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Category Archives: Elections
Candidate Forum July 25 at Fort Scott High School
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Chamber to host Election Candidate Forum on July 25 at FSHS
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Primary Election Candidate Forum will be held on Thursday, July 25th at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium, 1005 S. Main St. Attendees should enter through the main (west) doors where there will be a Meet & Greet with the candidates at 5:30pm and the forum will begin at 6pm in the order of Federal, State, then Local races.
Candidates from the following offices have been invited to participate in the forum: U.S. House of Representatives 2nd District; Kansas Senate District 13; Bourbon County Commissioner Districts 1, 2, and 3; Bourbon County Attorney (unopposed); Bourbon County Register of Deeds (unopposed); Bourbon County Treasurer; and Bourbon County Sheriff.
Residents of the community are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates to the Chamber by 12pm on Monday, July 23rd. Questions may be emailed to [email protected], mailed to 231 E. Wall St., or dropped off in person. The forum will also be broadcast live on the Facebook page Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. Candidates in these races are asked to RSVP to the Chamber by July 22nd to confirm attendance.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
Candidates For U.S. House of Representatives: Young, Tiffany, Schmidt
This is a part of a series about the candidates on the Bourbon County August Primary Election ballot.
There are seven vying for the U.S. House of Representatives District 2 position.
Chad Young, 52, Lawrence is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives District 2.
” I’m a business owner and started a non-profit organization working with Vets, troubled young men and women: teaching vocational skills, money management, the GED program, etc.”
1) What do you see as the primary role of a U.S. House Representative?
To serve the people of the United States. To put our country and the interior the people first. To stand strong for the Constitution and never back down against the tyrannical government.
2) For you, what is the most pressing issue in the U.S. House of Representatives?
“Tyrannical government/big government controlling the people. Lowering taxes and shutting the border.”
Shawn Tiffany, 46, Council Grove, is a candidate for U.S. House of Representatives District 2.
He received a bachelor of science in aminal science, reproductive physiology from Kansas State University.
He is the owner and operator of Tiffany Cattle Company.
In his community, he has been President of the Kansas Livestock Association.
1) What do you see as the primary role of a U.S. House Representative?
“The primary role of the next representative for KS-02 will be to fight for the values and freedoms that are under attack by the D.C. swamp. I’m a cattleman, a family man, a business owner, and
a conservative outsider. I won’t get in line or take orders in Washington – I will fight for policies that are good for Kansans. Our next representative must be ready to stand against the Radical
Left and the RINOs who enable them.”
2) For you, what is the most pressing issue in the U.S. House of Representatives?
“After visiting the southern border last month, I believe the national security threat posed by our open southern border is the single biggest issue facing our nation right now. I have released a
plan on my campaign website to secure the border, which includes policies I will support in Congress like finishing the border wall, stopping amnesty, and ending benefits for illegal immigrants.
I’m willing to work with anyone to secure the border, but Democrats’ refusal to reverse the Biden administration’s open border policies shows they are not serious about securing our border. I will
fight to end Joe Biden’s abuse of our asylum process and work with President Trump to secure our border and get our nation back on track.”
Derek Schmidt, 56, lives in Independence.
His education:
● University of Kansas School of Law, Doctor of Juridical Science, 2015
● Georgetown University Law Center, Juris Doctor, 1996
● University of Leicester, Master of Arts in International Politics, 1993
● University of Kansas, Bachelor of Science in Journalism, 1990
● Independence Community College, 1986-1987
● Independence High School, graduated 1986
His experience:
Currently a partner at Husch Blackwell LLP, one of the top 100 law firms in the country. Prior to that, served 12 years as Kansas Attorney General from 2011-2023. Before being elected attorney general, served 10 years in the Kansas Senate, including six years as
Senate Majority Leader and four years as Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
“While serving in the Legislature, I worked in a small law firm in Independence, which also included serving as the city prosecutor. Earlier in my career, I was a staff member for a Kansas governor, a Kansas attorney general and two U.S. Senators.”
Community Involvement:
“I serve as a board member for the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, as well as Independence Industries, a local economic development organization. As attorney general, I served on the Executive Committee of the National Association of
Attorneys General for about 10 years, including one year as national president. I also served as a member of the Law Enforcement Advisory Council for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for more than four years.
1) What do you see as the primary role of a U.S. House Representative?
First and foremost, the role of a Member of Congress is to represent the views of the constituents in the District. Our founding fathers designed the House of Representatives to be the part of the federal government that is closest to the people, but also limited its
powers – reserving much of the decision making to be done by the states and the people. If I am elected to serve, I will keep these principles in mind, and work every day to stay connected with the citizens of the Second District in representing them in
Washington.
2) For you, what is the most pressing issue in the U.S.House of Representatives?
Illegal Immigration – This is by far the top priority for our federal government. Our national security is endangered because we do not know who is coming into our country.
Our southern border is in a state of crisis due to the policies of the Biden administration.
We must immediately reimplement the policies from the Trump administration, including the Remain in Mexico policy, which I defended as Kansas Attorney Gen
To view the whole series on the candidates:
Candidates on the August Primary Ballot: County Treasurer
Candidates for Bourbon County Sheriff on the August Primary Ballot
Kansas August Primary Election Candidates: Kansas House of Representatives
Candidates for Bourbon County Commission on the August Ballot
Candidates on the August Primary Ballot: Walker, Holdridge, Crux
Kansas State Senator District 13 Candidates On The August 8 Ballot
Candidates for Bourbon County Commission In August 2024
Republican Candidate Forum: July 30
The Bourbon County Republicans will hold a local republican candidate forum on July 30th, 6pm at the Empress Center, 7 N. Main.
This will be for Republican candidates only and registered Republicans.
Each candidate will be allowed an opening statement and a closing statement with a question and answer period in between.
Candidates that are unopposed or unable to attend are encouraged to bring a statement to be read or they may email their statement to [email protected].
Questions may be submitted for consideration to [email protected].
Bo Co Repubicans Meet July 18
The Bourbon County Republicans meeting is Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 6 pm, at the Bourbon Co. Fairgrounds Merchants Bldg, Ft Scott, KS.
They have a booth in the Merchants Bldg. but will move outside for the meeting.
Please contact Chairman Mark McCoy, text 620-719-7841 or email [email protected] for agenda items.
Candidates on the August Primary Ballot: County Treasurer
This is part of the series on candidates on the August Primary Ballot.
For the Bourbon County Treasurer position, there are two candidates.
Michael J. Hoyt, 66, Fort Scott, is one of two candidates running for Bourbon County Treasurer.
He has 25+ years executive-level corporate for an NYSE, trading $4 billion in revenues.He has managed outside legal counsel for corporate governance, environmental, health and safety issues., Workman’s Compensation claims, OSHA, EPA, and other compliance issues, acquisition due diligence, phase 1 environmental inspections and remediations. Interacted with outside auditors for areas of SEC, financial reporting, and other audit issues reporting to a board of directors, and had internal consulting roles as assigned by CEO for management deficient in performance and crisis situations.
From the University of Richmond, VA he earned a B.A. Business Management graduated Magna Cum Laude and B.A. Paralegal Studies. From Park University, he earned a Masters in Public Administration, emphasis in Business & Government. From Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University, a Masters of Law. Johnson County Community College – Licensing Mediation Core and Family Law.
“The focused role of the Treasurer is to act as the ‘Banker’ for the County. To be an honest, diligent custodian of the County Citizen’s tax dollars. Achieve the highest rate of return on deposited dollars; acting in response to interest rates raising and/or falling, using a ‘laddered’ theory. This has allowed the City of Fort Scott in the past (18) months to achieve a multi- $100k reserve to direct to projects as determined by the City Commission. Establish and achieve financial controls – checks and balances – to date has NOT provided confidence to the citizens or the Commission of transparent reporting or controls. The audit firm states that the audits recently have less errors but must make note that producing ‘after the fact’ receipts to justify purchases is not an acceptable control. The Treasurer’s Office functions are to be completed to the color and spirit of the Kansas State Constitution in all areas of property tax collection, delinquent property tax sales conducted on a consistent schedule, and smooth operation of the vehicle license processing through adequate training and support of personnel; fix past deficiencies and improve the services to the Citizen’s. Last but not least, to work with the County Commission to publish budgets, goals, reporting and feedback for success.”
Jennifer Hawkins, 35, is the current county clerk, but is running for the county treasurer position.
She been employed by Bourbon County for the last eleven years, with five years of experience in the Treasurer’s Office.
“I am familiar with the day-to-day operations, software, and duties required of the Treasurer. My years of experience with the County have provided me with a unique opportunity to see how the duties performed in many offices all connect to help the County operate. I have created relationships with other employees, department heads, and elected officials that allows us to work together for the common goal of the betterment of Bourbon County.”
In the last few years, she has worked with the Treasurer and CFO to create policies and procedures to help avoid future audit violations and to ensure there are checks and balances present in many offices. “We have made great progress in the organization as evidenced by the recent clean audits, however; I feel there is still more to accomplish, and I can help accomplish this by using my knowledge and experience as Treasurer.”
A lifelong resident of Bourbon County, she attended Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College., and has completed the Kansas Municipal Audit and Accounting Guide financial statement training, three years of Municipal Services Budget Workshops with the Kansas Department of Administration, Revenue Neutral Rate seminars with the Kansas Department of Administration, LEAD Bourbon County with the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Homestead Training with the Kansas Department of Revenue, (Kansas Open Records Act and Kansas Open Meetings Act training with both the Kansas League of Municipalities and the Kansas Association of Counties, how to spot fraud seminars, motor vehicle and commercial motor vehicle training with the Kansas Department of Revenue, driver’s license examiner certification with the Kansas Department of Revenue, MSRP training with the Property Valuation Division of KDOR, as well as Subject Matter Expert classes with the Kansas Department of Revenue as well as locally with other Treasurer’s Offices in the Southeast Kansas district.”
“I feel that collecting and distributing all money owed to the County, keeping an accounting of all money paid in and out of the County to ensure compliance with Kansas laws and statutes, and administering motor vehicle titles and registrations are the primary roles of the Treasurer.”
“The most pressing issues for the Treasurer are the timely reconciliation of all accounts to ensure compliance with laws and statutes and avoid audit violations, to monitor rates for our certificate of deposits to ensure the County is earning the most interest possible, and to operate the office accurately and efficiently as the State pushes more motor vehicle duties upon the County without increasing the amount they allocate to us to operate.”
Bo Co Democrats: Sidewalk Sale This Saturday
The Bourbon County Democrats will host a booth at Sidewalk Sales Saturday on July 13th.
The sale will be located near 24 N. Main St. from 10 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and will have four drawings, plus free items and information.
Visit the booth and text 620 215 1505 for more information!
AD: Rick James For Ks House of Representatives District 4
Rick James is a Republican candidate for the 4th district House of Representative, a position currently held by Trevor Jacobs. Trevor announced that he is not seeking another term.
Rick is passionate about protecting the conservative values of fellow Kansans. He understands that freedom is not merely a privilege but a birthright. He was raised in La Cygne, Kansas where he attended La Cygne elementary school and graduated from Prairie View High School in 1981. He entered the Marine Corps a few short days later serving a 30-year career. This career included serving in Desert Storm, Haiti, Iraqi Freedom, serving on embassy duty and as a Marine Drill instructor. He achieved the rank of Sergeant Major and was awarded the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He also obtained a bachelor’s and a master’s Degree from the American Military University.
There was never a doubt, that he would return to Eastern Kansas. He moved his family to a small farm near highway 69 in 2008 and completed his Marine Corps career at Richard Gebauer Base in Belton. He retired a decorated Marine in 2011.
Since retiring from the Marine Corps he opened two local businesses, Semper Fi Auction Services and Bravo Realty. The Marine Corps instilled a dedication to serving his community. In 2014 he ran for the district 1 Linn County Commissioner. He served 2 full terms from 2014-2022. He did not seek reelection for a third term because, he believes there should be term limits in government at all levels.
He has a personal interest in Kansas, he was a military leader and a small Business owner. He has conservative views!! He believes in the right to bear arms, he is pro-life, he believes in a smaller government and reduced taxes.
Politicians represent the people they serve, and he takes that very seriously! He would appreciate your vote on August 6. Click here to follow him on Facebook. Semper Fi and God Bless!
Paid for by Rick James for KS State Representative.
Candidates for Bourbon County Sheriff on the August Primary Ballot
This is part of a series featuring the candidates who will appear on the August Primary Ballot in Bourbon County.
There are two candidates for sheriff.
Nelson Blythe, 29, has approximately seven years of “very proactive law enforcement,” he said.
“The primary role of the Sheriff is to protect life, property rights and Amendment rights of the residents of Bourbon County,” he said. “This includes protecting rights that are threatened by State or Federal authorities.”
“The most pressing issues should be to reign in the budget that has steadily been rising, work to bring in revenue by utilizing the jail, improve cooperation with the rest of the County officials and actively communicate with the public on progress in these areas all throughout the elected term, not just during election season.”
He is involved in the community work in law enforcement and commissioner work, he said. “I attend Gracelife Church for morning services and Bethel Community Church for evening services and I’m also a member of The Fort Jiujitsu Club.”
Bill Martin, 58, is the current elected Bourbon County Sheriff.
Martin sees the most pressing issue facing his office as:
“Maintaining staff and working with a limited budget to provide a professional service to the community,” he said.
The sheriff’s primary role is enforcing Federal and State laws; that do not interfere with both Kansas and U.S. Constitutions, he said.
His education:
- National Sheriff’s Institute NSI: (Class 109th) Aurora, Colorado.
- Executive Level Management Education and Training
- Rural Executive Management Institute (R.E.M.I.) A management education/training program designed to prepare rural law enforcement executives for unique challenges. Session XLIV, St. Louis Missouri.
- FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA)
- Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC)
- Basic Non-Commissioned Leadership Course (BNOC)
- 2020 Professional Development and Leadership Academy
- Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC)
- Kansas Sheriff’s Academy (KLETC)
- Kansas City Missouri Police Department Regional Training Center, 122nd class
His experience (34 years)
- Bourbon County Sheriff (current)
- S. Army (Active Service)
- Kansas National Guard (Military Police)
- Kansas City Missouri Police Dept.
- Pittsburg (Kansas) Police Dept.
- Fort Scott Police Dept.
He has been involved in the community in the following ways:
- Federal and State (public safety) Grant Program Reviewer/Elevator
- Homeland Security Council Representative for Bourbon County, Kansas
- Kansas Peace Officer Association, District 8 Board of Governor, seated member.
- Quest Speaker for the International Chief of Police Association, body-cam presentation, San Deigo, Ca. Aug 2023
- Fort Scott Community College Foundation Board
- Fort Scott Community College Criminal Justice Advisory Board
- Ali-Kemp Women’s Self-Defense T.A.K.E program training
- Special Olympics Golf Tournament Sponsor
- Fort Scott Men’s Kiwanis, Vice-President
- Fort Scott Presbyterian Seated Session member, building and grounds committee member.
- Substitute Teacher: Uniontown School District 235
- Boys Scout Pack 0114 Charter Organization Representative (Fort Scott)
- Good Neighbor Action Team, (GNAT) member
Kansas August Primary Election Candidates: Kansas House of Representatives
This is part of a series on the candidates on the August Primary Election ballot.
There are two candi dates for District 4 Kansas House of Representatives on the Bourbon County ballot.
Joshua Jones, 43, lives in Bourbon County.
He has three experience years as a Fort Scott City Commissioner and 20+ years as a small business owner.
Jones has been involved in his community in the following ways: Kiwanis, Chair of Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Advance Bourbon County, previous city commissioner, Christmas in the Park/Bricks committee, Bourbon County Core Communities
“The primary role of any elected official is to represent the people in their jurisdiction, as citizens are the ultimate authority. Unfortunately, many candidates make promises during election campaigns but fail to follow through once elected. When I served as a city commissioner, I was the only one to hold public forums while in office. Transparency and communication are essential.”
“The Kansas House of Representatives faces many pressing issues, with two major concerns being taxes and government overreach into our freedoms and liberties. Often, the government assumes it knows what’s best for us and enacts laws that infringe on our freedoms. The more this happens, the closer our government comes to resembling a dictatorship and less of a government for the people.”
Rick James, 61, lives outside of LaCygne.
He earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree and has
30 years of experience in the United States Marine Corps.
He has served two full terms as a County Commissioner (Linn County, Ks.); served 7 years on the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services, and 4 years on the Ks. Area on Aging for SE (Ottawa). He is a local business owner of Semper Fi Auction Services (2013) and Bravo Realty (2019).
His community involvement: a member of Lady of our Lord’s Catholic Church, member of Rotary 2010-2024, and has “Helped out doing benefit auctions for our non-profits locally. I’m a conservative and proud Republican. Semper Fi.”
The primary role of a Kansas House Representative to James is:
“Introducing good legislation that benefits our constituents. Reduce government where possible—serving as the voice to our constituents in legislative matters, advocating for their interests and concerns in Topeka. I will be fiscally responsible and work to lower taxes. By engaging with community groups, attending local events, and staying informed about local issues; I can be the sounding board for the 4th District.”
The most pressing issue in the Kansas House of Representatives is
“Taxes… first and foremost. We as local and state governments have got to work harder at being good stewards to our citizens when spending their money. Another issue is the recent attacks on rural America with green energy wanting to take 10’s of thousands of acres away from our landowners here in Bourbon and Linn County. Other bad ideas like Pikes Reservoir (10,000 acre lake proposed in Bourbon County) which was known in Topeka before land owners knew. There are many things our state can improve on so lets start where it hurts citizens the most (TAXES). We have a great district and I would appreciate your vote in August. “
Candidates for Bourbon County Commission on the August Ballot
This is a series featuring those who are candidates for the upcoming August Primary Election.
This is part of the series featuring the seven candidates running for Bourbon County Commission.
Jim Harris, 69, Fort Scott, is the incumbent District 2 Commissioner.
He attended Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College.
Harris has 34 years of experience in government. Duties with the city: planning and zoning administrator, codes director, and special public projects. With the county: sanitary inspector, emergency preparedness director, and public works director.
He has been married 52 years. “I have two wonderful sons and a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons one at Fort Scott Community College and one grandson is a Fort Scott Tiger.”
“Having served both the City of Fort Scott and the County for most of my professional life, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of commissioners’ decisions on every aspect of our county’s functioning,” he said. “From my tenure in various managerial capacities within the city to my time with the county’s Public Works department, I have cultivated a deep understanding of our community’s needs and challenges.”
The most pressing issue of the commission? In these challenging times, with significant projects and economic intricacies at play, it’s vital to prioritize sound fiscal stewardship and resolute leadership. I assure the constituents of District 2 that I’ll continue to serve them with the same dedication and determination that has marked my time in office thus far.”
Brandon Whisenhunt has lived in Mapleton with his wife Becky for over 24 years and they have four children. He was recently selected to replace Nelson Blythe as District 1 Commissioner.
He graduated from Uniontown High School and then served the country and was deployed to Iraq twice as an equipment operator and mechanic.
As part of community service, he helps organize the Mapleton Homecoming Celebration every year.
“I currently work for WM in Kansas City, Kansas as a trash truck technician,” he said.
“I believe the role of government is to protect the citizens and be a good steward of the tax dollars,” he said. “As District 1 Commissioner we have many things going on, first is the solar panel companies we have to find a good solution for those.”
“Second, is fighting Pikes Reservoir. No one wants it, so we need to do what we can to move it somewhere else in the county,” he said.
Clifton Beth, incumbent District 3 Commissioner, did not respond to the questions sent via email.
Clinton Walker, running for District 1 Commissioner, could not be reached for an interview.