Saying that Kansas and Riley County are in need of new leadership, Tom Hawk announced his intention today of filing for the Kansas House of Representatives for the 67th District, now an open seat including West Manhattan and portions of Riley County.

"As a life long educator and administrator, I am ready to provide leadership in Topeka for our Manhattan and Riley County citizens knowing that education forms the backbone of our community", said Tom Hawk. "We have a strong history of excellence at Kansas State, in the Manhattan-Ogden and Riley County public school systems, and with our Area Technical School. The top priority of my campaign for the Kansas Legislature will be to maintain that quality and excellence." Hawk went on to say that he looked forward to meeting with and hearing from local parents, teachers and business leaders, as he sought their input and advice. "Too often, elected officials fail to listen to their constituents—I pledge to reach out to people from all walks of life and solicit their advice. I also pledge to look at new ways to problem solve our current state budget crisis by involving front line people in ways to be more cost effective, and still maintain key services to the people."

Expanding prescription drug coverage for seniors, fighting for Kansas consumers and employees, and maintaining a solid working relationship with the business community, particularly the small business people where our hope for significant economic growth lies, were also among Tom Hawk’s campaign priorities. "The first business of government ought to be to provide opportunity for its citizens and to work towards a high quality of life for everyone. Kansas seniors should never have to choose between the essentials of life and their medicine", said Hawk.

Tom Hawk is a proud graduate of Kansas State University with a B.S. in Math Education, an M.S. in Counseling and a doctorate degree in Educational Administration. Working in the Manhattan-Ogden public schools for thirty-three years, Tom began his career as a junior high math teacher and counselor. For twenty-five years he served as a Curriculum Director, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Finance, and then as Superintendent for the 2000-2001 school year. "Now that I am retired, I am ready to bring new ideas to the legislature and to commit my time to working for the citizens of Riley County and Kansas".

Taking on leadership responsibilities has been a lifelong pursuit. Tom Hawk Photgraphy began thirty-three years ago and provides event and commencement photography in Kansas, Colorado and California. He has been state president of the State Administrators Organization (USA) and of the State Curriculum Organization (KASCD). Locally he has been on the boards of the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, Manhattan Arts Center, Junior Achievement, Red Cross, and Manhattan Youth Care.

Tom is married to Tamara, a clinical social worker in private practice in Manhattan. They have been married for thirty years and have two children, Skyler, a graduate student at the University of Hawaii, and Cameron, a recent Manhattan high school graduate and budding musician. They have called Manhattan home for the past thirty-eight years. Tom has been involved in numerous community and state organizations over the years and is currently an active member of the Rotary Club, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, MARTA & AARP, and is serving on the boards of his church and of the Manhattan Emergency Shelter.