Welcome to ResidencyProgram.info - Information on Jobs that require a juris doctor

- Why should voters pick you?

- What are the key issues facing Shawnee County, and how would you address them?

- How can we make county government more efficient?

- What do you think about consolidation of city and county governments, or parts of those governments?

H SHAWNEE COUNTY COMMISSION, 2ND DISTRICT H

Mike Meier

Age: 54 Party: Republican Hometown: Tecumseh Occupation: Sales representative, Pioneer Hi-Bred International/Part-time farmer Education: Two years of college Political experience: Served four years, 1997-2000, as Shawnee County commissioner for the 2nd District Family: Married for 32 years; three children and nine grandchildren Top issue: Taxes

"Since I left office four years ago, the county mill levy has increased nearly 10 percent. I am experienced, honest, trustworthy, frugal and will strive to be fair in my decisions. Barring a disaster, I will not vote to increase the county mill levy."

"Security, taxes, economic development, social service program funding, cultural diversity, Shawnee county citizens and employee wellness are just a few of the issues that we are faced with. I would attempt to handle each issue as it arises with a humane and christian attitude."

"Department heads and elected officials are on the front line of efficient government. Cooperation from all the above is crucial. The input of county employees may be the most important means to obtain efficiency. I would like to reward people for ideas of saving taxpayer dollars. All departments will remain under budget."

"Consolidation under the current city 'style' of government will never succeed with voters outside the city limits. The current county 'style' would work. A consolidated government should save taxpayer dollars if managed correctly. Most importantly, it would enhance revenues. Investors, developers and businesses would return to a more 'friendly atmosphere.' "

Vic Miller

Age: 52 Party: Democrat Hometown: Topeka Occupation: Shawnee County commissioner Education: Emporia State, B.S. in business; Washburn Law, J.D. Political experience: None Family: Wife of 29 years, Jolene; Son, Riley, Topeka High sophomore; parents, Don and Ivaleu Miller Top issue: Current commissioner's performance

"While I do concede the other guy is better looking, I offer the voters a fresh, no-nonsense approach to government. I tackle problems head on and deal with issues forthrightly. The current county commission is running effectively and efficiently and we deserve to continue in our efforts."

"Economic development: The successes we have enjoyed the past four years using the sales tax revenue granted by the voters demonstrates we are on the right track. Fiscal constraint: The cost of delivering necessary services for the public's health and safety require we be ever vigilant in eliminating wasteful spending."

"Commissioners must foster an environment of conservatism. Department heads must understand, while each is responsible for delivery of a service to the public, that service must be provided at the lowest possible cost. Thinking outside the box is now saving us $440,000 a year in meal costs at the jail."

"I voted to put the question on this November's ballot. I think a plan can be devised to provide tax equity to Topeka residents and continue service quality to those outside the city. A plan similar to the current commission structure could meet with the required voter approval."

H COUNTY COMMISSION, 3RD DISTRICT H

Ted Ensley

Age: 67 Party: Democrat Occupation: Shawnee County Commission chairman Education: Kansas State University, B.S., biology; credit hours from Washburn University Political Experience: Shawnee County commissioner for two terms, chairman for five years; Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission vice chairman for six years Family: Wife, Elna, three children, six grandchildren Top issue: Expanding the tax base so we can continue reducing property taxes and maintaining a good business environment

"My commitment to public service. I am proven, trusted and chairman of the Shawnee County Commission. I get results. My professional life has been dedicated to public service. I started as the director of Shawnee County Parks and Recreation in 1961. Two governors --- one Republican and one Democratic --- asked me to serve during their terms."

"Getting jobs and maintaining a good business environment: We worked with Target and encouraged them to hire in Topeka. Expanding the tax base: Adding and keeping jobs helps expand the tax base, but so does the sales tax. Reducing property taxes."

"Stop unfunded mandates from the Kansas Legislature. It seems like every year the Legislature passes more unfunded mandates on the counties. That eats into our county budgets and impacts county services. Establish more public-private partnerships, like we did with Target. Let's see what the voters say about consolidation. Is this a direction they want to go in?"

"This issue has been debated in Topeka for more than 20 years. Any type of consolidation plan must maintain the current levels of service and reduce costs. It must also balance the interests of both city and county residents. Let's see what the voters of Shawnee County have to say about consolidation."

Dave Heinemann

Age: 59 Party: Republican Hometown: Topeka Occupation: Lawyer Education: Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D., B.A. cum laude, 1967; graduate school, University of Kansas, 1967-68; juris doctor, Washburn University School of Law, 1973. Political experience: State representative, 1968-95; general counsel, Kansas Corporation Commission, 1995-97; Kansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River Commission, 1987- 94 Family: Wife, Kristine, daughters, Julie Heinemann and Suzanne Steiner Top issue: City-county cooperation

"Our city and county leaders must work together more effectively. Throughout 27 years as state representative, I built bridges of cooperation and achieved consensus among urban and rural interests, labor and the business community, and Republicans and Democrats. With leadership, courage and cooperation, we can do better in Shawnee County."

"We must have fiscal responsibility and growth. Our population has grown just 4.6 percent in eight years while the county budget has grown 78 percent. Growth through economic development, business expansion and job creation is essential and requires joint commitment and bipartisan cooperation of city and county leaders. We can do better."

"Our current county commission is going the wrong way. A 42-year planning partnership between the city and Shawnee County was destroyed, costing us over $400,000. Spending tax dollars for separate city and county departments of parks and recreation is wasteful. We can do better."

"Unification of city and county governments has produced efficiencies and smaller government elsewhere. Consolidation of departments can improve government service and be a first step toward unification. Exploring what is right for Shawnee County requires a professional approach, rather than the political approach that has failed us so often."