Tony Barton Mailer: Watch out for new neighbors in Leavenworth

My opponent sent a mailer, like this one to the mailboxes of Leavenworth today.  He has resorted to using fear because the only thing he has to show for his legislative service is unbalanced budgets, schools almost closing, and passing the highest tax increase in Kansas history. I do not support the GITMO prisoners coming to Leavenworth, and there are no plans of bringing them to to Leavenworth.

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LETTER: Silencing an outspoken woman →

By Ruth J. Heflin, PhD Leavenworth

"What happens in Kansas to an outspoken woman when she dares point out how bigoted behavior is objectionable?

She gets investigated.

At least, that’s what happened to Kansas City’s state Rep. Valdenia Winn when she dared to point out in March 2015 that a bill several representatives on the House Education Committee wanted to pass that would eliminate tuition breaks for children of undocumented immigrants was “racist, sexist, (and) fear-mongering.” Rep. Winn added an apology “to the students and parents whose lives are being hijacked by the racist bigots who support this bill.”

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This is America, not Russia →

"From a recent letter to the editor from Mr. French, one might assume that more than a few of Rep. Tony Barton’s supporters may be nervous about his re-election chances. In short, they appear seriously worried that Jeff Pittman will be our new state representative from Leavenworth.

Seemingly, they are willing to say about anything to try to stop him. Mr. French argues that Jeff Pittman and his followers dishonored a recent celebration of law enforcement folks by wearing Pittman shirts to the rally. I thought dress codes ended after high school."

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Lame excuses don't sell →

"It looks like we see the beginning stages of draining the swamp. Look at all of the Team Brownback enablers that will not be returning to Topeka next year thanks to sensible Republican voters in the August primary.

Sensible mainstream Republicans are sick and tired of the Brownback experiment. Just ask Rep. Connie O’Brien of District 42 covering Tonganoxie and parts of rural Leavenworth County. Republican voters were tired of lame excuses and fudging of the facts surrounding Brownback experiment enablers like O’Brien. That’s why she was rejected at the polls.

As the saying goes, “give them enough rope and they will hang themselves.”

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Time to take our state back →

"I wish to address several comments made in Opinion section of the Leavenworth Times on July 27 relative to my friend Jeff Pittman, who is running for the 41st District seat in the Kansas House of Representatives.

The writer made serious misstatements in reference to earlier letters by Alan Schuler and Henry Weisenflugh which had supported Jeff’s excellent personal character and had related his strong ties to this community.

The purpose of their letters was to answer rumors that were being spread about whether Jeff lived in Leavenworth. Never did they argue that being a graduate of Leavenworth High was a prerequisite for “voting for a candidate,” as the writer asserts."

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Get to the main issues →

"It is puzzling to read two letters (Alan Schuler, July 20, and Henry Weissenfluh, July 22) promoting a Democratic candidate for 41st District state representative who has no contest in the primary and the main point they both make is that this candidate, Jeff Pittman, should be elected because he graduated from Leavenworth High School. That is the weirdest reason I’ve heard for voting for a candidate."

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Candidate lives in Leavenworth →

"Jeff Pittman, a candidate for the Kansas House of Representatives from the 41st District, is, despite rumors to the contrary, a resident of Leavenworth. I have known Jeff for many years. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach Jeff in Leavenworth youth baseball and observe him while playing for other teams. My son was in Jeff’s class in high school and I have always and still do have the highest regards for Jeff."

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Contestants set for Lip Sync Battle for Charity →

"Top law enforcement and fire protection officials, city administrators, education representatives and business leaders will hit the stage Saturday night to help raise money for children.

Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens and Leavenworth Fire Chief Gary Birch will be among the dignitaries competing in the inaugural Lip Sync Battle at Grinders High Noon.

The event is a fundraiser for the Leavenworth Youth Achievement Center."

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Barton led Witch Hunt →

A special committee has said it will meet Friday to consider a complaint brought by nine Republicans against Democratic Rep. Valdenia Winn of Kansas City, Kan., for using “inflammatory language.” Republicans should drop this matter. The only likely outcome is more negative publicity for Kansas and more bad blood among lawmakers.


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School funding concerns →

"Jim Porter's guest column in the May 12 Leavenworth Times was an eye opener about the three ways Gov. Brownback and the Legislature have been using deceptive means to fool Kansas residents about K-12 funding.

I was aware of the KPERS caper that sent funds meant for retired state employees briefly to school districts to appear to be increased funding to the district, but not really. Mr. Porter revealed funds intended for special-ed co-ops now go to the districts instead, again to deceive the public in thinking that more funding is going into K-12 districts."

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