Rhys Froetschner Runs for Kansas House, 112

Rhys Froetschner filed for the Democratic Nomination to the office of State Representative, 112th District, on Monday, June 1.

Froetschner works at Sunflower Diversified in Great Bend providing services to people with disabilities. He is a recent graduate of Great Bend High School and plans to attend Barton County College this fall.

Froetschner moved to Great Bend, Kansas when he was two and his family made Great Bend their home. Froetschner was raised by his mother Katrina Deason, his stepdad Nelson Deason, and his father Lynn Froetschner. He was taught the value of hard work. Froetschner started his own business in the music field.

Having lived in Great Bend for nearly all of his life, Froetschner knows Kansas and loves it, but knows our Nation has problems. This year, he decided to step up to serve and help his Community, State and Nation. The 112th Kansas House District includes most of Barton County except for Ellinwood and Pawnee Rock. 

In his announcement, Mr. Froetschner was in favor of a return of intangibles to the property tax base so everyone’s property taxes will go down proportionately.

Explaining his reasoning, Rhys Froetschner said: "The reason why we’re all struggling with property taxes is we have placed less of a burden on people who can afford to hide their wealth in intangibles. To lower all Kansans’ property taxes, the people with the most wealth need to pay their fair share."

 He went on to say:

“Kansas elected a Democratic Governor in 1930, Harry Woodring, who pushed for equalization of the tax burden by enacting an intangibles tax. 

It was true then and true now, that if we increase ad valorem property tax base, we will reduce the burden on existing property taxpayers who do not have intangible wealth to be taxed. 

Kansas repealed the state-imposed 2.5 mill intangibles tax in 1982.  The State Legislature constantly caters to the special interests, exempting properties from taxation. 

Most recently it was golf carts and all terrain vehicles given this special treatment effective January 1, 2026, an exemption which included golf carts, all terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, and off-road motorcycles. 

Enough is enough, we can’t let those who can afford to pay make our lives in Kansas harder. It is time for the rich to pay their fair share of taxes."

Rhys made his start in community advocacy by speaking at No Kings Rallies in Great Bend (see photo). Froetschner led chants and openly advocates for improving our quality of life.

 “I won’t make any promises I can’t keep and there is a lot ahead of me and ahead of Kansas, but I will promise this: No matter who you are, no matter what alignment you have, no matter where you come from, I will not be bribed or bought and I will fight for every person I represent. That’s a promise I won’t break,” said Froetschner, in the conclusion of his announcement.

Candidate Rhys Froetschner speaking at No Kings Rally (photo by campaign)

Ed: Article summarized from the candidates announcement press release.