 | Les Donovan
is the Republican Candidate for Kansas State Senator representing the 27th District, an office he has held since March of 1997. He was born in Wray, Colorado and lived on his granfather’s farm before moving to Texas.
“The depression was a desperate time for most of America, as it was for my family. Growing up hungry and poor was way of life for our family and all those that we knew. School was a holiday experience from the hard labor of our farm and I cherished every moment. As the only one of five children that graduated from high school and went on to college, I appreciate education, and what it can do the the future of a child .”
Les worked his way up in the automobile business, then managed a large Ford agency in Texas. It was then time to to buy his own company. His choice was Kansas. He and his wife Mary ‘Sissy’, and their children haven been in Wichita ever since. Les and Sissy have 6 grandchildren, all born and educated in Kansas. It is no wonder why the quality of schools, the opportunities to acquire a good job, and live in safety are of the utmost importance to him. Les likes to say, “I have lived the American dream, and I know it is real. It should be available to all.”
You may contact Les by sending an e-mail to: donovan@senate.state.ks.us, or by calling (316) 722-2923. |
State Senate
2004-10-01 15:07:00
How do you stand on the issues?
: What is your stance on tax increases?
ANSWER: I could not vote for the Governor’s tax increase because too many people in this State are still struggling financially, and it would have hurt any chance for economic recovery. The economy is starting to recover and the revenue will improve. We must be patient.QUESTION: What is the answer for funding education in Kansas?ANSWER: There is work to be done. Just throwing money at the problem is not the answer. The school administrators must explain how they spend your money. I’m not fond of answering questions with questions, but... Why do they spend more on administration than surrounding states. Why not put it in the classroom where it belongs?QUESTION: What about the formula used for financing education?ANSWER: Legislators must examine the problem next session and revise the formula so that it is fair and equitable to all schools and children with special needs.QUESTION: What about the overall state budget... what can we expect in the future?ANSWER: The most difficult problem the Legislature faces is balancing the request for an increase in funding and the cost to the taxpayers. In a good year or a bad year, it is always the same... additional funding is expected for programs. This is a balancing act, and we will never please everyone. There is only one source of revenue - you and me, the taxpayers.QUESTION: What about the economy?ANSWER: People need good jobs! High taxes hurt economic development, all small businesses, and stifle entrepreneurship. Small businesses employ over 75% of the work force. We need to give them an economically friendly state in which to locate and grow. It is the only answer to business growth in our state. QUESTION: How do you stand on ‘Concealed-Carry’?ANSWER: I support a change in law that would allow a licensed and trained individual to carry a gun for defense. Kansas is one of the few states that does not have such a law.QUESTION: How do you stand on the marriage amendment?ANSWER: I define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. I voted for you to have the right to vote on an amendment to our State Constitution to keep it that way, because never in history has the word marriage been used to describe a legal union between two people of the same sex (that is until now), and should not change. The liberals will find a judge who will rule to change our Kansas law unless we make it more difficult by adding it to your State Constitution. This was passed in the Senate but defeated in the House of Representatives this year.QUESTION: What is your stand on abortion?ANSWER: I respect the sanctity of life, and I have pleaded in the Senate for the lives of the unborn. I will continue to do so. This year we passed a bill requiring the health inspections of abortion clinics. Both the Senate and the House passed this bill because it was meant to protect the health of the patients, but our Governor vetoed the bill.QUESTION: Should gambling be expanded and used to aid the state budget?ANSWER: I do not support expanding gambling in our state, because my years of research proves that it takes more out of the economy than it generates, as well as the social harm it does to families and the community.
