J.R. Claeys knows there are several important issues for the office of secretary of state.
He hopes to be able to address those issues after the next election.
Claeys filed to run for Secretary of State and has been traveling around the state talking about issues local election offices face and talking with Chambers of Commerce and county clerks.
Although he hasn’t held an office previously, Claeys brings a variety of experience with him.
“I’ve worked in business,” he said.
He also has been part of the National Small Business Administration and CEO of the National Government Contractors, among other involvements.
He also has helped advise as an international election observer.
“There’s a need for experience in the secretary of state office,” he said.
He believes during the next session it will probably be mandated voters provide identification each time they vote.
“I have worked with that side of it,” he said. “Whatever form of voter ID passes, it’s going to require a state-wide education effort. It is going to take a coordinated effort.”
He said it also is important not to deny anyone the right to vote because of the process, such as through the creation of long lines.
Claeys said those lines could be created because of the various types of identification allowed and confusion that could cause.
“That’s what creates the lines and causes people to leave,” he continued. “We don’t want the process to be the thing that keeps people from voting.
“It is important the secretary of state has that experience.”
On the business side of the secretary of state office, Claeys said there are 600 statutory duties, most dealing with small business and filings.
He said he would look for efficiencies and does not want to increase fees.
“We want to make sure it’s as easy as possible to do business in the state of Kansas,” he said. “Those are the people who will bring us out of this economy.”
He also encourages people to get involved locally and in civic organizations because that has an impact on the number of people who vote and stay in their communities.
Claeys decided to run because he wanted to serve his state.
“I think we should always look at the talents we have and what we have to offer,” he said.
Claeys is from Salina and a graduate of Kansas State University. He is a fifth generation Kansan. He works as a consultant with non-profit organizations and has rental properties. He also is a volunteer for Kids Voting Kansas.
