Jerry for the Prairie
I am running for Kansas House District 71, located in the northeast part of Saline County. I am an independent thinker and experienced problem-solver who looks forward to meeting Kansans and listening to their stories and the challenges they face. It is time to abandon divisiveness and work together to create realistic solutions that deliver opportunities today and tomorrow for all Kansans.
There are three main focuses I have that I want to provide a voice for in the Kansas House:
Good Jobs
Salina out-performed the U.S. and Kansas in job creation in the third quarter of 2025. Economic and job growth requires hard work and a united front. Salina’s success is the product of cooperation and working together – traits lacking at the state level.
In the Statehouse, I will deliver the Salina message and protect the Salina progress from bad state policies. I will bring direct experience from having owned and operated a successful business, as well as working on teams that created public sector programs that helped Kansas businesses, and, with the corporate leadership of Kansas City, helped position the region to compete on a global scale.
Tax Fairness
There is little fairness in relying on a single tax rate for all income levels. Now is the time to cooperate in developing a tax structure and budget process that provides vital safety, health, and education services while putting the state on a path of fiscal responsibility that allows families at all income levels to thrive.
Listening
Annually Fort Hays State publishes Kansas Speaks – a statewide survey that largely mirrors the District 71 population. In 2025, less than 35% of Kansans were satisfied with the state legislature; 70% wanted Medicaid expansion; and 72% felt women should make their own health choices.
Together, we can deliver the message that Salina wants the Legislature to know – it is time to listen to Kansans and quit talking at Kansans.
Background & Experience
Early in my career, I worked as a construction laborer. Then I met the most important person: my wife of 47 years. Together, Nancy and I put ourselves through college. Nancy retired after 27 years as an elementary school teacher.
In the past many years, I have held varied leadership roles in research, economic development, energy, and management. I also operated a successful research and consulting practice in Topeka.
This hard work and self-made partnership resembles many true Kansas stories. It provided the foundation and breadth of experience that can deliver what Kansans want. Additionally, Nancy and I want our five grandkids to see Kansas as a place where young people can enjoy a superior life and career.
Construction
I worked as a construction laborer for six years
Economic Development
I had varied leadership roles in research, economic development, energy, and management
Research and Consulting
I spent six years operating a successful research and consulting practice in Topeka