Kansas House of Representatives District 52 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Kansas, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Kansas House of Representatives District 52 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Kansas House of Representatives District 52

Incumbent Jesse Borjon defeated Derik Flerlage in the general election for Kansas House of Representatives District 52 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jesse Borjon (R)	56.3	6,426
		Derik Flerlage (D)	43.7	4,987

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 11,413
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Derik Flerlage (D)

The time for petty partisan bickering is over. It is time for those that are invested in their communities to step up, lead, and solve the problems for average Kansans.

We must change course and approach politics differently. We must treat one another with respect. We must bring back "Kansas kindness" to the political world.

As your potential state legislator, I would have an obligation to give you my best ALL OF THE TIME. This means listening to those I represent that hold opinions from all sides. It means welcoming feedback and criticism to lead our state in a healthier and kinder direction. I am committed to the hard work and attention to detail that is necessary to truly working FOR the people of Kansas. ALL people of Kansas.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Derik Flerlage (D)

Healthcare, education, kindness, and opportunity for all. The time for petty partisan bickering is over. It is time for those that are invested in their communities to step up, lead, and solve the problems for average Kansans. We must change course and approach politics differently. We must treat one another with respect.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Derik Flerlage (D)

I look up to my father, Doug. I watched him work his way up the totem pole within the organization he has been with for over 30 years as a cabinetmaker and in sales. From the shop room crafting and building cabinets, to the office where he drafted plans and quoted folks, to sales where he excelled at design and helping contractors and homebuilders; this instilled a sense of work ethic in me that I came to appreciate as I grew older. He also overcame losing his dad and my grandpa at a young age from multiple sclerosis. He has never made excuses, has always worked hard, and never missed a game or school event of mine. His support has meant the world and I am proud to pass that on as I parent my own children!

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Derik Flerlage (D)

Empathy, kindness, mental strength/fortitude, and intelligence.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Derik Flerlage (D)

Strong leadership, leading with kindness, empathy, intelligence, and a general curiosity to understand the world and people better.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Derik Flerlage (D)

To be responsive to the electors that they serve. It is important to remember that you are not serving yourself but that you are elected to represent those in your district/state/etc. It is more than just you.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Derik Flerlage (D)

I simply want to leave society better than the way that I found it.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Derik Flerlage (D)

Complimentary politics and challenging one another. This means realizing that it shouldn't be a power struggle but an opportunity to produce progress. Governor's are elected for a reason and their agenda should matter. This is often where compromise may come into play.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Derik Flerlage (D)

There are many to be honest. The nationwide trend of how negatively we treat others with a different view and/or opinion is alarming. This is suppressing quality discussion and affecting how we move important items forward. We also have an issue with retaining young talent, especially medical professionals and those in agriculture. The deterioration of our primary care physicians has had negative consequences for Kansans health, most notably in our rural communities. It has also become more common for family/generational farms to be turned over and/or sold to corporate farming operations. This is sad to see as diversity within ownership in our agricultural community has decreased. Less farmers means less competition; which is not a good thing,

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Derik Flerlage (D)

Unicameral in my opinion means less diversity of opinion and less representation of different sectors of our society. I am a firm believer in diversity of people and opinions. More is better in this case.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Derik Flerlage (D)

Not necessarily. It can be beneficial for the candidate themselves to understand the in's and out's of "how" to run. However, it should not be a prerequisite to run as that would only potentially dismiss good quality candidates from running.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Derik Flerlage (D)

Absolutely. Legislators must realize that working together is a must. Understanding other legislators can help us understand why some believe and think the way that they do. This is generally how I approach people in general. Understanding another's history and past can often give us insight into why they are the way that they are.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Derik Flerlage (D)

Nonpartisan committees/commissions. The separation of districts should not concern currently elected officials as that may present a conflict of interest in terms of their election future.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Derik Flerlage (D)

Health and education-related.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Derik Flerlage (D)

Compromising is absolutely necessary. There are many different opinions and views on issues that should be respected. There is often more than one solution to a problem. I am a firm believer in gathering information and making an informed decision. Compromise is often necessary to move the needle forward and to make progress.

See also

More about these elections:

• Kansas House of Representatives elections, 2022

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