Kendell Dawn Mason is a Republican running for Bourbon County Clerk in the upcoming election. Here are a few interview questions with her answers.

1. Please tell readers a little bit about yourself and your background.

I am Kendell Dawn Mason and I have lived in Bourbon County most of my life. I live with my husband Steve and our daughter Ashton. Our son, Alex just completed his active duty enlistment with the United States Marine Corps. He lives in Bourbon County with his wife Holli. I graduated from Fort Scott High School and graduated from Fort Scott Community College with an Associate of Science Degree. I am a Kansas State licensed Emergency Substitute Teacher, Kansas State licensed Cosmetologist, and a Kansas State licensed C.N.A. I worked at Great West Insurance Company for 8 years and worked at Bourbon County Courthouse in the Clerk’s office for 7 1/2 years. While there I was the Personnel Director. My job duties were…accounts payable, payroll, all employee benefits including Kpers, insurance, sick and vacation benefits, W2’s, 1099’s, State and Federal taxes and reports. I assisted with Homestead and Food Sales tax preparations, assisted with elections, sold Kansas wildlife and parks licenses, I was a notary for the State of Kansas, as well as various other duties as assigned.

2. Why are you running for office?

I know that if elected I can do the job professionally and accurately. And I think it is time we see some positive changes in the Clerk’s office.

3. What do you feel is the single most important issue facing the county?

I think the most important issue facing the county is the same issue that we all face and that is financial burdens.

4. Why do you think you are a better choice for voters than the incumbent?

I am a very conservative spender. I believe that when it comes to the taxpayers money, every measure should be taken to eliminate excess spending which will help prevent escalating taxes in our county. I realize that the taxpayers pay county employees wages and that as a county employee you work for the taxpayers of this county.

5. What is the single most important skill you would bring to the office?

Professionalism

6. If elected, what would your top priority be during your first 90 days?

My top priority in the first 90 days would be to organize the records kept in the county clerk’s office and to learn any of the job duties that I am not already familiar with.

7. Health insurance is one of the fastest growing expenses the county is facing. What are some ways you’d recommend the county deal with this issue?

Most county employees do not have a large salary, but there are excellent benefits including leave time and insurance benefits – I think the benefits help make up for what’s lacking in their salary. I know first hand how important it is to have excellent insurance benefits and I would not want to take that benefit away from the employees.

A Candidate Forum will be held on July 31 in the Theater of the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College.  Forum begins at 6 pm. Doors open at 5:30.  The Public is encouraged to attend.  This event is sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

Be sure to vote on August 7!