Click Here to see Gene and his opponent in an on-line video at the JCCC/League of Women Voters Candidate Forum

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On the Issues:

Support for Quality Public Education

“I want to have the opportunity to work with Gene Rardin as we seek to give every child the opportunity to go to a great school. Gene Rardin will be a leader in the effort to ensure our schools have the resources they need – and that they spend our tax dollars wisely. But our work to educate our children isn’t done, which is why I hope you’ll vote for Gene Rardin so we can continue Kansas’ progress together." -Governor Kathleen Sebelius

Gene is the one candidate your can count on to make our public schools the best they can be. Gene was educated in Shawnee Mission Public Schools as were his children. As we all know, actions speak louder than words and the very fact that Gene was willing to send his children to public schools demonstrates his belief in them. Gene and his children have received great benefit from the quality education they received and Gene Rardin wants to make sure that other families and their children have the same type of quality education.

That’s why Gene is fully supporting promised funding for the three-year school plan passed this year by the Legislature. Gene believes we cannot break this promise to our children and grandchildren and must not let partisan bickering and ideological agendas undermine the hard won progress that Governor Sebelius and others have made.

Scientific Research and Access To Lifesaving Cures

Gene Rardin believes that stem cell research offers great promise for cures for spinal cord injuries, Alzheimers , juvenile diabetes, and multiple schlerosis to name just a few, and that it would be unwise and really immoral to place roadblocks in the way of that research.

Gene's opponent, John Dennis Kriegshauser has stated his preference for restricting stem cell research.

When asked if he supported embryonic stem cell research, his answer was "I do not favor embryonic stem cell research…" --The Kansas City Star, 7/15/06

Science Education

Gene Rardin is in full support of a science curriculum which recognizes and communicates the overwhelming scientific evidence validating the theories of evolution and natural selection. Gene believes that evidenced-based instruction in science and the scientific method are needed to prepare our children for the future. Without it, they will be left behind by better educated students from around the country and around the world.

John Dennis Kriegshauser has stated his approval of the teaching of Intelligent Design/Creationism in the science classroom.

When asked if he would support the teaching of Intelligent Design (Creationism) in Science Classrooms he answered: "Yes, Why not?" --The Overland Park Sun, 7/20/06

His statements align him with ousted State School Board President Connie Morris and separate him from the mainstream thinking of 16th District families.

Health/Sex Education

Gene Rardin is in favor of the teaching of abstinence as part of a comprehensive approach, not the sole approach. Research has proven abstinence only education is ineffective.

Gene also believes that sex education should be a standard part of the health education curriculum with concerned parents having the option to withdraw their children from that portion of the curriculum should they so desire.

John Dennis Kriegshauser has stated his support for abstinence only sex education and for making sex education an option requiring parents to take extra steps to enroll their children in classes.

When asked if he would support abstinence only in sex education courses and an opt-in policy requiring parents to take special steps to have their children receive instruction, his answer was: "Certainly… " and "…I have no problem with and 'opt in' approach to sex education…" --The Kansas City Star, 7/15/06

Gene Rardin believes Mr. Kriegshauser has it backwards and that his views are outside the mainstream of District 16 beliefs.