FLPPABLE: Les Lampe for KS-HD39
When I was growing up in western Kansas, my idols were my parents, my teachers, and various notable local, national, and world leaders who exemplified the honor of public service. I spent many hours riding a tractor in hot, dusty wheat fields while imagining the future arc of my life. Always in the forefront was the need at some time to engage in service to the public. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to serve in many ways. My family always came first and then my faith community. Now I have the opportunity to serve the people of western Shawnee by representing you in the Kansas House of Representatives. This would be a high honor, and one I approach with great respect for the trust you would place in me. I bring basic Kansas values of honesty and integrity seasoned by extensive academic training and global professional experience. When elected, I pledge to be open to diverse opinions and always place the best interests of Shawnee and all Kansans in the forefront.
I grew up in Goodland, Kansas. Both my father and mother came from farming backgrounds, but later went to college. From them, I learned the value of hard work and respect. My spouse, Karen, is also from the same rural community with a similar farming background. She is well-known locally as Reverend Karen Lampe having served for many years as the Executive Pastor of Congregational Care at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood. Karen and I have three wonderful, accomplished children and four grandchildren.
I grew up and was confirmed in the Lutheran Church, but have been a member of the United Methodist Church for the past forty-four years. My time in the church has been marked by a variety of volunteer activities. Most recently, I have served for several years on the Board of Kansas InterFaith Action (www.kansasinterfaithaction.org). This multi-faith group advocates on social, economic, and climate justice issues in the Kansas Legislature.
After graduating from Goodland High School, I attended the University of Kansas where I obtained Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in Engineering. The final degree was a Doctorate in Water Resources Engineering. This led to my forty-two year career with Black & Veatch, where I was a Vice-President and Director of Water Resources. I led many challenging projects in the Kansas City region, throughout Kansas, the nation, and globally. The focus of my work was water supply, flood control, water quality, and most recently climate change impacts.
https://www.lampe4kansas.com
