Category Archives: Elections

Elections, Government, Kansas

Kansas August Primary Election Candidates: Kansas House of Representatives

Leave a comment
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.
Josh Jones.
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. Submitted photo.
 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. “
Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Candidates for Bourbon County Commission on the August Ballot

Leave a comment

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, 2nd District Bourbon County Commissioner, and current chair.

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, Submitted photo.
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.

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Candidates on the August Primary Ballot: Walker, Holdridge, Crux

Leave a comment

This is part of a series featuring candidates on the August Primary Election Ballot.

The following people have no opposition on the ballot:

Susan Walker. Submitted photo.

Susan Walker,49, is seeking the position of Bourbon County Clerk, and there are no other candidates on the ballot for this position.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from MSSU, is a Certified Municipal Clerk through Wichita State University, and is a Certified Public Manager through Kansas University.

“I have 20 years of combined experience in governmental accounting and human resources while serving as Finance Director and Assistant City Manager with the City of Fort Scott, Business Manager for U234, and most recently Chief Financial Officer for Bourbon County.  I also worked for NPC as their Human Resources Manager overseeing payroll, risk management and benefits for 40,000 employees across half of the United States at Pizza Hut and Wendy’s restaurants.”

“After losing my husband in a car accident in 2019, I needed to work closer to home for my daughter and was blessed to have the opportunity to return to the City of Fort Scott for a short time as Finance Director. I have worked for Bourbon County as CFO since January of 2022.”

“While serving as CFO I have identified a lack of financial controls which leads to errors.   When hired, the County had experienced five years of audit violations and unreconciled cash.  I worked with County Departments to address deficiencies and am pleased to say that the 2022 and 2023 audits had no violations.”

“The county form of government relies on statutory authority given to the County Clerk, Treasurer and Commission with very specific requirements for checks and balances.  Following these statutory checks and balances are important to protect the county from errors and fraud.  There are still many procedures to implement to protect the County in the future and I feel I can be more effective in making these changes as County Clerk.  Jennifer Hawkins (current County Clerk), Patty Love (current County Treasurer, and I have worked well together over the past two years. Patty has decided not to run for re-election as County Treasurer. Jennifer worked in the Treasurer’s office for five years and felt she would better serve the community in this role since she has experience in the Motor Vehicle office.  Jennifer is a wealth of knowledge for many departments in the County and this would also make the transition smooth if she were to be elected as Treasurer.”

“The Bourbon County Clerk serves as the clerk to the Board of County Commissioners and maintains all records for the board.  The Clerk is also responsible for ensuring budget and cash laws are being followed by each department and taxing entity.  The clerk is statutorily charged with calculating the July and November abstracts of valuation and taxation, preparation of the tax role, special assessments, and motor vehicle abstracts.  The County Clerk is also the Election Officer, sells licenses for KDWP, conducts permitting for fireworks and cereal malt beverages, maintains fixed asset inventory, assists taxpayers with Homestead and Food Sales Tax refunds, serves as Freedom of Information Officer, Administers Oaths of Office.  In addition, the Clerk administers accounts payable, payroll and human resources duties.

“Most of my working adult life I have held a position that serves our community.  I want to continue to serve the community in which I live in the most transparent, efficient, and professional manner possible.  There is a lack of trust in our community, and I plan to improve our website with current information to keep the community better informed.”

“As stated before, there are still many procedures to implement in financial controls.  I plan to work with all departments to reduce liability.”

“The most important issue to me for Bourbon County to be successful is electing individuals to positions with experience, the willingness to collaborate and work together, civility, and transparency.”

Lora Holdridge. Submitted photo.
Lora Holdridge, 57, is the current Bourbon County Register of Deeds and is running unopposed.
The  Bourbon County Register of Deeds’s primary role is ensuring all documents are recorded and indexed properly, she said.
“We deal with all real estate,” she said. “We record over 100 types of documents and index them in our track index books.”
“The most pressing issue for the register of deeds is to preserve all land records for the future,” she said.  “Where all land transactions begin.”
Holdridge has 20 years of experience in this job.
In her spare time, she enjoys “watching my grandchildren in various activities.”
James Crux. Submitted photo.

James Crux, 32, is the only candidate for the Bourbon County Attorney position and currently is the Assistant County Attorney in the Bourbon County Attorney’s Office.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts from  Fort Hays State University and J.D. Washburn University School of Law and has worked as a prosecutor since 2017.

“Bourbon County is a great place that is dealing with issues that a lot of what smaller communities are dealing with.  Keeping the residents of Bourbon County safe, alongside our law enforcement partners, is my biggest concern. ”

“I see the Bourbon County Attorney’s primary role as doing justice,” Crux said.

Bourbon County, Elections

Kansas State Senator District 13 Candidates On The August 8 Ballot

Leave a comment
This is part of a series of those candidates running in the Kansas Primary Eection in August, 2024.
The following are the  three candidates for  District 13 Kansas State Senator:
Tim Shallenburger. Submitted photo.
Tim Shallenburger, 70, Baxter Springs is the incumbent 13th District Kansas Senator, running again for the position.
Schallenburger attended Pittsburg State, served in the 1990s in the Kansas Legislature, past speaker of the Kansas House and former Kansas State Treasurer.
He has been involved over the years in many civic and community organizations; Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, etc. and has served as mayor of Baxter Springs prior to becoming state senator.
For Schllenburger, the primary role of a Kansas Senator is to protect freedoms outlined in the constitution, fight against wasteful spending and unnecessary regulation.
The most pressing issue currently in the Kansas Senate is to lower the state tax burden.
“We have a massive surplus of citizen’s money deposited in state bank accounts which should be in citizens bank accounts,”  he said.
Sam Owens. Submitted photo.

Sam Owen, 29, Fort Scott, graduated from Hamilton, MO. High School in 2014 and attended Fort Scott Community College from 2014-16 earning an associates degree in construction.

The primary role of a Kansas Senator is to ” be honest, trustworthy to the American people in this District 13. I going get the job done in the office my first four years in office. I am not going sit talk about it, I am going to fight and pass what should pass what shouldn’t be pass.”
The most pressing Kansas Senate  issues currently, in his view:
“1. Health Care Costs- We need to lower expenses for medical services, insurance premiums, and prescription drugs impact residents’ access to quality health care,
2. Lower taxes down,
3. Economic Growth- Infrastructure attracts businesses, creates jobs, and stimulates economic activity. And Increase minimum wages.
4. Education funding- Make schools better, safer, and more protected in each county.”
Austin Stapleton, Photo by Breana Clark.
Austin Stapleton, 30, lives in Pittsburg and attended
 Pittsburg State University.
In the past, he has been Bourbon County Democratic Party Vice Chairperson, Bourbon County Precinct Committeeperson, Co-founder and President of Crawford County Young Democrats.
 Currently, he is the Kansas Democratic Party Rural Caucus Secretary, Crawford County Precinct Committeeperson, and Kansas Democratic Party Second Congressional District Delegate.
Stapleton’s community involvement has been in Pittsburg Community Chorus Outreach Committee Chairperson, a member of Pittsburg Area Young Professionals, participant in Pittsburg Community Theatre and Triple Threat Threeatrics.
“The primary role of Kansas Senator is the sum of their constituents’ voices,” he said. “State senators have the responsibility and honor of representing their district’s values to wider state government. A state senator should always have the best interests of their district at heart when proposing legislation, confirming appointments,  allocating resources, and working to secure solutions across the aisle. If I am entrusted with the honor of representing District 13, I will use the skill set I’ve acquired from my time as a case manager to seek out and ensure safety, opportunity, and dignity for District 13.”
The most pressing issue of the Kansas Senate is “Securing the social, economic, and legislative safety of all Kansans is the paramount issue in the Kansas Senate. When working-class Kansans are well-represented by leaders who have their best interests at heart, we can ensure the dignity of affordable healthcare, career opportunities, well-funded public education, social acceptance, and constitutionally enshrined access to reproductive healthcare.”
To view the candidate series previously featured:
Bourbon County, Elections

Candidates for Bourbon County Commission In August 2024

Leave a comment

The following is part of a series on candidates for the August 2024 Primary Election.

This is the first in the series profiling Bourbon County Commission candidates.

Leroy Kruger. Submitted photo.

Leroy Kruger,51, Fort Scott. and is a graduate of Fort Scott High School GED. He is running for the District 3 position.

“I have a background in finance and law enforcement and currently work for the city of Fort Scott in the code and zoning enforcement,” Kruger said.

In his spare time, “I coach my grandsons in baseball basketball, and football,” he said.

“The primary role of a commissioner is to be the voice of those whom I represent,” he said.

He sees as pressing issues: a five-man commission,  shared services, and cutting the cost to recoup the carryover from year to year.

“They (the current commissioners) lowered the mil without cutting the budget,” he said. “So less money coming in with the same going out. To make up for this mistake they paid the overage with a carryover slush fund and have depleted it to the point that next year there won’t be any money to cover the cost without raising taxes or cutting a lot of jobs.”

Steve Houston. Submitted photo.
Steve Houston, 44, lives outside of Fort Scott on a farm that has been in his family since 1957. He is running for the District 3 position.
He is a 1998 graduate of Nevada High School, attended one year at Fort Scott Community College, and completed welding school at Missouri Welding Institute in Nevada, MO in 2001.
“I have no political experience,” he said. “My father was Third District County Commissioner for 12 years so I have a basic understanding of what is required and expected.”
“I’m not currently involved with any community activities because I am busy trying to raise my children,” he said. “The oldest is 11 and the youngest is 4-year-old twins. They keep my wife and I busy during any time we are away from work. I have a full-time job as a truck driver and equipment operator for Skitch’s Hauling and  Excavation, I am currently a substitute bus driver for USD 234 and hoping for a full-time position when school resumes. I’m no different than any other family man in Bourbon County. I work hard, I try my best to provide for my family, and I want to ensure a future for my kids in Bourbon County long after I’m dead and gone.”
“I believe the primary role of ANY elected official should be to represent, address, and voice the desires and concerns of the people that elected that official,” he said.
“As far as pressing issues, I don’t think any issue facing the county can be singled out. It depends on what group of people you are addressing as to what the pressing issue will be. Not every resident will view issues in the same order of importance. We are facing multiple issues and all are equally important.”
David Beerbower. Sumbitted photo.

David Beerbower, 60, Fort Scott has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is running for the District 2 position.

He has 16 experience years with the Fort Scott Police Department, 32 years military service with the United States Marine Corps and Kansas Army National Guard, serving one tour in Iraq. He has also worked 22 years for Evergy.

He is a husband and father of seven daughters and 19 grandchildren.

He is a top contributor to the Facebook site; Concerned Citizens of Bourbon Co. Citizens for Property Rights.

Beerbower says the primary roles of county commissioners are leadership, teamwork, and stewardship.

“A county commissioner is one of the top decision-makers for the county,” he said. “You need to be a motivator and provide the support that gives your people the best opportunity for success…, look for alternative ideas and solutions to continuously improve operations. Because you are one of three or five, being a team player is vital to the overall success of county operations. Finding common ground and looking at the big picture is essential for the success of projects and development. The most important role of a county commissioner is being a good steward of our citizen’s tax dollars… managing this money and finding efficient ways to reduce costs is one means of reducing this burden.”

Reestablishing trust between commissioners and citizens is the most pressing issue, he said.

“Elected representatives need to be straightforward in their decisions, humble in their dealings with their citizens and they need to take ownership of action. Service to others should always be the mindset. My campaign slogan is Can Do!…a positive attitude having the mindset that you can achieve anything. Being proactive, taking on all challenges, and facing difficulties with the attitude that it can be solved. All the issues this county faces; taxes, economic development, and infrastructure takes involvement from everyone. If you don’t have the trust that you are working for them, then your answer will always be ‘There’s nothing we can do, or our hands are tied'”.

Bourbon County, Elections, Jobs

Candidates File for Primary Election: Change Coming For Bourbon County Government

Leave a comment
The Vote Here sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National in 2018.

The Bourbon County Primary Election Day will be on August 6.

“Early voting will begin on July 29, to give everybody a week to come in early to vote,” Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said.

Five Bourbon County Government officials are seeking re-election this year.

And there is a shift in elected personnel.

Patty Love, the current Bourbon County Treasurer, has decided to retire and will not seek re-election this year, according to Hawkins.

“After much consideration, I have decided to run for Bourbon County Treasurer,” she said. “I spent five years working in the  Treasurer’s Office and feel my knowledge and experience are needed in that office.”

Love, Hawkins, and Bourbon County Chief Financial Officer Susan Walker have worked closely on county issues over the past few years, Hawkins said.

“We are making great progress within the organization, as evident by the good audits, however; I feel there is still more to accomplish, and I can help accomplish this by being Treasurer,” she said.

“Susan Walker, CFO, has played an integral part in my success as County Clerk and I feel she would be an excellent Clerk as she has 20 years of experience in human resources and municipal finance and government,” Hawkins said.

“Many do not know that Susan is a Certified Municipal Clerk through Wichita State University,” Hawkins said. “Given how well our offices have worked in the past I feel this will make for a smooth transition. Our plans are to create policies and procedures to ensure financial controls are in place for future elected officials.”

“By working together and developing policies and procedures there will be checks and balances in place and the need for a Chief Financial Officer can be eliminated potentially saving the wages of the CFO or reallocating the wages to other needs,” Hawkins said.

The following are the other incumbents and their challengers, with a short explanation of the duties of the office.

Commissioners

All three of the commissioner seats are up for re-election.

The current three County Commissioners, Clifton Beth (District 3), Jim Harris ( District 2), and Brandon Whisenhunt (District 1) have thrown their hat in the ring to serve again.

Those running against them are Clinton Walker, David Beerbower, Steven Houston, and Leroy Kruger.

The county commissioners are the chief elected officials of the county, according to the county’s website. They set policies and procedures for running the courthouse and set the budgets for all Bourbon County departments.

County Attorney

Tiara McElroy is not running again for Bourbon County Attorney and James Crux has filed for that position.

The county attorney is the prosecuting attorney for the county.

Register of Deeds

Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge has filed for the position again and no one filed to run against her.

The register of deeds keeps and records all deeds to property located in the county, according to the county’s website.  He/She maintains military discharge records and school records as well.

County Treasurer

Jennifer Hawkins and Michael Hoyt are running for county treasurer. Hawkins is the current Bourbon County Clerk.

According to the county’s website, the county treasurer collects and distributes all real and personal property taxes and is an agent for the Kansas Division of Vehicles for vehicle and title registrations.

County Clerk

Susan Walker, the current Bourbon County Finance Director, has filed for the Bourbon County Clerk position.

The county clerk is the county’s chief election officer who maintains voter registration and conducts all elections in the county, according to the county’s website.  He/she sets the tax roll and keeps records for the county as Freedom of Information Officer.

Sheriff

Sheriff Bill Martin filed to run again and is being challenged by Nelson Blythe.

The county sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county, according to the county’s website.

 

To view all the state and other county filings provided the county clerk:

2024 Primary Election Candidates – Copy

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Bo Co Democrats Meet on June 9

Leave a comment
Bourbon County Democrats will hold a working meeting on Sunday June 9th from 2 – 4 p.m.
We will meet in Zimmerman Hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott. Please enter using the south doors.
The meeting will consist of an overview of the field plan for this election year as well as the assignment of voter lists and preparation of mailings. Please come ready to work–and to have fun.  We have enough of both for all of you!
For information, contact chair Carol MacArthur by text or phone call at 620 215 1505.

Bourbon County, Elections

Today Is The Day For Healthcare Sales Tax Question To Be Decided

Leave a comment
Vote Here sign at the Bourbon County Courthouse.

People who have been wanting to make their voices heard on a sales tax to establish and operate emergency healthcare in our community will soon have their chance.

The Bourbon County Commission election is today, May 14 for voters to decide.

“It was suggested months ago to put the matter of a healthcare sales tax on the ballot when the subject of subsidizing an emergency room, due to  Ascension Via Christi closing the emergency room, was first announced,” said Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins.

To view the press release of the closure:

December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott

Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.

At the March 11, 2024 meeting of the Bourbon County Commission, Commissioner Clifton Beth made a motion to approve a community vote on the idea.

Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.

“The original question asked for a one-half cent sales tax, but Clifton made a motion to approve the question changing it to a one-quarter cent sales tax and it was approved by all three Commissioners,” Hawkins said. “The purpose of the sales tax is to be used as needed for the establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County.”

 

 

Here is the wording of the question that will be asked of Bourbon County residents:

Shall the following be adopted?

 

Bourbon County shall adopt a one-quarter cent retail sales tax effective October 1, 2024, and continuing for 5 years. Said tax shall be used as needed for establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County. Upon termination, remaining tax funds shall be used for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and/or property tax reduction as determined by the Bourbon County Commissioners.

 

              Yes

              No

Bourbon County, Elections

Bourbon County Democrats Kick-Off Get Out The Vote

Leave a comment

What: Bourbon County Democrats’ GOTV (Get out the Vote) kickoff begins with an orientation by Kansas Democrats State Leadership team.
Where: Zimmerman Hall (in basement) of the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., Fort Scott.
When: Sunday, May 19 th , 2024, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Please call or text 620 215 1505 for more information or to rsvp.
 This is for training for our county volunteers, anyone concerned about the upcoming election and willing to help get out the vote.
 Some of our county’s field plans will be discussed and the reasoning behind it.
 Discussion of issues and how to talk about them with others.
 This training isn’t just for people going door to door. It’s for people who will volunteer in any way they can or wish.
Please call or text 620 215 1505 for more information.