James Ward (born December 5, 1957) is a Democratic member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing the 86th district. He has served since 2003 and is currently the House Minority Leader.
Prior to his election to the House, Ward served in the Kansas Senate from 1991-1993 and on the Wichita City Council in 1991.
Ward, who received his JD from the Washburn School of Law, currently works as an attorney.
He is a member of the Wichita Bar Association, Project Freedom, and the Wichita Youth Court Project.
On August 19th, 2017, Ward announced his candidacy for Governor in 2018.
Video Jim Ward (Kansas politician)
Early Life, Education, and Career
James (Jim) Ward was born in Omaha, Nebraska on December 5th, 1957.
Ward received his Bachelor's Degree from Creighton University, and his JD from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. He practices law in Wichita, Kansas.
Before his election to the Kansas House of Representatives, Ward served on the Wichita City Council, in the Kansas Senate, and on the Wichita School Board.
An advocate for inclusive growth that empowers individuals to create a better tomorrow, Ward was a leader in efforts to repeal the failed tax experiment and in promoting responsible budget practices that avoid excessive borrowing. His work is concentrated on ensuring a stable environment that fosters business and job growth, a strong public education system in all Kansas counties, safe streets and neighborhoods, and creating opportunities that allow every Kansan to achieve the American dream. He is a staunch advocate for all Kansans and has dedicated his efforts in the legislature to implementing policies that help working and middle class families.
In early November of 2017, Rep. Ward was invited by United States Senate Democratic Leadership to testify on the disastrous effects of the Kansas tax experiment as Congressional Republicans rolled out a similar tax plan for country. "We had three credit downgradings," said Ward. "That can't be replicated on a national basis, it would be devastating to the world economy."
Maps Jim Ward (Kansas politician)
Assistant District Attorney
Ward served as Assistant District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District prior to opening his own practice in 1990. He worked on the first case in Kansas history to utilize DNA as evidence in a murder trial. (State v. Pioletti)
Personal life
Ward has two children, whom he coached in sports growing up. Ward also refereed youth and high school athletics (baseball and basketball). He is an avid golfer.
On July 23, 2007, Ward was stopped near downtown Topeka for suspicion of drunken driving. He refused to submit to a sobriety test. He was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated and failure to submit to a breath, blood or urine test. He was booked into the Shawnee County Jail and released the next morning, according to jail records. "As long as I've been around him, Jim has always been responsible," said then-Minority Leader Dennis McKinney. "It does surprise me. That's why I want to wait and see if there is enough evidence to file charges."
Ward was ultimately cited for failing to use a turn signal, for which he paid a fine.
Honors and Awards
Public Official of the Year - Governing Magazine
The Arc Community Connection Award - The Arc Sedgwick County
The President's Award - Wichita Bar Association
Award for Legislative Excellence - National Alliance on Mental Illness
Outstanding Citizen Award - Wichita Society of Professional Engineers
Certificate of Appreciation - Wichita Police Department
Appreciation of Service - Sedgwick County Commissioners
Friend of Education Award - United Teachers of Wichita
Certificate of Recognition Kansas Legislative Health Community - Kansas Health Institute
Friend of Education Award for Strong Support of Public Education - South Central Kansas NEA
Governor Candidacy
On August 19th, 2017, Rep. Ward announced his candidacy for the 2018 Kansas gubernatorial race. The announcement was held in Wichita, Kansas, at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Building.
References
External links
- Official Campaign Site
- Kansas Legislature - Jim Ward
- Project Vote Smart profile
- Kansas Dems Profile
- Kansas House Dems Bio
- Kansas Votes profile
- Campaign contributions: 1996,2002, 2004, 2006, 2008
Source of article : Wikipedia
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