Victor Abundis

Victor Abundis earned a bachelor's degree from Middlebury College in 1998. He earned a master's degree from St. John's College in 2001. He earned a master's degree from Rockhurst University in 2004. Abundis' career experience includes working as a teacher with Park Hill High School in Kansas City.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My journey to Kansas City began in August 2001 when I accepted a position with AmeriCorps to work with Legal Aid of Western Missouri (LAWMO). As a paralegal, I assisted eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to get affordable housing with the Kansas City Housing Authority. I thought of attending law school, but Christ had a different path for me.

I earned my M.Ed. at Rockhurst University, and I then went on to teach English at Southwest Charter School before joining the staff at Park Hill High School in Platte County.

While at Park Hill, I've worked in a variety of capacities as an English teacher and the ACT Prep coordinator. Most recently I became one of the A+ Scholarship Coordinators and an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) elective teacher, a program for students who will be the first in their families to attend college and are from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

Teaching in the Show Me state has been my calling for the past fifteen years, and I enjoy building relationships with my students. I hope to take that quality to Jefferson City, and work with Democrats and Republicans alike to find common-ground and solutions that face all Missourians.

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?

As a teacher, I believe college may not be for all children. We must invest in vocational tech education for students who want to develop skills. The dignity of work that our electricians, mechanics, welders, HVAC workers, and plumbers should be celebrated. We are missing a whole generation of students who are taught to undervalue these skills. I also believe in the power of public service which is why I have been a tireless advocate for our teachers. Our teachers make our schools the best in Missouri. We should pass pro teacher and pro education policies that support our frontline educators and that give them the tools to continue impact the lives of our children.The most critical issue facing our communities in Missouri is access to healthcare. We need to continue to expand healthcare to our vulnerable populations while allowing everyone the choice and flexibility to determine their best care. I continue to support programs that provide our seniors with the care that they have paid into already while recognizing that there is no choice available for those that cannot afford health insurance.We must put power back in the hands of workers and unions that our local economy depends on. As the wealthiest country in history, we need to address our rural economy and fight against tariffs that are weakening Missouri's most profitable cash crop, soybeans. Likewise, retaliatory tariffs are bankrupting many family farms. I promise the farmers of northern Missouri that I will fight to end the rural neglect, and work towards an economy that enables farmers to have the money to buy equipment and make capital investments on their property.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public education

Healthcare

Income inequality

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to all the teachers I've had throughout my life. Without them, I doubt I'd be here today running for public office.

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

Lead with integrity and check your ego at the door!

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

I value relationships and different perspectives, and I will always do what's best for my constituents.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Space Shuttle Challenger. I was in grade school at the time, huddled around the TV when the shuttle launched and ultimately exploded. I recall hearing President Reagan's address to the nation that night, and years later I remember studying how Peggy Noonan drafted and wrote the speech.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working as a paralegal with Legal Aid of Western Missouri in Kansas City. I was an AmeriCorps volunteer helping people gain access to affordable housing and managing landlord-tenant disputes with the Kansas City Housing Authority.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Richard Wright, Native Son. The story of Bigger Thomas is the story of our time: a young black man growing on the tough streets of Chicago, seeking to find an identity, and ultimately imprisoned by the confines of his environment.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Alabama: Born Country

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

Both chambers in the Missouri General Assembly represent real people with real problems. To suggest differences between the two bodies is silliness. Both bodies should serve their constituents, plain and simple.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No! In fact, I think it would be better to have a diverse group of leaders representing people.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Healthcare and an income that gives working families a chance to realize their goals are two great challenges that Missouri faces over the next decade. Additionally, we must address rural poverty with the same intensity that we've addressed urban poverty.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

The ideal relationship would be a governor who works together with the legislature to pass legislation that benefits the people rather than cowing to partisan interests.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Bipartisanship is a hallmark of good legislation. It wasn't so long ago that "compromise" was viewed favorably.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

An independent body outside of politics should be appointed to draw district boundaries. The notion that there are "safe seats" for either party is ludicrous.

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

Education

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

Joaquin Castro, Member of Congress, TX-20

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No

Both sitting legislators 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?

The most touching story in my teaching career is mentoring a young African-American male who is currently in prison for murder. He was a nice boy who was always respectful to me, but during a drug deal gone wrong, he shot and killed a former student I taught. My goal is to help young people from all backgrounds and socio-economic escape the school to prison pipeline. One's zip code should not determine their fate.

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