2010 Elections: State Senate profiles — Huntington and Hodges

Incumbent Terrie Huntington, who was elected to four terms in the House before taking over the Senate seat vacated by David Wysong last year, faces political newcomer Wayne Hodges, a Democrat, in the race for the District 7 seat.

Terrie Huntington (R)

Name: Terrie W. Huntington (incumbent)

Occupation: Marketing Communications (retired)

Education: Clearwater High School, Clearwater, Kansas, 1967
University of Kansas, BA, 1971
Continuing Education (no graduate degree conferred): Northwestern University, College of DuPage, JCCC

Years lived in district: 1982-1985; 1987-2010 (present)

Previous elected offices held: Kansas House of Representatives (Elected to four terms, but served seven years)
Kansas Senate, one year (elected by precinct committee men and women to fill the seat resigned by Senator David Wysong)

Why vote for me: Voters in the 7th Senate District should vote for me because of my community, business and legislative experience and my dedication to serving the citizens in Northeast Johnson County, where for 25 years I have lived, worked, and helped my husband raise our two children. It is important to me to help maintain the viability of our communities, and support policies that provide for: P-12 education excellence, a diverse business environment, access to affordable higher education, and safe communities.

I value accountability and communication, and in the eight years I have served in the legislature I have developed a reputation for thoroughly researching issues before voting, to maximize the impact of the policy and minimize the unintended consequences. My yearly legislative summary mailed to all registered voters provides a synopsis of bills that impact our district, and my voting record. I also send our weekly email updates and hold Town Hall Meetings where residents can learn more about issues that impact the area.

I value being of service to the community, whether it be in the Kansas Legislature or local organizations like the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation, United Community Services, the Johnson County Education Research Triangle Authority, the Kansas Children’s Cabinet, TLC, MOCSA, or Safehome.

My government service began when I joined the Mission Hills Planning Commission and became familiar with zoning laws and comprehensive city development. To learn about the infrastructure needs of neighboring cities I attended City Council meetings and met periodically with the Mayors and City Council members. Meetings with local business leaders and Chambers of Commerce of Northeast Johnson County, Overland Park, Leawood and Greater Kansas City have provided to me information necessary to make votes that will help retain our businesses and grow our local economy.

Experience, leadership and integrity are what I will bring to the office of State Senator.

Wayne Hodges (D)

Name: Wayne Hodges

Occupation: Editor-in-Chief, Mass Appeal News; Realtor, Reece and Nichols; and adjunct professor, Park University

Education: University of Kansas, MPA
St. Mary University, MBA

Years lived in district: did not provide this information

Previous elected offices held: none.

Why vote for me: I served as a Kansas property tax assessor for over 10 years. I also have working experience in social services and education as an adjunct professor. So, I certainly understand the struggles that continue to hamper these respective areas. At 38 years old, I feel I’m more in tune with today’s economy. And I expect to make a huge socioeconomic difference by shrinking our nation’s huge generation/racial gap. As an MBA, I feel it’s absolutely necessary to to protect education. And I consider it equally important to preserve key social service programs for both the elderly and disabled. If elected, I’ll see to it that these items are satisfied.