Interview: Joel Heller (L) for Lt. Gov. for the State of Kansas

By: Ky Starr 

1. What distinguishes you from your opponents?

We deal mostly in principles; they deal in issues. We believe that YOU can solve your own problems better than any bureaucrat can; they believe in the power of the state. We believe that folks should be left alone to lead their own
lives; they think that the state should meddle with your liberty.

2. What is the greatest challenge of public service?

Keeping power out of the hands of people who want it. Power does corrupt, as
Acton said. But we also need to remember that the corrupt seek power and the
absolutely corrupt seek absolute power.

3 What is the most important issue facing the State of KS?

The temptation to trade liberty for security. It is difficult to predict
what freedom will bring. That uncertainty is scary. But whatever freedom
brings, it will be better than what the fearful would force on us.

4. What advice would you give someone thinking of running for public office?

Find a mentor. I would like to have had one, myself.

5. What is your favorite political book?

"The Law" by Frederick Bastiat.

6. What was your favorite political TV program?

M*A*S*H

7. How did you become involved in the (L) Party?

I searched until I found a party which believed as I do. The smaller parties
usually have well defined ideas. All I can be sure of about the major party
beliefs is that they believe in willing elections.


8.   Who are your political mentors?  What are some of your favorite political quotes?

I need some mentors.
"The only politician who can't be bought is the one with
nothing to sell." "Government is not reason . . . it is force" G Washington.
"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely"  Acton.   
 

9.  Will the U.S. invade Iraq by December 2002?    Should they invade?

Probably not that soon. Iraq in 2002 parallels Germany in 1938.
Something needs to be done

10.  If you were Lt. Gov today, what would be your order of business?

Assist Governor Hawver in preparing a budget. Meet as many
Legislators as I can to build a collegial work relationship. Seek sponsors
for proposed legislation.


11. Why should the citizens of the State of KS elect you on Nov. 5th,  2002?

We plan to shrink the government and get its nose out of
their lives. Other parties have new programs they want to enact as a way of
fixit the problems caused by earlier programs. We believe that repealing
the cause will pave the way toward repairing the damage.

12. What are your top 3 legislative issues that you will try to tackle if elected?

The "Maxwell Proposal" for corrections reform. End the
"drug war." School vouchers. Repeal a lot of statutes and regulations which
are none of the State's business to begin with.

13. What type of Health Care reform is needed in KS?

I favor free enterprise. In all other fields, it results in
higher quality and lower costs than state regulation. I believe that it
would do the same for health care.

14. How do you improve education in KS and around the U.S.?

Encourage private methods of education under the direction of the students' parents.