Jane Billingsley

By Linda Stinnett

Jane Billingsley of Derby is running as a write-in candidate in the Democratic primary for Kansas House District 82.

No other Democrat filed to run before the primary deadline. Billingsley had planned to file, but in the confusion of redistricting, she did not get her name on the ballot.

Now, if she can collect enough write-in votes, her name will show up as the Democratic candidate for the November general election. She must receive nearly 700 votes, from all unaffiliated and Democratic party voters, to write-in her name on the November ballot.

She is also emphasizing that people pay attention to the spelling of her name. State law does not require it to be spelled exactly perfect on the ballot, but she would like voters to leave no question in the counters’ minds.

Billingsley has lived in Derby since 1969, after her family moved to the community for her husband’s position as an insurance agent. The couple have been married 57 years and have four children, eight great-granchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was a longtime special education teacher in Derby schools, where she also served in local NEA offices and bargaining teams. She is also currently serving on the State Democratic Committee. 

After working for many years with special needs children and their families, Billingsley said she does not like the status of current care options in the state for both youth and the elderly.

“I have devoted my life to helping other people,” she said. “I am angry because people could stay in their homes, but if they cut services they will be in nursing homes.”

She also said she:

• Believes the state needs to return public school funding to 2008 levels.

• Wants to revise the tax bill of 2012 to be more fair to everyone.

• Wants to create good paying jobs for Kansans.

• Wants to return Kansas tax dollars and jobs lost in bills to privatize services to seniors, the disabled and others. 

“I am not a Brownback rubber stamp,” she said. “I will represent all of District 82, not just special interests.”

User Comments

• Good News!

  "So glad to see we will have another choice besides Pete DeGraffe!! "

  Posted by Pat on Aug. 4, 2012

• Wish I'd Known

  "I wish I'd gotten my flyer in the mail sooner. I did the Advance Voting yesterday, & I missed this article. When searching for her online, this is the only relevant information I could find. I know it may not be something she's familiar with, but Jane needs a website or a facebook page -- something online to get the word out. I learned much more in this article than I did in the flyer."

  Posted by Angie on Aug. 3, 2012

• Supporter

  "Glad to see a woman running and one who knows how the educational system works. Best of luck Jane!!!"

  Posted by Judith on Jul. 31, 2012