Baldwin Democrat eyes seat in House

Expressing concern about public school financing, Baldwin resident Tom Holland on Tuesday launched his candidacy for the 10th District in the Kansas House of Representatives.

“I intend to provide the necessary leadership to get public-school financing back on track,” Holland, 40, said shortly after filing as a Democratic candidate in the Douglas County Clerk’s Office.

Holland seeks the position occupied by longtime Republican Rep. Ralph Tanner, Baldwin.

After the filing, Holland met with media and supporters at Einstein’s Bagel & Bagel, 1026 Mass., criticizing the Legislature and Gov. Bill Graves for their inability to address the budget shortfall. The gap between state revenues and spending at one point in the session was about $770 million. But that gap has been narrowed to about $300 million with lawmakers unable to agree on tax increases.

“Simply put, neither the governor’s office nor our state legislators have shown the political leadership and courage to address the tough issues of the day,” Holland said.

Holland said he intended to avoid partisan politics and focus on developing broad-based coalitions. Though he filed as a Democrat, Holland said he viewed himself as a moderate who would attract voters from both parties.

Holland said the Legislature has not adequately invested in public education nor has it developed a long-term, sustained re-investment policy.

Holland, president of Holland Technologies, an information technology professional services firm in Baldwin, said he began last fall to consider becoming a candidate.

Tanner, who has had the 10th District seat since his election in 1995, said Tuesday he has not made a decision about running for re-election. He said he will not make a decision until the legislative session concludes.