Candidate for Kansas Senate - District 38

About

I am bold enough to express that I will win the 38th District because of my dedication to duty and my willingness to get in front of the people.

I have loved living in Ford County for all my life. It has been enjoyable to watch this region transform from rural farming communities to vibrant business centers.

As a fifth-generation Ford County resident, I am excited for the opportunity to represent the High Plains in the Kansas Legislature. If elected, I will bring accountable representation to the High Plains and listen to ideas for improving our region. As a parent and an educator, it’s vital that work be done to provide our children with the quality of education they deserve and ensure that all graduates are prepared for professional, science-oriented and technical service jobs.

I am currently the principal of Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Dodge City, and was previously a history teacher in Dodge City public schools. I currently serve on the Dodge City Community College (DCCC) Board of Trustees.

Building a strong local economy is also a legislative priority. As the daughter of small business owners, I believe it is important to strategically build a strong, diversified economy that promotes new and existing small business entrepreneurship.. As a State Senator, I will work to enhance the prosperity of rural Kansas by developing innovative solutions that ensure the quality of life in rural agricultural areas.

My parents, Rick and Patricia Gwaltney, own and operate Diamond Roofing of Dodge City and Manhattan. Clarence Nevins, my great-grandfather, was the owner of Nevins Hardware a staple business in Dodge City in the first half of the twentieth century.

I want to work to fix our broken health care system. We must make health reform a priority by promoting personal responsibility, paying for prevention, providing affordable health insurance to all Kansans, and creating a more efficient health care delivery system.

Public service runs in my family. My Great-grandfather Clarence Nevins served in the Kansas House of Representatives during the Great Depression, my great-uncle Arthur Nevins served as Mayor of Dodge City and as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives, and my grandfather Samuel Caughron was the Ford County Democratic Chairman for 30 years. I remember my grandfather taking me campaigning for his longtime friend Kathryn Sughrue.

I was encouraged to run by members of my community and my family. With their great support and my healthy and active campaign committee I have every reason to believe I will win in November.

I am married to my greatest supporter, Shawn, and have two children; Samuel, 8 years, and Julia, 4 years.