Mike Kolls

Mike Kolls earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 1985. His career experience includes working as a project manager at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Prior to becoming a project manager, he worked as a computer programmer.[1][2][3]

Mike Kolls did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Kolls’ campaign website stated the following:

Principles

a. We The People / Small Gov't

✓ We have inalienable Natural Rights

✓ Gov't MUST have our consent

b. Reason (NOT Emotion)

c. Governing (NOT Politics)

d. Local Governance

e. Definitions Matter!

Cooler heads are required[8]

—Mike Kolls’ campaign website (2024)[9]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a concerned citizen that believes in We The People and small gov't. The federal gov't is too big, tries to do too much, and does nothing well. If you are NOT represented by the two dominant parties please consider me to be your protest vote.

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?

The federal gov't is too big, it tries to do too much, and does everything poorly.We The People make optimal decisions. Federal one-size-fits-all "programs" are NOT optimal, and excessively expensive.The gov't ought to work for The People. It is NOT the other way around.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Our federal gov't has broken the plan of republic outlined in The Constitution of the United States. We need to recommit and realign with the Constitution. The massive federal debt should be addressed. I propose spending cuts, a balanced budget, and then a plan to pay off the massive federal debt. Federal law needs large-scale reform. This includes both civil law and corporate law. Further details can be found at kollsforcongress.org.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I recommend reading The Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, the US Bill of Rights, and Frederic Bastiat's The Law (1850). For some background in economics, some familiarity with the Austrian/Chicago schools is advised. I am also fascinated by Thomas Paine's Common Sense.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A love of individual liberty.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have a love for individual liberty.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To follow the limited duties defined in The Constitution of the United States, especially Article I Section 8. The Congress must NOT set up tests of the Judicial branch. Congress should pass unambiguous legislation that is easy to rule upon.

What legacy would you like to leave?

As I fervently believe in small gov't, I'd like to be remembered as someone who was part of reducing the size, scope, and reach of the federal gov't. Or stated another way, someone who advanced individual liberty.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Bastiat's The Law is hugely influential to me. It is short and direct. This book gave me a new view of legislation in just 70 pages. Also, George Washington Writings (The Library of America) was very engaging. I was able to understand this man in his own words ... kinda get inside his head.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I'm in awe of Howard Roark in Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead" - a man who stands firmly on principle.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

There are many struggles in life. It is important to get back up and address the issue. This may include several iterations of getting back up and addressing the issue. Character is built on how we respond to hard times. There is NO time wallow ... just get back up.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House is the most democratic branch of the federal gov't. Members are directly appointed from the identified congressional district. Reps have the ability to meet with their constituents and pursue the will of that congressional district. Also, the House controls the federal purse. It has the ability to direct the federal gov't thru the appropriation of funds. For example, an unfunded war cannot be conducted.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

NO. Participation is a dysfunctional system and promising everything to everybody does NOT advance the best representative, nor the best outcome for 340,000,000 people. Somehow, we need citizens that love their country and are willing to do the best things for the nation instead the best things for a particular party or themself. The key attribute should be commitment to a republican (lower case r) form of gov't where individual liberty is the highest priority. In that system, each adult can pursue their own dream. I do love Liberty.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The massive federal debt is the epitome of opportunity cost. How much can we as a nation achieve is we are NOT burdened by commitments to failed programs and policies? What would our nation look like if debt was NOT part of the discussion? How free would We The People be if we kept and spent 100% of our earned wages? or even if our children did NOT have this burden...

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

With my concern for the massive federal debt, I may be a good member of the Ways and Means committee. or other committees that would work on cleaning up our financial affairs. On a different note, I would like to see the relationship with Native Americans improved. Maybe a seat on a committee that is involved with the interactions with Native Americans.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

The intent is to have Representatives in touch with their constituents. If they are in front of voters every two years they will only be re-elected if they work for their constituents. With more than two centuries invested ... it is probably best to keep a two year term.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Voters who believe in term limits should vote accordingly; do NOT vote for an incumbent with excessive years of service. We don't need more laws. We need more citizens engaged in public debate and governance.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I have NOT found such a Representative.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

In talking with voters, I have asked "If you send me to Congress, what should I do?" One voter answered "I don't know, you are the expert." This was the wrong answer. A Representative works for The People. The business of The People should be conducted, NOT schemes that create personal wealth and "power". I hope to meet fellow Reps that are genuinely pursing the people's business, including smaller gov't. .

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

If compromise is defined as what we have in common, then the only way gov't can work is to act in areas of compromise. Hypothetically, if both parties have comprehensive reforms in mind, each party with 10 ideas. If 2 of these ideas are in both plans, then compromise dictates 2 items going forward. However, if compromise means that both parties "get" 5 ideas to go forward, I cannot support this "compromise". It is likely that of the 10 selected items there will be provisions that are at odds and (mostly) cancel out ... but cost twice as much (to support both sides). This second form of compromise is worse than doing nothing. So, my underlying philosophy is to limit the size, scope, and reach of gov't. "Let" each responsible adult navigate the decisions of life for their family and themself. We do NOT need federal one-size-does-NOT-fit-all so called "solutions".

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The power of the purse is a mighty duty. This control can stop gov't if necessary. As an advocate for (much) smaller gov't there is little need to increase taxes/revenue. My focus would be on how do we cut spending to have the federal gov't live within its means. When we are making progress decreasing the massive federal debt it might be time to reduce tax rates and have the federal gov't "live' on less.

The following excerpts were taken from Kolls' campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

Liberty!: ”Always have a bias towards Freedom” - Judge Andrew Napolitano. Federal “decisions”, by legislation and regulation, usurp our inherent individual Freedom, Liberty, and Sovereignty. Government has NOT been delegated to mitigate personal risk. What if all federal programs were voluntary and citizens could choose to sign up?

Local Decisions: Amendment IX is the cornerstone of The Constitution of the United States. WE THE PEOPLE have full and final authority; the government was instituted to safeguard our Natural Rights. We need a transition from a bloated and power-hungry union to We The People.

Financial Responsibility: We are $ 19,000,000,000,000 in debt. It doubles every 8 years. This is clearly not sustainable. We must begin by balancing the budget. If we don’t act soon, our children will “get the bill”. What is wrong with us?

Better Politics: Our public discourse is embarrassing. Let’s fiercely debate the issues. Then, when the dust settles, let’s work together for The People.

[8]

—Mike Kolls' campaign website, http://tellwashington.us/

Kolls' campaign website listed the following issues:[10]

Out Of Control Spending

Excerpt: "August through October 2013 offered many a scandal du jour. Yet, the most revolting scandal received no discussion or in-depth analysis – the out-of-control federal spending and the resultant massive accumulated federal debt. It consumes nearly 25% of our national wealth and inhibits our commerce."

Healthcare

Excerpt: "First, as part of an incremental approach, let’s consider removing all restrictions for the sale of health care insurance. It is perceived that a consumer cannot purchase health insurance across state lines. Removing restrictions to purchase insurance within a state would increase competition, a known force in reducing prices."

Iran - Sanctions?

Excerpt: "No. Sanctions, embargoes, and blockades are acts of war. We are not at war with Iran; there has been no such declaration by congress … nor should there be."

Immigration

Excerpt: "The current situation concerning immigration has been birthed by decades of federal inaction and recent state action. In general terms, it is now running as it should. Yet, some minimal changes may provide an uncomplicated, final resolution."

Minimum Wage

Excerpt: "Proponents of increasing the minimum wage claim that full-time workers cannot earn a living. Therefore, the minimum wage must be increased. An example - to cover higher wage costs, business owners must raise prices on their goods. The worker receiving the higher minimum wage is still unable to purchase as he desires because other goods have also been increased in price due to the general increased minimum wage - the greater the increase, the greater the effect. Even, in the short term the problem is exacerbated."