On Tuesday May 25th the seven congressional candidates all met in Hutchinson for a forum at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the campus of Hutchinson Community College. The forum went well, I thought, however, the Hutchinson press wasn’t very positive and the streamed video lost the first 6 minutes, so that the introductory statements by Dr. Barnett and I were lost. The moderator allowed one candidate an extra 90 seconds to explain further his Homestead Act. Jade Piros, the Director of Marketing and Communications with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, was very gracious and the event was very well-planned and managed.
Two interesting asides about the evening: In the paperwork we received with the procedures and the format, it was posted in two different places that we were not to bring campaign literature. There would be no place to set up tables or to hand out campaign materials. Five of us read the rules and understood them. When Mr. Wasinger arrived, he and his employees started handing out his brochures outside the doors. Ms. Piros had to go out and remind them of the rules clearly printed. After the event, both Dr. Huelskamp and Mr. Wasinger were outside the center handing out their literature again. Ms. Piros again came out to tell them that they were not to distribute their campaign flyers at this event and that she didn’t intend to follow them all over the parking lot! This was just another example of the elitist attitude of these men. I dare say it won’t change if they should go to Washington.
The second aside is Tracey Mann’s advertisement on the flyers and in the forum brochure. He continues to say in print that he “is the only candidate in the race with small business and agriculture experience.”
As you know, I grew up on our family farm just like Mr. Mann did; the difference is that I still own and operate the farm. Mr. Mann has a commercial realtor’s license that constitutes his business experience. Carl and I managed a motel when we first moved to Hays, we owned and operated Sportsman’s Supply for over 20 years, and I am also a licensed realtor.
Mr. Mann is not the only candidate with agriculture and business experience and I wish that he would quit publishing that misinformation!
