 | 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
2008-10-01 15:56:00
State Senate - 27th District
There are many issues Kansans are facing this year. We recently asked Les Donovan. Republican Candidate for Kansas Senator of the 27th District, his stance on several of them.
Question: What is your stance on tax increases?
Answer: I could not vote a tax increase because too many people in this state are still struggling financially, and it would hurt any chance for economic recovery.
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 stat in which to locate and grow. It is the only answer to business growth in our state.
Question: What should Kansas do about energy?
Answer: We must have a broad selection of energy production. While we are increasing the use of wind generation, solar and other reusable means, we must continue to develop more of those resources that are necessary and available to produce the base load requirements such as natural gas, nuclear and clean coal.
Question: What is being done by the legislature to attract more investment and jobs to Kansas?
Answer: The recent program to encourage Cessna to build the new plane in Wichita is a great example of a win-win situation, a 780 million dollar investment with over 1000 new jobs for Wichita. Also Spirit has received the contract to build the fuselage for the new plane, another few hundred jobs.
Question: What is your experience in the legislature?
Answer: I have served for 16 years in the legislature, 4 ½ years in the House and 11 ½ years in the senate. I currently, serve as Chairman of Transportation, Vice-Chair of Assessment and Taxation, our Judiciary, Election and Local Government. Also Legislative Post Audit and serve as a board member of the Kansas Turnpike.
