Our look at the candidates running for local state legislative office continues today with the Republican and Democrat faring for the District 25 House of Representatives seat. Incumbent Barbara Bollier took over for Terrie Huntington when she left the House to fill retiring Senator David Wysong’s seat. Challenger Shana Althouse is a social worker making her first run for elected office.

Name: Barbara Goolsbee Bollier

 (R)

Occupation: Anesthesiologist (retired)



Education: 
Shawnee Mission East, 1976; 
University of Kansas, BGS, Human Biology, 1980
; University of Kansas School of Medicine, MD, 1984



Years lived in district: 
1960-1984; 1991-present


Previous elected offices held: State Representative, 2010 (elected by precinct committee chairs)



Why vote for me: District 25 citizens should vote for me because they believe I am the best candidate to represent them in Topeka. I am an individual of high integrity. I listen well, have strong intellectual capabilities, and am well educated. I strive to do good in many different ways. Serving as your Representative is an immense privilege; I bring the same dedication and work ethic to this job as I did to the practice of medicine. I am fiscally responsible and believe that the government should follow that same pattern. My moderate social beliefs are coupled with a strong commitment to bi-partisan work in the legislature. For the government to do what is best for Kansas, we, the legislature, must work together to find solutions to our problems. I have the time, the energy, and the desire to hold this office and believe I am the best candidate for the job.

Name: Shana Althouse (D)

Occupation: Social Worker

Education: Marysville Kansas High School, 1990; Kansas State University, Bachelor of Science – Family Studies and Human Services, 1998; University of Kansas, Master of Social Work Administration and Policy, 2010

Years lived in district: 1998 to present

Previous elected offices held: None

Why vote for me: I am a native Kansan and I grew up learning the values of hard work, education, and public service. I have given to the community in various ways beginning with my volunteer activities during college and continue today as a volunteer with YMCA Youth Basketball and Highlands PTA.

I am running because as a parent of children who attend Shawnee Mission Public Schools and as a Social Worker I see first-hand what is important to the citizens of Kansas House 25 and believe they deserve an elected official who will represent the various interests of the district.

I believe government has to be transparent and accountable to the taxpayers when deciding how to spend their hard earned tax dollars. I will work to fully fund education without raising property taxes because education is key to a strong economy and the financial well-being of Kansas. Great public schools attract business which in turn creates jobs in our community.

As a previous Parents-As-Teachers educator I know the value of early childhood programs and I am committed to our public schools. As a Social Worker I know the value of a strong community. I am dedicated to supporting children and families and I have a strong record working with individuals and community leaders to foster an environment for success.