A Lawrence financial advisor announced today he plans to run for the 10th District Kansas House seat, which includes southern Lawrence, Baldwin, Wellsville and northern Ottawa.

Rich Lorenzo, a Republican, is seeking the seat now held by Rep. Tom Holland, a Baldwin Democrat.

Lorenzo, 3001 W. 30th, also registered to run as a GOP precinct committeeman for Precinct 17, which votes at the city’s Holcom Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th St.

Lorenzo is senior financial consultant and registered investment advisor with Berthel Fisher & Co. Financial Services.

The following is text from Lorenzo’s campaign announcement:

“. . . The son of a Cuban immigrant and native of Miami, Fla., Lorenzo holds degrees in broadcast communications and history from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla.

“He moved to Lawrence in 1995, to pursue his law degree and MBA from the University of Kansas. Before his career move to Berthel Fisher & Co., Lorenzo practiced law with the national law firm of Morrison & Hecker, LLP (currently Stinson Morrison Hecker) in Kansas City. His practice focused on technology, mergers and acquisitions, and tax law.
“Lorenzo plans to use his business experience to develop and support initiatives that will create jobs, improve the skills of the Kansas workforce and decrease regulation.

“Our greatest asset is our people. We must be willing to invest in Kansans and help them acquire the necessary skills to compete in today’s job market. By investing in our people and promoting our cities, we will attract companies to invest in our state.”

“While others support increasing taxes as a means of improving the Kansas economy, Lorenzo will focus his efforts on making Kansas more competitive.

‘To increase taxes at this important juncture would jeopardize our state’s fragile economy.

“Lorenzo is also dedicated to improving public education.

“‘I recognize that a strong, core education is a crucial foundation for the future of our children. Every child in our state must be offered a sound education on which to build a prosperous future. We cannot fail our children.’

“Lorenzo also believes that quality education for our children starts with quality educators.

Lorenzo states, ‘Studies show that good teachers are the ones who can have the greatest influence on the child. Therefore, we must take steps to empower and reward high performing teachers.’

“Lorenzo believes that serving our communities is vitally important.

“He currently serves on the Advisory Board of Directors for Leadership Lawrence and the Board of Directors for the Douglas County Red Cross. Lorenzo directed the University of Kansas Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for low-income individuals in Lawrence and has also directed company-wide campaigns for Kansas City Harvesters, ECKAN, Penn House and the March of Dimes. Lorenzo currently coaches 6th and 7th grade boys in the Lawrence Hoopster Basketball League.
“Rich and his wife, Ann, live in Lawrence and are expecting their first child in April.”