We need to explore new ways to maximize in a state-wide way on the discoveries we make in the Bioscience arena. The bio-sciences will definitely play an important role in our State. I see Kansas as a leader in bio-medical research and innovation.

The continued and aggressive initiative to win the placement of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Kansas needs to be a high priority. This will catapult the State to the top tier in the bio-science field as a new addition to the current international leadership Kansas possesses in the field.

The pursuit of a nationally acclaimed Cancer Center to be built in conjunction with Kansas University Medical Center is an absolute must. To have a top tier, internationally recognized cancer center such as is found in Houston will make Kansas a leader in yet another field.

I see diversification into other industries as another must for the future of Kansas. One example is the new intermodal hub recently announced to be built in Gardner in conjunction with the BNSF Railroad. The project will bring in over $1.7 billion to Kansas as a regional distribution center, and 13,000 new jobs. It is a natural certainly that other related and unrelated businesses and industry will follow thereafter.

We must continue to invest in P-20 education (Preschool to Postgraduate work). Every area from pre-school to post-doctorate education must have a continued emphasis. Adult education will continue to be extremely important to our continued success as a State.

We must find new ways to revitalize the western part of our great state – especially those parts that are threatened with declining populations.