Roll Up Your Sleeves and Plant a Tree - Arbor Day 2008

This Arbor Day, I joined forces with Leawood Mayor, Peggy Dunn, and planted several trees in front of the Leawood City Hall offices. As we worked to get them planted, I was reminded of so many conversations I have had with every day folks here in Kansas.

As I’ve been out walking and talking to folks around the 3rd District, one concern continually surfaces – the rising price of gas. Without a doubt, it’s one of the single most important issues facing our economy. Unfortunately, Congress’ inability to develop a comprehensive energy policy has left the American public in the unfortunate position of pinching every last penny to be able to drive to work, church or family functions.

I remember 30 years ago when folks had to wait in line to get gas. 30 years later and our leaders in Congress still have not developed a comprehensive national energy policy. If Congress keeps pursuing policies that encourage reliance on foreign energy sources, I’m afraid we may again be waiting to get to the pump – and paying significantly higher prices than we already are paying.

There are so many critical issues that Congress has failed to address. Whether it’s securing our borders, strengthening our economy, or the safety of our citizens, they seem to be making things worse, not better. Rather than addressing these issues and finding real solutions, they choose to argue and bicker. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the absence of a comprehensive energy policy.

When I get to Congress, I will be fully committed to decreasing our reliance on foreign oil sources and developing a comprehensive energy policy that will focus on continuing to advance Kansas further into the 21st Century – not one that brings us back to the days of long-lines and lengthy waits at the gas pump.

Nick Jordan

Below: Nick with Leawood Council and Volunteers

Tax Day 2008: Dennis Moore's Favorite Holiday

Team Jordan headed to the post offices this afternoon, ready to get the truth out there about the recent budget Dennis Moore helped pass – a budget that includes record levels of spending, and unfortunately, paves the way for the single largest tax-hike in American history.

As the day continued, more and more folks approached us, voicing their frustrations with the large tax checks they were about to drop in the mail.

As we gave them the facts about what the tax-hike would mean to them and their families, those emotions quickly turned from frustration to indignation - and understandably so. For the average 3rd District family, they would have to fork over roughly $2,422 in additional income taxes each year. With the rising cost of gas, food, and health care, folks need to keep more of what THEY earn, not less.

Congress continues to fail the American public. Instead of addressing the cause of the problem – unnecessary wasteful spending – Congress is willing to grow the size of government on the backs of the American people. It is behavior such as this that has saddled this Congress with the single lowest approval in recorded history.

While the tax day visitors were obviously not happy with the thought of turning over even larger checks to the I.R.S., they were pleased with Nick’s firm opposition to Dennis Moore’s tax increase. In any case, the folks we visited with were given an additional 2,422 reasons to vote for a new direction in Washington with Nick Jordan and not for Moore of the same do-nothing, status-quo Congress we’re currently have.

Scott Paradise, Field Director


Below: Team Jordan Discusses Tax-Hike With Voters