Candidate for Kansas Senate - District 1

Office Address:
305 Railroad Street
Bendena, KS 66008

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 146
Bendena, Kansas 66008

1 785-988-4425
gweiland@rainbowtel.net
Weiland for Senate.com

About

As a lifelong resident of Doniphan County, I promise to provide a strong, consistent voice for the people of the 1st District. I will fight for the values and principles important to rural Kansas – adequately funding public education, preparing workers for the needs of a 21st century economy, providing all Kansans with affordable health coverage, maintaining our roadways, and expanding programs for older Kansans.

Prior to working as Highland Community College’s Director of Economic Development for Doniphan County and the Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce, which I plan to retire from this month, I had the opportunity to serve as a member of the Midway USD No. 433 Board of Education. I am also a graduate of Highland High School and attended Highland Community College.As graduate of the Highland public school system and a former school board member, I believe that children living in northeast Kansas deserve a quality education and a first-class school experience.

If elected, I want to be a voice for continued school funding with the accountability to assure that public tax dollars are getting into the classroom where they will do the most good for the future of our children.But our commitment to education must not end with the 12th grade. The Kansas Legislature must continue making enhancements to financial aid and operating grants at Highland Community College and our other state universities so that more Kansas students will be able to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them.

In the last year, I’ve spoken to many parents and students who are also concerned about maintenance problems at local universities, especially K-State. These parents want to make sure that if their children remain in Kansas schools they will be safe and will receive the best education possible. In 2007, the legislature overwhelmingly approved a multi-year plan to provide funding for these repairs and upkeep to the state’s Regents universities, community colleges, vocational and technical schools and put into pace new accountability measures to prevent future maintenance backlogs.I was disappointed that our current state senator voted against this plan. If we are going to keep local students near home and attract new students from out of state, northeast Kansas must elect a representative who will be committed to solving future deferred maintenance issues.