Greg Orman in 2018 KS Governor's race

On Budget & Economy: Economic development plan instead of lazy tax cuts

Orman, competing against four candidates in the Kansas race for governor, said relying on broad state tax reductions, as Kansas did with income taxes under former Gov. Sam Brownback, was a "lazy" approach to economic expansion. "Simply cutting taxes across the board and hoping for the best ignores many important elements that drive growth," Orman said.

Secretary of State Kris Kobach, the Republican nominee, proposed income and sales tax cuts paired with a cap on property taxes. Democratic nominee Laura Kelly plans to focus on investment in education and has derided the state's sales tax on food.

On Technology: $80M for roads to make Kansas the epicenter of distribution

His plan would commit the state to increases of $80 million a year for roads and bridges during the next four years. Under the plan, Orman said, the state could draw manufacturers to Kansas and increase net value of crops typically exported for processing. The incentive can be use of income taxes generated by growth in farm incomes to help pay debt related to investment in agricultural manufacturing, he said.

He recommended a 33% tax credit for companies investing in partnerships with community or technical colleges. He would start a loan fund for students who didn't qualify for federal student loans to receive career training.

On Drugs: Legalize medical marijuana & decriminalize recreational use

"In many instances, medical marijuana is the only way for some patients to address pain, nausea and seizures. We should give doctors and patients the freedom to choose that treatment course," Orman said. He also said Kansas shouldn't waste criminal justice resources arresting, trying and incarcerating people "just because they bought a dime bag of weed." He said recreational marijuana use should be treated like a speeding infraction, with law enforcement issuing a ticket and the offender paying a small fine.