Nov 01, 2024

LETTER: Writer questions flyer on Ellis County Clerk race

Posted Nov 01, 2024 2:00 PM

I have never given much thought to the position of the County Clerk until I received another flyer (3rd) from the Kansas Union Civil Liberties (KUCL), so I figured I would do my own research rather than having an organization do it for me.

On the flyers the KUCL says they are not endorsing or opposing either candidate. I found it interesting that Allen said yes to all the questions, and Dreiling had no response. With their answers being so far apart, I was curious as to what both candidates were asked, and what form these questions were asked in.

I went to their website KansansUnited.org and read the questions they were both asked. This was the moment of clarity and I realized that the KUCL seems to be somewhat biased against Dreiling despite their claim of neither endorsing or opposing either candidate.

The flyer states Allen pledged Yes, she would put polling places that are more “conveniently located” in Ellis County? The actual question was: “Do you pledge to put a polling location on FHSU campus in 2025?” I found the question and what was stated on the flyer was very deceiving. I have to only guess that Allen is okay with this misinformation as it is well known FHSU campus is only convenient for the students and not everyone in Ellis County. I would think this will cost tax payers more money for the election budget.

The next question that Allen pledged Yes to was making polling locations more accessible to the disabled and elderly. Dreiling had no response. I understand why Dreiling would not respond to this because all the polling sites are already ADA compliant. I wonder if Allen is considering additional changes to these places that will cost the taxpayers more money since by law Dreiling is already doing what she has to with the polling places.

A question that Allen pledged Yes to but did not make it on the flyer; but since I did my research, I’ll share it with you: She pledged Yes that there will be Spanish materials available for elections starting in 2025. I called County Clerk Dreiling to ask her about this. Clerk Dreiling said the Secretary of State would mandate any county when they meet the requirements, and then they would then be required to supply Spanish ballots. Dreiling also mentioned this will come with a big price tag and the election budget would have to be increased. As of now Ellis County does not meet those required mandates. Again it seems as Allen is wanting to spend more tax dollars on something that is not needed.

What I finally garnered from the flyers is candidate Allen can’t wait to spend our tax dollars . My decision will be based on how my tax dollars are being currently used by Dreiling, and not what Allen, if elected, intends to do in 2025. If you are concerned about your taxes, I hope that you do your own research and make the right decision.

— Rick Pfannenstiel