Monday, May. 12, 2008

Kinzer, Olson to seek third terms in Kansas House

Rep. Lance Kinzer, an Olathe Republican, announced Monday that he will seek a third term.

Kinzer, 38, was appointed to represent the 14th District in July 2004 after the resignation of Republican Dan Willams. The district covers most of northern Olathe.

Kinzer is the vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee and also serves on the House Taxation Committee, the House Federal and State Affairs Committee and the House Rules Committee. He is the speaker of the House's appointee to the Kansas Criminal Code Recodification Commission.

In a statement, Kinzer said that advocating policies to reduce spending and restoring fiscal accountability to state government is his top priority.

"I also believe that the state government also has a vital role to play in defending the core values that are necessary prerequisites to a healthy society," he said. "Promoting the right to life, preserving of the institution of marriage and the protecting all citizens from the effects of crime are among the core functions of government."

Kinzer has been an Olathe resident since 1979 and is a graduate of Olathe South High School, Wheaton (Ill.) College and the University of Kansas School of Law. He served four years on active duty as a captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps. Kinzer is a partner in the law firm of Schlagel Gordon & Kinzer, LLC, in Olathe.

He and his wife, Michelle, have two children. She is a teacher in the Olathe school district. Kinzer has yet to formally file with the Johnson County Election Office, and no one has filed to oppose him. The deadline to file is June 10.

Olson to seek third term Rep. Rob Olson, an Olathe Republican, also recently announced his intention to seek a third term.

Olson represents the 26th District. He is the vice chair of the House Energy and Utilities Committee and also serves on the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, the Economic Development and Tourism Committee and the Legislative Joint Committees for Special Claims Against the State and Pensions, Investments and Benefits.

Olson recently was appointed vice chair of the House Select Committee on Energy and Environment for the Future, which focuses on long-term environmental planning to develop energy policies and economic strategies.

"I believe our state needs a comprehensive energy policy that looks past just the next few years and plans for future generations of Kansans," Olson said in a statement. "... We must be ready for the expected increase in our state's energy consumption so that we won't be forced to depend on energy purchases from outside our state."

Olson, a local contract painter, lives with his wife, two daughters and son in Olathe.

The 26th District stretches from Interstate 35 to Black Bob Road and about 143rd to 175th streets.

No one has filed to oppose Olson.

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