This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County. The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.
Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local candidates.
Derick Burke, 37, is running for the Sheriff of Bourbon County, Kansas position.
He is an Oak Grove, MO High School graduate and also graduated from the Carpenters Union Apprenticeship program and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.
His experience includes ten years in the Carpenters Union and six years in law enforcement.
What skills do you bring to the position if elected or re-elected?
“I have knowledge of law enforcement, records management, how property and evidence should be handled, and what it takes to have a successful department. In the past ,I have been successful with budgets by managing time and manpower, ordering materials, and setting the schedule. I was efficient, effective, on time, never over budget, and never had to ask for more money to finish the task I was given.”
What is your priority on day one?
“My very first priority is personnel retention. I believe it is imperative I sit down with each of the deputies to see what they think of the department, find out if there are any improvements they believe need to be made, and to see what they expect from me as their sheriff. I would also take this time to let them know what I expect from them. I think the department will improve exponentially if everyone has an open line of communication.”
Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?
You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.
Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.
Advance Voting is available prior to each election. You may advance vote in one of two ways: By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you OR in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.