictors.com
Web site: www.votevictors.com
Are the income tax cuts Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law a good thing for Kansas?
The income tax plan is not fiscally responsible by raising taxes on the low income and will destroy our fiscal future. I feel this is the wrong path for our state during these economic hardships.
What further changes, if any, would you advocate in the state’s tax laws?
I would like to see a lower property tax for my constituents.
How would you change the state’s laws or budget to improve K-12 education?
I would like to see no more budget cuts when it comes to education. Last year in Wichita, we had some schools close because of the cuts, which made it hard on families.
What was the most meaningful event or experience in your life, besides births and marriages?
It was when I was Native American congressional intern in Washington D.C. in 2005. I disliked the drastic cuts that were made to education and health care on a federal level. It encouraged me to be more involved on a state level and help make better decisions for all Kansans.
