Brenner seeks Kansas House seat
Holton native and businessman Dan Brenner, 59, is running for the District 61st seat of the Kansas House of Representatives.
Brenner, a Republican, with face Republican Francis Awerkamp of St. Marys in the Aug. 2 primary election.
The winner of the primary will face Democrat Lauren Van Wagoner of Hoyt in the general election.
“I believe I can make a difference with hard work and quality service to the citizens of the district,” Brenner said. “If one doesn't believe that they can make a difference then they shouldn't run for any office. I want to help right the path for Kansas to get back on the right track of economic prosperity and success. I would like to see Kansans have pride and trust in their state and the individuals that they elect to run it.”
Brenner graduated from Atchison County Community High School in Effingham. He received an associate of arts degree from Highland Community College and a bachelor of arts degree in radio/television journalism from Kansas State University.
He and his wife, Marcia, have owned and operated Diamonds by Design Jewelry Store in Topeka for 16 years. He’s owned Brenner Corporation since 1997, which has included five retail businesses and commercial property.
In the 1980s, he worked in several radio and television markets.
Brenner is currently serving his second term on the Holton City Commission.
“I have a track record as a Holton commissioner of helping Holton become a more friendly city for economic development,” he said. “The city of Holton has grown tremendously in the last couple of years without raising any mills on property or user fees on utilities. We have developed an economic development package to attract more businesses to Holton, which will create more jobs. I have been someone who the citizens can reach out to for assistance. I always follow up on requests. Quality service has been my foundation for the work I'm involved in.”
Would you vote to eliminate the LLC income tax exemption?
“First, I thought the tax cuts seemed like a good idea. But, they haven't worked,” Brenner said. “So they need to be revisited. Not only have they crippled our economy, but sales taxes were raised. Now Kansas has one of highest sales tax in the country. Kansas is losing millions of dollars in sales to neighboring states. The economy didn't grow and government spending wasn't cut either. Four former governors have come out and said they support reversing the cuts. It seems to be the most logical choice along with cutting sales tax. So, yes, I am in favor of a reversal.”
Do you think we have a state spending problem or a state tax problem?
“We have a spending problem and a state tax problem as well,” Brenner said. “Look at the new Banner Road extension in Holton. Walmart was willing to spend the money to put in their own entrance at their expense. But KDOT wouldn't allow it, and in fact, they provided the money for the new entrance on Banner Road. This is a prime example of excessive spending when private enterprise was willing to foot the bill. This venture cost taxpayers $1.2 million.”
Would you vote to implement a flat state income tax on all state citizens?
“A flat tax seems like a very logical idea,” he said. “Everyone pays the same percentage. Now, coming up with the formula might be tricky. Many politicians talk about it, but I haven't seen a formula yet. I'm very open to the idea.”
Would you vote to expand Medicaid?
“We pay tax dollars to the federal government for this yet Kansas doesn't receive any of it back,” he said. “The ‘Bridge to a Healthy Kansas’ is requesting the monies returned to Kansas. Other states are using our money. We have more than 150,000 Kansans uninsured. Taxpayers and consumers of hospitals are paying for the bills when other people walk away from their medical bills. It has cost hospitals in Kansas nearly $1.2 billion for unpaid hospital visits and medical bills, and taxpayers are paying for it. If the money would come back that we all ready are taxed on, then the state would be able to provide coverage for the 150,000 uninsured. Yes, we need to accept the money that we are taxed on.”
Would you favor using Kansas Department of Transportation funds to solely build safer roads and create jobs rather than to prop up the state general fund?
“The floating of bonds and raiding KDOT funds have created repercussions that will be felt for many years,” he said. “The clock is ticking with interest, and currently Kansas isn't able to provide the appropriate repairs to our highways and bridges. Kansas contractors have had to find work out of the state and have taken Kansas jobs with them. At last count, the monies raided from KDOT are near $2.7 billion. We need to focus on KDOT's highway plan and quit raiding its monies.”
If elected, Brenner said there are several things he wants to accomplish.
“We need to correctly fund education to where the courts don't have to get involved and school districts in Kansas don't sue the state. We need to create an atmosphere that encourages and allows an easier path for economic development,” he said. “I would like to see the state work to provide better markets for our farmers where they get good prices for their products as well. We need to spend more attention on our roads and bridges and work with the contractors that create jobs for Kansans. The Kansas hospitals want to receive the federal tax monies that are paid by Kansans and used in other states. Those are my priorities.”
Brenner is involved in a variety of community and civic boards and organizations, including the Highland College Alumni Board, Silverbacks, Doorstep, Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Ronald McDonald House. He is a member of First United Methodist Church of Holton.
“I am not supported by the governor, the party leadership or the Koch brothers’ political action committees because I refuse to follow the “Pied Piper of Politics” path,” he said. “It’s a path that has put Kansas in near financial ruin.”
Brenner is an avid baseball fan and enjoys grilling and cooking. He and his wife have four grown children, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild on the way.
