ELECTION 2004 - OHIO Races for the Ohio statehouse Ohio 8th Senate District Ohio 14th Senate District Ohio 28th House District Ohio 29th House District Ohio 30th House District Ohio 31st House District Ohio 33rd House District ELECTION 2004 - KENTUCKY Battling for a seat in Frankfort Kentucky 17th Senate District Kentucky 23rd Senate District Kentucky 61st House District Kentucky 67th House District

Pamela Mann: The 61st district needs:

• Help for the tobacco farmers. The demise of our main farm cash crop needs immediate and constructive attention, i.e. organizing farmers' markets, finding buyers for farm products, and educating our public on the economic and environmental importance of the Kentucky farm.

• More money for education, which includes more school buildings, staffing, etc. Our population in all three counties is exploding; the need for more school buildings is growing faster than we can currently keep up.

• Support for additional sewer/water lines. Again, our phenomenal growth has outpaced our current water/sewer systems. This one issue is absolutely critical, especially in Owen County.

Royce Adams: My district is very diverse. Two of my counties are in the top five fastest-growing counties in the state. Likewise, because of its location, Owen County is poised to grow as well. Tobacco has been a staple in our economy, but this is changing. We must continue to receive money from the state for roads and infrastructure to keep up with the growth and changing economy. Right now, our most urgent need is the teachers' and state employees' problems with their health insurance. This must be addressed now.

What should be done to resolve the chronic budget impasse in the legislature, and how can you help in that process?

Pamela Mann: The budget impasse is nothing more than partisan political grandstanding, in both instances - 2002 and 2004. It is disgraceful that the egos of a few are allowed to override the constitutional duty of their office. How can I help this process? One, I will support a constitutional amendment that requires the General Assembly to deal with and pass a budget, within the allotted time of the official general session. If additional time is needed to come to an agreement, the legislators shall be sequestered in Frankfort, without pay, until a budget is passed. The legislators must be held accountable for doing their constitutional duty, and if they fail to fulfill that duty, then consequences must be enacted. Two, I will work with all House legislators to do what is best for our citizens, not my own personal agenda.

Royce Adams: Partisan politics must cease. There have been differences for the 12 years I have served, but until the last four we have always been able to compromise on our differences. I have always been willing to negotiate, but both sides must feel the same before compromise can happen.