Frank A. Male
Age: 50
Hometown: Strongsville, Ohio
Occupation: Co-owner and production manager at Lawrence Landscape
Family Status: Married to wife Kallie for 27 years; four children, two boys, two girls
Education: BS in Agriculture from Kansas State University
Current residence: Eudora
Political Affiliation: Republican
What are the top issues you are campaigning on?
Fiscal Responsibility
I believe when tax payers are financially burdened and struggling, it’s essential that elected officials recognize differences between “wants” and “needs” in the budget. Funding public safety, essential human services and core governmental responsibilities should be top priorities when allocating tax dollars.
Economic Development
I support economic development and reasoned growth which are critical for the creation of jobs and expansion of the tax base.
Private Property Rights
While I strongly support the protection of the environment, I feel just as strongly there must be a thoughtful and reasonable balance between government regulation and private property rights.
What do you hope to accomplish if you’re elected into office?
If elected, my main focus will be on economic development and bringing primary jobs to Douglas County.
There are exciting developments on KU’s West Campus with the two year old Bio Tech Business Center. This center helps leverage the knowledge of KU professors and students and brings it to the market place, often using small start-up companies with a vision, to blaze the trail. This project is three years ahead of schedule and at capacity.
Not everyone is college bound or college trained and the simple reality is we need jobs for everyone. This includes skilled factory and warehouse jobs, as well as people employed in the trades.
What are the most difficult challenges facing the county?
Obviously one of the biggest challenges Douglas County faces is attracting new employers. I didn’t need the federal census to tell me we haven’t grown jobs in Douglas County in the last decade. Many small business owners in Douglas County are living this sad reality. It has been tough.
By attracting and retaining primary jobs in Douglas County, it strengthens our existing small businesses, helps fund the public services we enjoy, and provide employment opportunities for the citizens of Douglas County. My vision has far reaching implications, including reducing the need for some social services including Just Foods and the homeless shelter.