Patricia Sloop, Jason Zabel to vie in District 88 Democratic primary
Figuring out who is running in the redrawn District 88 in southeast Wichita is a little like musical chairs.
The incumbent, Democratic Rep. Jim Ward, was shifted into District 86, where he is running against another incumbent.
Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Joseph Scapa, the incumbent in District 87, was moved into District 88 and is seeking re-election there.
He’ll face the winner of an Aug. 7 Democratic primary between political newcomers Patricia Sloop and Jason Zabel.
Sloop is a retired clinical social worker and assistant professor. Zabel has been involved in education.
Both criticize the income tax cuts signed into law by Gov. Sam Brownback and voice concern about funding for education and other programs.
Only about 18 percent of District 88 is the same as the old District 88. About half the residents of the new district come from the old District 87. The rest, about a third, come from District 99.
Patricia Sloop
Age: 73
Occupation: Retired clinical social worker, USD 259; assistant professor, Southwestern College; administration and clinical social worker, Harry Hynes Hospice
Education: Bachelor’s, Wichita State University; master’s, University of Kansas; post-master’s clinical training leading to clinical license
Experience: None
Phone: 316-652-0061
E-mail: pmsloopy@sbcglobal.net
Are the income tax cuts Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law a good thing for Kansas?
I think the tax cuts are abominable, especially for schools and services for the vulnerable.
What further changes, if any, would you advocate in the state’s tax laws?
Taxes must be more equitable; have the wealthy do their share.
How would you change the state’s laws or budget to improve K-12 education?
Restore the cuts and add more. Provide increased technical training.
How do you define yourself politically?
I believe I am a voice of reason. I have worked with the more vulnerable among us most of my professional life, and I can attest to the increased needs of a certain segment of the population. I am certainly alarmed by the rate of profit and income certain corporations and individuals continue to accrue, while the regular person continues to struggle. The middle class is shrinking at an alarming rate. I am a progressive, and people are as important as profit.
Jason Zabel
Age: 37
Occupation: Eight years working in education
Education: Bachelor’s in business administration, Wichita State University; graduate hours, Southwestern College
Experience: None
Phone: 316-993-9138
E-mail: jasonzabel@hotmail.com
Are the income tax cuts Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law a good thing for Kansas?
The tax cuts came at the wrong time and did not adequately consider future expenses. Ultimately the reduction in revenue will result in cuts to vital programs that are unsustainable or will result in property taxes having to be raised. I do not think the cuts were prudent, and I think we need to reconsider how we are going to fund vital expenditures, including schools.
What further changes, if any, would you advocate in the state’s tax laws?
I believe in a simple, progressive tax code that encourages growth but also does not penalize the poor and blue-collar workers. I would like to see an income tax code that has a couple of simple brackets and a large standard deduction to exempt low-income workers. We should look at eliminating exemptions to the sales tax to make up the difference in revenue. I would support eliminating sales tax on groceries.
How would you change the state’s laws or budget to improve K-12 education?
The legislature has a responsibility to adequately fund K-12 education — something that is not being done now, and that the tax plan passed during the last session will only make worse. We need to take a look at possible savings through rural school district consolidation, but, above all, we need to restore funding to levels that fulfill our responsibilities to future generations.
How do you define yourself politically?
I believe in listening to all sides of an issue, using the best ideas, and bringing people together to find the best solution to a problem.
This story was originally published July 11, 2012 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Patricia Sloop, Jason Zabel to vie in District 88 Democratic primary."