Hays Post
Chris McGowne, Joe Leroux, Nathan Leiker and Randy Marintzer are all on the Republican ballot for the Third District seat on the Ellis County Commission. The primary will be Tuesday, Aug. 2. The Third District is the largest in land size of the three county commission districts. It is made up of six townships, which includes the entire eastern edge of Ellis County and an area north of Hays.
After the passage of two quarter-cent sales taxes in 2020, the county short term financial situation has improved but the taxes are scheduled to sunset in 2030. How do you propose the county improve its financial footing in the long term, and do you believe the sales tax should be extended?
It is too early to decide if they should be extended beyond their sunset in 2030. This is for several reasons such as the overall effective tax rate for Ellis County residents, economic health of the local economy, and the fact that we have a large number of fixed income residents. For example, oil prices are impossible to project ten years out, we are unsure of what the agricultural industry will be facing, what other taxes may be implemented at the state of local level, or what the fiscal health of the County is. However, I think it would be extremely prudent for the County to assume those taxes will expire upon their own terms.
Prior to adoption of the tax in 2020, Ellis County was one of the few Kansas counties that did not have a countywide sales tax. The County budget is traditionally funded through property taxes and fees which make up the bulk of the revenue. The sales tax was adopted in response to economic difficulties facing the county. When it was proposed, the county estimated that two-thirds of the revenue collected from the new taxes would come from outside residents.
The crucial aspect for me is that voters approved those taxes with the expectation of expiration in ten years. That was the way the taxes were framed, and I believe all too often “nothing is so permanent as a temporary government program”. I believe the county should be looking at this ten-year tax as an opportunity to use those funds to shore up future budgets and services, not as permanent revenue source that will be in place in perpetuity. Further, the circumstances for many household budgets have changed since the passage of those sales taxes. We have the highest inflation in the US since 1981, we have skyrocketing energy costs, a sharp rise in gas prices, and going to the grocery store often looks like a house payment. I believe elected officials should be looking to find ways to ease family financial pressures, not compound those issues.
Past commissions have earmarked a portion of the sales tax for infrastructure upkeep and improvements. As a commissioner would you continue to support that effort? Why or why not?
I absolutely would like to earmark a portion of the sales tax for infrastructure. Ellis County maintains over 1,400 miles of county roads and 200 bridges. This infrastructure is approaching 100 years in age and infrastructure maintenance and upkeep was a fundamental reason the sales taxes were initially approved. Elected officials have a responsibility to the public at large to live up to their obligations. There is a current backlog of projects, and county roads are fundamental to important local industries like agriculture, oil, and gas. Time and time again I have heard from citizens when I knock on their door that county roads are one of their top priorities. This is especially true for the voters living in the rural areas.
What do you see as the top concern of Ellis County voters over the next few years and what would you do to ease that concern?
I believe the top concern for Ellis County voters over the next few years will be the economy. By way of example, consumer energy costs have risen over twenty seven percent over the last year. Food costs have risen over eleven percent and are projected to continue to rise. Supply chain issues have caused shortages for things like baby formula, and when people can find those products, they are paying significantly more. Heck, bacon is now between nine and twelve dollars a pound, a double-digit year over year increase.
Family budgets are being crushed. According to every measurable economic marker, costs for the average family have seen the highest year over year increase in a generation. Another example is assessed values. Over the last few years, they have consistently increased, in some instances five or six figures. Combine that with the addition of the sales tax, the projected increase from the school bond, and the additional taxes we pay at the state and local level, and we have created a perfect economic storm for voters right as we head into a devasting recession. All signs point to an economic slowdown of great proportions, and the county has a responsibility consider those facts when making its year over year and five-year budget plans. It is quite simple. Who should bear the brunt of the looming recession, taxpayers or the government?
Of course, the second major issue is housing. There is quite clearly a housing shortage within Ellis County, and it is causing prices to inflate. The law of supply and demand says we should find ways get private parties together to build more affordable houses for Ellis County residents. I do not believe we should subsidize this development; it should be private parties working on finding solutions that allow for the market to drive the demand and availability.
Should the Ellis County Commission be more or less proactive in economic development in the county and, if so, what is the best way to attract business to the area?
Yes, I strongly believe the County should be more proactive in economic development. However, I believe this also a two-part issue. First, we should work on helping to protect and grow already established businesses. We have a lot of great opportunities in the oil and gas industry, agriculture, and health care industries along with service, retail and more. However, these employers are finding it hard to attract and retain employees. Even when they are can, supply chain issues, inflation, and other economic pressures are still making it difficult to expand. Add in the fact that businesses pay higher property tax rates and bear a large share of other tax burdens, we need to find ways to help them decrease costs while helping ensure our unemployment rate remains low.
With respect to attracting new businesses, we should focus on few simple things starting with quality of life. Ellis County is an amazing county with great people and a strong sense of community. We are by far the best place to live in western Kansas, and we should focus on building our bedroom community with those businesses that want to contribute to our way of life. Also, we should be promoting our regulatory environment and cost of living. Despite our community being rocked by the above issues, we are still a much better place to put a business than a large metro area or blue state. And finally, we should be letting people know that there are certain programs already in place that can work to attract outside interest. For example, Ellis County falls into a certain category where if people move into the community, in certain circumstances they are exempt from income taxes for up to five years. The County should be inventorying the already in-place programs we can use to bring economic growth to the area without having to spend additional funds or put in place special subsidies.
The commission has worked with the cities within Ellis County on various projects. Do you see any other opportunities for continued cooperation? Are there areas where the entities need to expand cooperation?
I believe both statements to be true. First, I should note that I am a strong supporter of home rule and local control. Our system of government is designed to let municipalities govern themselves, with the County being responsible for the unincorporated areas and merely providing support to the municipalities. With respect to areas of partnership, I believe issues such as public safety, economic development, emergency services, and roads and bridges are areas of common ground.
With respect to expanding cooperation I would want to ask the municipalities what they need. For example, I recently read where the City of Victoria is having meetings to find ways to develop certain projects like a grocery store. I would like to help them achieve those goals, but only to the extent they would want they help. I would not want any community to feel like the County is meddling in their affairs, so I would want to be sure any action taken was with the consent of those living in that community and their elected leaders and is done in the manner they dictate.
In your view, what is the primary difference between how you would serve as a county commissioner and the other candidates?
I can only speak for myself but my first focus as a County Commissioner is on transparency. For example, I have knocked on a lot of doors, and the information I hand out contains my email ([email protected]) and phone number (785-259-9233) so they can get a hold of me anytime. I cannot guarantee that I will solve every problem, and I certainly will not guarantee that all the voters will agree with every decision that I make. However, I want people to know that I will always hear anyone out, I will listen to new ideas, and I will always have a good reason for what I do and will be happy to explain myself anytime.
I have heard a lot about people wanting a new perspective. For example, which includes not having a preconceived notion on certain issues or having any family or business ties that would limit my ability to vote on things or be open to new approaches. I plan to govern Ellis County like I live my life, with a bias toward freedom, responsibility, and less is more when it comes to government.
In what ways does your personal and professional experience qualify you to serve as an Ellis County Commissioner?
I am a land use lawyer who has worked in local government and the oil and gas industry combined for over a decade. I studied land use, local government, energy, and health care in school, and have worked with planning and zoning, business development, and local budgets for most of my career. I have no ties, special interests, or other obligations that prevent me from making informed decisions that benefit all the citizens. I have experience working with people from all walks of life, and I was born and raised in this County and my family has been here since the 1960s. I love Ellis County, and I truly believe in its potential.
I am the most qualified because of my background, history, and experience. I have testified at hundreds of state and local meetings, I am an expert in land use regulations and local government, and I am comfortable talking to anyone. I believe I can bring people from all different perspectives together, and I am a person that is focused on finding solutions to problems as opposed to “what ifs”. Finally, I am pragmatic. I understand the proper role of government, what it should and more importantly should not do. I understand that everyone does not get their way all the time, and my job is to do what is best for everyone, not myself.
What decision made by the county commission in the last few years did you disagree with and what would have been your decision?
I think the first example of a decision I disagreed with would be the Commission not sending the question of Ellis County expanding the Commission to the voters. This is an important distinction, as the next question deals with expansion itself.
I believe if citizens want something sent to the ballot, which should be their option. My job as a commissioner is to abide by the wishes of the voters. It is not to decide what should or should not be voted on. As Commissioner I pledge to vote to send the issue of five commissioners to the voters (see below) and send any other issue to the ballot box that a reasonable number of citizen’s support. That means things will fail, and some things will pass. But it will be up to Ellis County to make those decisions, not me.
A group of area real estate agents have called for the commission to expand from three members to five. Do you believe the commission would benefit from expansion?
I support the expansion from three to five Commissioners. I have heard from a number of voters they believe a five-member Commission would benefit the county. Further, according to my research, at least fifteen counties (15) have a five-member Commission, with those being comparable to Ellis County such as Barton, Finney, and Coffey.
There is a caveat. I would design the expansion as being three districts with two at-large seats, and I would take the current budgeted amount of approximately $57,000 and divide it amongst the five as to limit the fiscal impact of the expansion. This would reduce the pay of the Commission and would achieve the best outcome for the voters because it would give us a five-member board without having a big budget increase for salaries.
Opponents of the effort claim that it will make the commission less transparent, do you agree or disagree? What would you do to ensure transparency?
First, I will say again I am running on transparency and as a County Commissioner I will be willing to meet with anyone. I am happy to discuss any issues to the extent possible, and I will always be clear, honest and up front about what I believe and why.
With respect to the Commission, that argument is rooted in the Kansas Open Meetings Act, and assumes that if two Commissioners were to meet, they are discussing something that must be put on the record. Let me put it another way, under the current structure, two Commissioners could not have a friendly breakfast together to get to know one another without the meeting being noticed. Such a scenario sounds extreme, and I think most reasonable people would agree with that. I point this out because certain procedures and protections are in place to ensure transparency is, and would continue, to exist. For example, there is always public notice, public comment, and a formal process any permit, approval, or budget would go through. People are always able to talk to their elected officials and I encourage them to do so. There is the planning and zoning board, and there are several other boards, commissioners, and government employees that will make sure transparency exists. There is also the Kansas Open Records Act, and more.
Further, I would be happy to revisit the board’s ethical policies and operating procedures to put in place any rules, procedures or protections that are reasonable in nature and would help remove any concerns. From my perspective, five member boards have operated well in many locations. Finally, I think by expanding to a five-member board it helps transparency because it allows a more in-depth dive by commissioners over their respective departments, which would better equip them to ensure responsible stewardship of county resources and will better prepare us to answer any questions from constituents.
Editor's note: Hays Post compiled a list of relevant questions for all candidates, who received and responded to that same list.