General election candidate questionnaire: Tom Burroughs, House Dist. 33

Archive for Wednesday, October 10, 2012

October 10, 2012

The following are Democrat Tom Burrough's answers to The Chieftain's candidate questionnaire:

Age: 57

Years lived in district: 40+ (lifelong Dotte)

Family: Married- wife Cathie (Taylor), daughters-Shannon, Lauren, son-Ryan, one grandchild

Professional experience: retired Colgate-Palmolive Co. (29 years service)

Political and civic experience: 8 terms KS Legislature, Precinct Committee person

Why did you decide to run for this seat?

My commitment to community service and to give back to a community that has given much to me.

What will be your primary goal or goals if elected?

Educational funding, job creation, property tax relief

Do you think schools are adequately funded? If not, what would be a proper level of funding and how would the state get that revenue?

No, review 4 billion dollars of tax exemptions to identify additional resources

Are there areas in the state budget that could be reduced? Please provide specifics.

Yes, administrative salaries

There has been much concern that the tax cuts signed into law by Gov. Sam Brownback -- especially the portion that eliminates taxes on non-wage income for numerous business owners -- will deprive the state of the revenue needed to properly fund schools, social services and public safety. Will you seek or support efforts to pare back those tax breaks for businesses?

No.

The 6.3 percent state sales tax is scheduled to fall back to 5.7 percent on July 1, 2013. But some have talked about making the temporary sales tax increase permanent as a way to maintain funding. Is that something you would support?

No.

Do you support or oppose Gov. Brownback's proposal to privatize Medicaid? If you oppose, what do you intend to do about it?

I oppose. The details of the governor’s proposal have yet to be fully vetted before the legislature. Accessibility, quality of care, services/programs, and costs are issues that need to be resolved before implementation.

Should the state start to implement the Affordable Care Act, specifically the establishment of a state health exchange and expansion of Medicaid?

Yes. Having been found to be constitutional, Kansans can ill-afford to be left behind as the Affordable Health Care Act is implemented across the nation. Coverage for predetermined conditions and children to the age of 26 are a few of the benefits already implemented and embraced by thousands of Kansans.

Why should voters select you instead of your opponent?

Experience and proven community leadership.