Political chaellnegers know how difficult it is to defeat an incumbent. Heather Cessna is finding when the incumbent is Arle siegfreid, the task is even more challenging. Maybe that's why Siegfreid ran unopposed in 2004.

Either way, Siegfreid deserves to return to Topeka because he best represents his constituents' interests.

Siegfreid is our choice for the Kansas House of Representatives' 15th District because of his accomplishments. He was among the first representatives to understand the effect of the destination sales tax debacle. He forced the state to find options to help small businesses comply without extraordinary expense.

Siegfreid also spearheaded the effort to raise the teachers' salaries at Kansas School for the Deaf and Kansas School for the Blind. These techers deserve the same level of respect as their peers in the public schools. Thanks to Siegfreid, they get it.

Rep. Siegfreid has built bridges with other governments.

His wife has taught for 30-plus years. This certainly gives him insight into the district's issues. He also has a good relationship with the city. He helped secure funding for and installation of a traffic signal of Kansas Highway 7 and Harold Street on Olathe's west side.

This is an example of Siegfreid's vision. The intersection wasn't the busiest in town, but he recognized the potential danger the higher number of trucks rumbling down the highway presented. As residential neighborhoods populate near the intersection, he could be saving lives.

His opponent has ran a strong campaign. she's smart and a capable public speaker. This comes with being an appellate attorney. She's just not Arlen Siegfreid.

As a Democrat, she would be in the minority at the Statehouse. What could she really accomplish for Olathe?

Siegfreid is poised to take leadership positions in the House. Last session he was vice chair of the Federal and State Affairs Committee.

It's not a stretch to suggest he coudl chair one or two committees. This means he'd be able to do more for Olathe by guiding the right bills into full committee and weeding out superfluous, special-interest-driven legislation.

Finally, Siegfreid best represents Kansas and Olathe taxpayers.

He has spent enough time on the issues to know who is carrying water for whom and why. He doesn't have to spend a yaer learning how the system works and what the political angles are. Whensomeone tells him the state needs to spend more money on education, he's going to ask enough questions to determine why.

Arlen Siegfreid is the right person for Olathe. If you live in the 15th District, he's the right person for you and your family.