Mark Schaukowitch

Mark Schaukowitch earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas in 2009 and a graduate degree from Syracuse University in 2009. His career experience includes working as a technical writer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a grant/technical writer working in rural development. I'm a former adjunct professor of social advocacy at the University of South Carolina.

After boomeranging back home to Plainville, KS, during COVID, I saw the need for grant writing skills in my community. I have worked off an on the Redbud Development project to replace our nursing home facility. I have worked with rural water districts and various public and private entities in the area for grants.

I'm most proud of the organizing and community work I have done. Using a Network Kansas grant, several partners and I started the Transparent Opportunities Speaker Series (TOSS) to inform the community of issues and work impacting rural communities. Additionally, I have worked with local land owners and businesses to oppose Smithfield Foods developing a genetic hog farm 2 miles outside of town. And I organized the county Democratic Party, along with 4 other counties over the last 5 years.

As a county chair, I've worked to recruit people for local office, won elections, and made sure local officials are held accountable publicly.

Now I'm seeking office to build rural power, and if elected, pass policy that directly benefits our rural communities.

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?

Lower Property Taxes – We need 3 items. In the short term, we need an incentive program that uses state general funds equivilent to lower mills that counties and municipalities can access in exchange for lowering the mills. Mid term, we need to reformulate what counts as a mill and what property can be taxed. Long term, we need to establish a sovereign wealth permanent fund to ultimately replace rural property taxes with yearly distributions.Healthcare - We need a state fund to help rural areas capitalize construction of new elder care facilities. We also need hiring incentives across the board for healthcare workforce retention.

We must pass Medicaid Expansion, which would substantially help rural hospitals.Housing - We need to promote local land banks and coordination between healthcare organizations with the land bank. Local healthcare organizations could then incentivize workforce recruitment with a rent to own program over 15 years, increasing the tax base and providing equitable jobs.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education and budget.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Retired State Senator Janis Lee