Kentucky Candidate Survey features views of local House candidates
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette
Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012, 11 p.m. — The Family Trust Foundation released Tuesday its non-partisan Kentucky Candidate Information Survey for the 50th District House race. The survey compares and contrasts the views of incumbent state Rep. David Floyd and Democratic challenger Dick Heaton on a variety of issues, from expanded gambling to contraceptives in schools, and from abortion to drug abuse policy.
While there was agreement between the two candidates, there were several areas where each had very different policy ideas. Click here to download the KCIS report.
EXPANDED GAMBLING. Responding to the statement, “Allowing slot machines and other casino-style gambling at horse tracks will have negative consequences for Kentuckians,” Floyd was consistent with his statements during this and previous re-election campaigns: “The issue should be voted on by the people in a constitutional amendment.”
Heaton’s statement indicated his support for expanded gambling: “Many states that have expanded gaming have had positive results.”
DROPOUT AGE. In response to a statement that the high school dropout age should be raised to 18 years of age, Heaton agreed with the proposal which has had the support of Gov. Steve Beshear: “Studies show people with high school diploma earn high incomes and avoid crime and jail more than those without diplomas.”
Floyd expressed his disagreement with raising the dropout age: “Teachers in my district think this is a bad idea.”
FLOYD FOR, HEATON AGAINST OBAMACARE LAWSUIT. Heaton and Floyd disagreed on a statement that asked if Kentucky should join other states in the lawsuit against Obamacare.
“Reform of this law is needed,” Heaton said in his response. “No need to waste taxpayer money grandstanding with litigation already in place.”
Floyd agreed with joining the lawsuit, but noted “However, it is too late for the Attorney General to act.”
CHARTER SCHOOLS. When asked if they support the concept of charter schools, the candidates’ positions were polarized. Heaton opposes charter schools, stating, “We need to fund the schools we have. Kentucky simply cannot afford to pay for public and private schools.”
Floyd supports the concept of charter schools: “Charter schools are public schools agreed to by local public school districts. Some areas of our state need them.”
Kentucky is one of nine U.S. states that do not have laws that support charter schools.
REDISTRICTING. Both men expressed reservations regarding a statement that asked if either would support a plan for a bipartisan panel to implement redistricting rather than leaving it to the Kentucky General Assembly.
Heaton said he would agree to the bipartisan panel “if a real bipartisan panel can be assembled.” Floyd did not hide his skepticism: “The concept of a bipartisan panel is illusory. Political influence would always find its way in.”
In the state’s response to Obamacare, the survey asked the candidates “Kentucky should join other states in the lawsuit against Obama’healthcare plan.”
TOP PRIORITES. The survey asked both candidates to list their top three priorities. Heaton’s list included job creation, balance the budget through fiscal responsibility and tax reform, and working in a bipartisan manner.
Floyd’s top priorities included being pro-life, pro-family and less taxes.
The Kentucky Candidate Information Survey is a non-partisan project of the Family Trust Foundation of Kentucky, a non-profit educational organization incorporated to encourage and strengthen families in Kentucky. For more information, please visit www.votekentucky.us.
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