Fiscal matters occupy House District 91 candidates

The race for the House District 91 seat is between a physician and a former science professor.

Republicans J.C. Moore and Greg Lakin are competing to replace Gene Suellentrop, who is pursuing a Senate seat. The August primary will determine the winner, because no Democrats are seeking the seat. District 91 covers part of northwest Wichita as well as Park City, parts of Valley Center and Kechi.

Although both candidates are Republicans, they have different opinions about the way the Legislature has been operating.

Moore, 73, is a retired chemistry and physics professor who taught at Friends and Newman universities. He defined himself as a moderate Republican. Growing up in Oklahoma, he said, he admired President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He thinks the Republican Party has drifted from what it used to be.

“Some people say, ‘Well, from your views, you sound like you should be a Democrat,’ ” Moore said. “And I’m thinking, ‘No, the Republican Party has just moved way to the right and left us moderate Republicans.’ ”

Lakin, a 57-year-old doctor, also has a law degree and a background in law enforcement and criminal prosecution. He is a founder and owner of a Wichita addiction treatment center, Center for Change.

He described himself as fiscally conservative in a written response to The Eagle’s voter guide questionnaire. He said he thinks his experience as a business owner and physician will bring a new perspective to the Legislature.

“I think I have a combination of savvy business sense as far as what it takes to survive as a business owner,” Lakin said. “And at the same time, I’ve always been on the front lines of helping people that have needs.”

Taxes

Fiscal issues are on the minds of both candidates.

Moore, a resident of Kechi, recently returned to Kansas after moving to Oklahoma in 2007. He said that when he left, the state was in good shape. But he is disappointed with the Legislature now.

“They’re irresponsible. What else can you say?” Moore said.

Moore is particularly upset with the 2012 tax cuts, which reduced income taxes across the board and eliminated them for owners of some businesses.

“We must rescind the 2012 tax cuts and raise revenue to pay back the borrowing that has occurred because of those cuts,” he said in a written response to The Eagle’s voter guide questionnaire.

Lakin said he’d like to look into other solutions.

“It would be interesting to see what kind of further cost savings there can be before we raise taxes again,” Lakin said.

Medicaid expansion

Moore supports expanding Medicaid to more low-income Kansans. He says doing so would bring money and jobs to the state and give more people access to health care.

Lakin said he’s hesitant to accept funding from the federal government but would be in favor of expanding Medicaid if it could be done with a plan that is “viable and long term.”

Moore also is concerned with how the Legislature is handling education. He wants to increase funding for both K-12 and higher education.

“We need to fund education, not just at the minimum level required but so it falls in the category of excellent education,” Moore said. “Because if you want to improve the state and create valuable jobs, particularly in today’s market, the jobs have to be based on training and education.”

Lakin is fine with education funding staying as it is and said he thinks Kansas schools are “actually much better” than many people realize.

Bathroom legislation

The two candidates also diverge on issues surrounding sexual orientation, gender identity and religious freedom.

Moore agrees the Legislature should pass anti-discrimination protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. He would oppose a bill like the one proposed earlier this year to prohibit public school students from using a restroom that does not align with their biological sex. He also strongly disagrees that religious freedom protections are needed.

“I think some of those are just a backhanded way to force other religious views on other people,” Moore said. “I think the government should pretty much stay out of that.”

Lakin disagrees. He said he thinks schools need legislative guidance on issues like public restrooms.

“There needs to be some type of directive or some type of regulation that gives the schools guidance; otherwise, there will be discrimination and civil suits all the time.”

He also says legislation protecting religious freedom is needed.

The primary election will take place on Aug. 2. Suellentrop confirmed through his campaign manager that he is endorsing Lakin to replace him.

Lakin said he admires Moore and doesn’t expect any animosity as the election approaches.

“We’re going to run a very clean campaign,” he said.

This story was originally published July 10, 2016 at 4:11 PM with the headline "Fiscal matters occupy House District 91 candidates."