I want to start by saying that, to me, Jason is a political dichotomy. He’s really great at certain things we want from politicians, and pretty bad at some of other things we’ve unfortunately come to expect from politicians!  A lot of us have political apathy. I think it stems from seeing hypocrisy, and an overall lack of human decency from our elected leaders. Politicians can be power hungry and close minded, so why would we want to give those types of people more power?  Hutchinson wants you to lead because you are everything we want in a political leader, and everything we don’t want too.  What you do: You listen thoughtfully. It’s difficult to go anywhere in Hutch with you because you always find someone to stop and chat with. And it’s not surface level small talk, you really know our community. You remember who just got married, who recently retired, who is opening a new business. You listen when it’s hard. When someone tells you about losing a loved one to an overdose, you go back to Topeka to actually do something about it.  You empower and educate your constituents. Your ability to simplify often confusing House or Senate bills and relay them in a clear and concise way is incredible.  You really know and LOVE this community. You celebrate everything we should be proud of, and you aren’t afraid to speak up for community members who feel disenfranchised or forgotten.  What you don’t do:  You don’t think you’re the smartest guy in the room, or that you have all the answers. You understand that each life story brings a different perspective, and you let yourself be challenged by others whose opinions differ from yours.  You don’t care about power (but let’s be honest, the Democrats haven’t held much power in KS)! You introduce bills that make a difference in the lives of real Kansans, not cooperations or millionaires.  You don’t follow one political party. You are a true moderate who can lean to the right or left, depending on the issue. So many of us relate to that and appreciate someone who is an independent thinker.  People in our community are passionate and excited about you running for district 102 because your values and knowledge make you a great leader, and your compassion and empathy set you apart from the politicians we are so tired of.  I care deeply about public education. It’s been an honor to serve on the Board of Education for USD 308, and I will breathe a huge sigh of relief when you get elected. We need people like you in Topeka to ensure our schools are fully funded, the needs of our kids are being met, and that we are doing everything we can to keep them safe, healthy, and excited to learn. My hope for you is that you continue to lead in the same thoughtful, honest, and pragmatic way you always have. We need it in Kansas and we need more people like you. Wishing you all the best for Election Day! Lindsey Hatfield