A candidate forum held Monday night at the Raymond Frye in Wellington held good turnout — both by candidates up in November and by area residents.
State and local officials were present and first introduced themselves to the audience of nearly 100 people before moving on to the issues that are driving them this election.
Every race from U.S. Senate District 4 down to the uncontested seat of District Court Judge was present at the forum.
Representatives for Sen. Pat Roberts and Todd Tiahrt were on hand to voice why their candidate should be picked.
Steve Abrams, candidate for Kansas Senate District 32, made his desire to see lower taxes known.
The Arkansas City veterinarian, who is running against incumbent Greta Goodwin, said the opportunity for economic development in the area would only be present once businesses felt “safe.”
“Money goes where it feels safe,” Abrams said.
He also focused on keeping jobs in Kansas, siting the latest need for engineers by major aircraft industries in Wichita.
Goodwin said she knew what farmers were going through and knocked the inexperience of Abrams.
“Experience counts,” she said. “You have to be a major in everything.”
Among the issues Goodwin is campaigning for are affordable healthcare and funding for education.
Unopposed candidates Kasha Kelly, running for the Kansas House of Representatives District 79, and Vince Wetta, running for District 80, were next to speak and told the audience to remember to vote and to make their presence known at the polls.
Candidates for the Kansas House of Representatives District 81 Peter DeGraaf and Mark Hardison were on hand as well.
Hardison said he would fight for rural water districts and education, along with helping those in agriculture.
“My upbringing is in agriculture and it’s made me a very strong and independent problem solver,” Hardison said.
DeGraaf told of his three months in the legislature — having replaced Ted Powers — and said he was a strong conservative. DeGraaf said his conviction towards family, education, the second amendment and immigration would trickle down into his time in the legislature.
“I would be a strong defender of those issues,” he said.
Paul Cassanova and David Dennis gave their stance on why they should be picks for the State Board of Education seat.
“I think we need to meet or exceed the standards,” Cassanova said of education standards such as No Child Left Behind.
Dennis said he was pro-teacher and wants to raise the wages of educators, to “treat them as the professionals they are.”
“I want to see a highly qualified teacher in every classroom,” said Dennis.
Unopposed candidates Jim Newell, county commison District 2, and Shane Shields, county clerk, were next up. They were followed by Carolyn Heasty who is conducting an unopposed write-in campaign for county treasurer.
Candidates for county attorney, Evan Watson and incumbent Kassie McEntire both spoke of the importance of what the county attorney does and why they should be voted to the position.
Watson said he would ensure the law was enforced to state statute standards. His experience as a City Council member for the City of Wellington was also a plus, he said.
McEntire said freedom of information for the public and better communication between departments was needed for the future.
The most heated debate of the night, however, was between candidates for County Sheriff Edwin Amrein and incumbent Gerald Gilkey.
While Amrein accused the current department of overspending and irresponsibility in day-to-day affairs, Gilkey countered saying the department was making money for the County and keeping residents safe.
“Have we done a good job? Yes and no. Can we make improvements? Absolutely,” Gilkey said. He said he was determined to improve the department further.
Last to speak was District Court Judge William Mott who briefly introduced himself and said he would love to hear from the community on any issues or concerns they may have with Sumner County legal system.
Wellington, Kan. —
