I’m Lance Neelly and I am running for the Kansas House of Representatives 42nd district. I am 52 years old from Hutchinson Kansas and the youngest of three children.

Growing up, my family didn’t talk about politics. One of the few instances that I recall concerning the topic had to do with my Uncle Rodney. He was a military veteran and a Law Enforcement officer with the Kansas Highway Patrol. He was someone whom I respected and looked up to.

Once, when I was 7 years old, my Uncle was visiting and he told us of his new assignment; protecting and driving the Governor of Kansas (then Robert Docking). I remember thinking that the Governor must have been an important man to require someone like my Uncle to protect him.

Later, via my Uncle, I received a framed autographed picture of the Governor with the following inscription, “Lance, take care of your ole Dad. (Signed) Governor Robert Docking.” Even though Governor Docking was a Democrat 😉, I still cherish that photo.      

My 2 older siblings followed my parents and became professional educators. But I found my career at the Maximum Security Prison in Hutchinson as a correctional Officer. Following that, staying on the same career path, I went into security and have been a security supervisor now for over 25 years.  

I have been blessed with four children, three sons and a daughter. They are all grown now, each one seeking and experiencing their own lives and families. I am proud of each and every one of them. And yes, I do my best to spoil my 3 grandchildren, when I am permitted, and sometimes on the sly!