Right values

I will be voting for Ralph Ostmeyer for state senator and Sue Boldra for state representative Nov. 6. I encourage others to do so, as well.

I have watched both campaigns with a great deal of interest. I have especially enjoyed the extreme makeover the Democratic candidate for state Senate is attempting to complete. I guess he hopes that the public will believe each and every one of his positions is the complete opposite of the political party he freely chose.

In his two years in office, Allen Schmidt has become completely irrelevant in Topeka. The reason he even has a general election opponent is because he couldn't keep his district intact. In fact his own party, which already only holds eight of 40 seats in the Senate, drew multiple redistricting maps eliminating his district, virtually assuring his defeat. Why should a candidate be returned to office when he can not even influence members of his own minority party to protect the voting power of his district and western Kansas as a whole?

Eber Phelps has shown an equally dismal record of furthering the interests of his district. Now in a leadership position within his party, it's become quite clear he is there to advance the agenda of his party bosses, not his district. Sixteen years is long enough; it's time we had a new voice.

We need someone in Topeka who can get things done. With one less Senate district and several less in the House, it's more important than ever we send people who can get things done for western Kansas. If the Democratic nominees should win, I fear our area would be consigned to political irrelevance, virtually powerless to influence state policies and protect vital interests like Fort Hays State University and our hospital. Schmidt and Phelps are already powerless in Topeka. Why would this change with the new candidates likely to be elected in the rest of the state?

Anyone can work across party lines, but it takes a truly talented leader to influence their peers to the benefit of their constituents. Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer and Sue Boldra are those leaders. Sen. Ostmeyer has shown that he can work to get things done for the people who elected him. Sue Boldra has served in the community for decades and has shown the deep commitment needed to further our interests in Topeka.

I hope you will join me in voting for Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer and Sue Boldra.

James Meier

Hays