News release
Dr. Edward H. Hammond filed as a Democratic candidate for the 111th District of the Kansas House of Representatives. The appropriate paperwork and filing fees were personally submitted to the Secretary of State’s office in Topeka by Hammond.
Dr. Hammond, an Ellis Country resident since 1987, served as the President of Fort Hays State University for almost 28 years (1987 - 2014). He retired from teaching at the University in July of 2021. During his Presidency, the FHSU grew from 5,000 students to 15,000 students. Dr. Hammond served on the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was named Citizen of the Year in 1994 and received the Hall of Fame award in 2009. Hammond also served on the Executive Committee of the Kansas Calvary, which is the state’s voluntary economic development organization, under 3 former Kansas Governors. Hammond was awarded the Kansas Calvary’s Silver Stirrup Award, the highest honor within this organization.
Hammond commented that he hadn’t planned on running for political office when he retired. “As I continued to watch the votes being made by our current district representative, many of which ignore the critical needs of the district, I felt I had a responsibility to the communities in our area”, said Hammond. His four major concerns are:
* Failure to expand KANCARE-Medicaid, a decision that cost Hays Medical Center, and the citizens of Hays millions of dollars.
*Failure to provide full state funding for USD 489, including Special Education, at both the public and private schools within the district.
*Failure to obtain fair and equitable funding for Fort Hays State University.
*Failure to maintain appropriate funding for maintenance of roads and highways.
Hammond added that the current district representative seems more interested in maintaining a perfect State Chamber voting record, than addressing the needs of the citizens of the district. “I am excited and look forward to visiting with the residents of the 111th District as I campaign. I want to be an advocate for their concerns," said Hammond.
Hammond’s campaign manager is Trina Powell of Hays and campaign treasurer is retired Kansas State Senator Janis Lee of Hays.
The 111th District seat is currently held by Rep. Barb Wasinger, Hays.