Eber Phelps is a Democratic member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing the 111th district. He has served since 1997 and is the current Minority Whip.

Phelps visited the AP Government classes, instructed by Abby Maska, on Oct. 12.

“I decided to run for state representative when I realized I has some serious questions about how our current Governor has been dealing with our state,” Phelps said.

Phelps currently works in sales and marketing for Glassman Corporation. He has also served as mayor, city commissioner and state legislature.

Additionally, he served as an Ambassador for the United States Army Reserves for six years.

“I really love being involved with the local government,” Phelps said. “I’m elbow to elbow with everyone, and I really enjoy having that constant contact.”

Phelps and his wife, Joni Phelps, have been married for 11 years.

“Make sure your spouse is okay with it if you ever decide to run for an office,” Phelps said.

Due to the declining health of Kansas’ education system, Phelps said he has immersed himself in education.

“I’m interested in how we can get the most bang for our buck with education,” Phelps said. “We cannot continue the way we are currently going. If we don’t watch out, we’re going to see a huge decline.”

Phelps said that a large majority of groups that have endorsed him are education-based.

“If a doctor moves to Hays I guarantee that him and his family are going to start looking for schools for his kids,” Phelps said. “They are going to be looking for good education systems with up-to-date technology and good teachers. We can’t have that without good funding.”

Providing better care for the aging population is another priority for Phelps.

“I always thought this state would be a great place to retire,” Phelps said. “Because of my age, I have to constantly be thinking about my retirement, and I have to wonder if this is really going to be a good place for retirement.”

Phelps said he wants to reward the people who put in extra work around the community.

“People always say that the world doesn’t owe you anything,” Phelps said. “I don’t know if I agree with that. My thought is that all these people that work really hard, like teachers, Midwest Energy workers or people that just make our lives better, really lay the groundwork for our town.”

Phelps said his greatest inspiration would be his mother.

“She was born in a time where she would do whatever she could with whatever she had,” Phelps said. “I never had anything too fancy, but she always found a way to make sure we had what we needed.”

Students in the AP Government classed asked Phelps what advice he would give to them in terms of being a good leader.

“Start getting involved,” Phelps said. “Don’t limit yourself. Even while you’re in high school, you can get involved with so many things outside the school and in your community.”

Listening to others was another major point of advice from Phelps.

“People tend to respect you more when you’re willing to listen instead of gearing towards a debate,” Phelps said.

Phelps said he thinks it is important to realize what issues are prevalent in this district.

“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t strongly feel like we need to create some new policies,” Phelps said. “I genuinely care about the future of our state.”

Maska said she plans to have Sue Boldra visit the class on Oct. 20, and Alex Harman on Oct. 26.