A letter of resignation was submitted to Bourbon County by Leroy Kruger on Tuesday, March 18, and forwarded to the Kansas Governor’s Office.
According to Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk, the Bourbon County Republican Party has 21 days from the day they receive the notice of vacancy from the Governor’s Office to appoint someone to the seat. The Republican Party will post notice of the vacancy and hold a special meeting where interested individuals will attend, and an appointment will be made. The Republican Party will certify their appointment with the Governor’s Office who will then approve the appointment and issue a certificate of office to the new appointee.
“I am still notifying precinct men and women and waiting on official notice from the secretary of state’s office,” said Kaety Bowers, chair of the Bourbon County Republican party.
She expects to receive that notice early next week. Once notice is received, the party will release an official statement that the position is open. A convention will follow with open interviews to ask questions of any interested candidates. Then the Republican precinct men and women will vote for their candidate of choice.
“The Republican party men and women are ready and confident in our ability to do so,” said Bower.
The individual appointed will not be able to conduct business as a County Commissioner until they receive their certificate from the Governor’s Office.
Hawkins has been keeping a file of resignations for the past two years, and remembers other resignations of commissioners during her 11 years of working for the county. Most recently, Nelson Blythe, 1st District Commissioner, resigned 4-1-2024 and Brandon Whisenhunt was appointed to fill the vacant seat.
Lynne Oharah, 1st District Commissioner, resigned 7-13-2022 and Nelson Blythe was appointed to fill the vacant seat. Nick Ruhl, 3rd District Commissioner, resigned 8-26-2020 and Clifton Beth was appointed to fill his vacant seat.