KANSAS CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
CANDIDATE QUESTIONS 2006
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN C. GRANGE
75TH DISTRICT KANSAS HOUSE
1. Consolidation and concentration of packing industry?
I do not think bigger is always better; this could be a threat to a smaller independent packing operation. I would think as long as the smaller operators are still profitable and can provide good service we should encourage their continued operation.
2. NAFTA and CAFTA?
International trade is very important but should not be so restrictive we suffer from lower prices versus higher costs. Any country that restricts our products should be treated equally with us restricting their products.
3. What are the issues important to me?
Having the family farm and ranch continue to exist by eliminating the inheritance tax, making long-term ag loans available, and pay our producers a livable wage for their efforts. Bio-science and crop engineering for durability, insect and disease resistance, conservation of our natural resources to include water, cropland, timber, and wildlife. We should encourage value-added products and services from our farm and ranch operation.
4. If, elected what changes do you want to be involved in?
I understand the importance of keeping the family units together and will work to encourage the Agra-tourism industry, fair prices for products, less restrictive and affordable transfer of ownership. Encourage the Bioscience industry to develop products, look for ways to encourage production of all products and maximize use of the land.
5. What are your short-term and long-term goals for the State of Kansas?
#1 reduce the state debt. Provide incentives for our children to stay here and raise their families. Encourage business to expand existing operations, diversify our economy to encourage new business to relocate. Maximize the use of land and encourage Ethanol and Bio-diesel production. Seek property tax relief.
6. What is your definition of leadership?
Working for the common good and being knowledgeable on many issues. Leaders work for a consensus but also direct and motivate others. Leadership is something you do by encouraging others to maximize their potential. Leaders are able to see both sides of an issue, evaluate the positives and negatives, make the tough decision and then work to see the goals are met, they stand by their decisions, respect opposing viewpoints, and look to the future for opportunities to improve themselves and others. Leaders also develop their replacements.
7. How do you relate to cattlemen and why?
I am a mechanical contractor so many are my customers. I enjoy outdoor activities and respect the hardships many have endured to keep their operations viable economically. I know how tough it can be to make a dollar stretch to cover expenses. I have lived in this area my entire life my relatives have had and do own land. I will be acquiring this land and will have my own value-added operation before long.
8. If elected, how will you be an advocate for independent cattle producers?
Continue supporting the independent and smaller operation where and however possible. I would ask them what they need or how I can be of assistance. My answers from the above indicate what I would do.
9. What is your position on County of origin labeling?
If it is uniformly conducted and there is input from the producers, and it brings about higher profits for the producers, I am all for it. I am not in favor of building a bigger government just to monitor this program. I think this could go a long way to insure the public safety and in the end insure we do supply a quality product.
10. What is your position on captive supplies?
I am not in agreement with the really huge corporations having control of the market forces. I am in favor of local ownership, and fair market pricing.
11. Why do you want to be elected to this position?
I am seeking re-election because I do a good job reaching all constituent and understanding the issues. Doing good things for those people motivates me. I work well with others; have a broad background and many experiences that have shaped my values and decision-making process. I want to make this State the best it can be to operate a business, raise children and retire.
12. What do you see as the future of rural Kansas?
I see value added farming and ranching operations with diversified crops, and tourism opportunities. I see we are going to have to decide if we grow crops for food or energy purposes. I think in the future we will use our land for recreation, tourism, energy production, as well as crop and cattle production. Water is going to be an issue from the quality and quantity aspects. Ownership of land and the transfer of operations will be important.
13. Additional comments that were not addressed in the questionnaire.
There seems to be a lack of rural leadership being represented in the State Legislature and the Federal level. This happens because of decreasing rural population and growth in the urban areas. When representative boundaries are redrawn we stand a chance of losing even more representation to the cities. I am discouraged to see so much land removed from agricultural use and made into housing developments and retail space.
Thanks for the opportunity to provide answers to your questions. Please contact me if you have further questions or would like to talk with me personally.
Contact: email, johng@carlisleinc.net, 1115 Rim Rock Road, El Dorado Kansas, 67042, work #316-321-6230, home # 316-321-2087
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