Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates in federal, state and local races address leading up to the Nov. 3 election.

Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to residents across Johnson County.

Each day this week, we’ll publish the candidates’ responses to one question. So far, we’ve published responses on special education, reading and literacy, and parents and controversial books.

Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:

As federal health officials revise vaccine recommendations, readers asked whether Kansas should keep its current school vaccine requirements, including for measles. What is your position, and what role, if any, should the state board play?

Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:

Jim McMullen (Republican)

Authority in this arena has been with the legislature and the Kansas Department of Health. That’s where it should stay.

Amy Diediker (Democratic)

This is a topic where I feel it is best to stay in our lane. The State Board of Education members are not experts in medicine or health, and therefore, should not play a role in making vaccine recommendations.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment should be in charge of school vaccine requirements. They are experts in health, and I trust them to make decisions that keep our kids healthy and safe.

Coming up:

Tomorrow, we will publish the candidates’ responses to the following question:

One reader asked plainly: Are Johnson County public schools effective, and are taxpayers getting their money’s worth? Beyond test scores, what measures should the board publish so families and taxpayers can judge how well Kansas schools are using their money?