You can now listen to audio from the candidate forum between the general election candidates for Kansas Senate District 38: Jose Lara of Liberal for the Democratic Party, and Ron Ryckman Sr. of Meade for the Republican Party.
During the forum, each candidate had two minutes to answer the question. Following those answers, each candidate had one additional minute to rebut his opponent and to expand his answer. During several rebuttals, candidates introduced topics which differed from the original question.
Following are opening remarks at the beginning of the forum. Candidate Lara spoke first. Each candidate had three minutes:
Question 1: “Why are you a member of [your political] party?”
Question 2: “For several decades Republicans have held the majority in the Kansas legislature. How does party affiliation help or hinder your ability to represent our community at the Capitol?”
Question 3: “In the campaign for Governor, candidate Derek Schmidt proposed a plan to create a four lane highway across southern Kansas. Is there a need for expanding access across the southern portion of the state, and do you support a plan for a four lane highway?”
Question 4: “Do you support Medicaid expansion?”
Question 5: “Do you support the legalization of marijuana?”
Question 6: “Statewide, the Value Them Both amendment failed in the primary election. But in Seward County the amendment was favored by voters. Do you support the Value Them Both amendment which would allow the Legislature to regulate or restrict abortions in Kansas?”
Question 7: “What ideas do you have to solve the current shortage of employees in Southwest Kansas?”
Question 8: “The Ogallala Aquifer is depleting at an alarming rate: What do you think about the future of our water supply in Southwest Kansas, and what solutions might you have for preserving it longer?”
Question 9: “The Legislature passed a bill that would have banned biological males from playing on girls’ sports teams. The Governor vetoed that bill and it fell short of having enough votes to override her veto. Would you support a bill next session to prohibit biological males from competing against biological girls?”
Question 10: “The issue of sanctuary cities has made headlines in other states. The Kansas Legislature recently passed a bill limiting the concept of sanctuary cities after a city in Kansas passed a sanctuary city-friendly ordinance. What is your opinion on sanctuary cities, and would you support legislation to curtail the creation of sanctuary cities in Kansas?”
Concluding comments. Candidate Ryckman spoke first. Each candidate had two minutes:
