The six candidates for Hays City Commission were interviewed by the Hays Post. Their responses are being presented in a question-and-answer format. The other candidates running include Samuel Allen, Reese Barrick, Candace (CJ) Hathaway, Sandy Jacobs, David Koshiol and David Vilaysing.
Allen did not respond to Hays Post's request for an interview. Allen was arrested on a charge of alleged blackmail in July.
Also listed on the ballot but not pursuing office are Kelly Ancar and Justin Choitz.
Three seats are available on the board. The two candidates with the highest number of votes will each receive a four-year term. The third-highest candidate will serve a two-year term. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Age: 53
Occupation: Account representative for Nex-Tech
Why are you running for Hays City Commission?
I think we have some unfinished business. For me, mainly, it's our water project.
I think in the next three or four years, we'll at least have the approval process over with.
The commission we have has put a lot of time and effort into that, and I think it'd be the right people to continue it.
When the current term is over with, I will have served Hays a little over 12 years.
I love representing Hays.
As an incumbent, what do you think is the most impactful legislation enacted by the governing body since you were elected?
Looking in the last four to five years, I think that relaxing the RHID (Reinvestment Housing Incentive District) policy has let more people use it, and the proof is we've got a lot more houses being built.
That was the whole reasoning behind it. The frustrating part is we're still not getting the exact kind of houses we feel like we need, but we're definitely getting houses built.
It's been suggested by a local developer that the city provide free land for construction of new homes costing $150,00 or less. What are your thoughts about housing in Hays?
Currently, what we're being told, and city staff is meeting with some other groups, is that it's not even possible to build a $200,000 house, much less $150,000.
People have come to us about a lot of low-income housing, and we've approved it every time for them to apply for low-income housing grants.
There's not a lot of profit for the builder, and they're in it to make money.
But a lot of those grants have been taken away or sunsetted. They're not going to make enough profit, so they're not going to build low-income housing.
Even if the city gives them the land, I still don't believe they can build houses, which are considered low-income.
What is the most pressing issue(s) the city of Hays faces?
To me, water should always be our No. 1 issue.
Housing, and having the right kind of housing, which we're working on, is also important.
Also, having enough retail.
All of these are being worked on like crazy, and they're three of the hardest things that I've ever dealt with as a commissioner. They just don't happen fast.
We have some stuff behind the scenes that we can't announce yet, but it's really close. I think people will be excited about it.
The city narrowly avoided a 2-mill levy increase in the 2026 budget. How would you keep the mill levy at 25 mills? Should it instead be increased?
I don't think we should seriously consider an increase, but I do believe we need to make sure that stuff we're using or building needs to be sustainable.
You always hear us talk about parks. Parks are great, but they're very tough to keep up with, and we have to figure out a way to be sustainable.
No, we don't want to raise the mill levy, but as things increase, it's gonna have to happen.
We've got a great city staff, and they've been able to move stuff around so we haven't had to.
You never want to say never because things change.
If we have a strong retail or sales tax, that helps everything.
I have no thought of raising the mill levy in the next few years.
The governing body of Hays chose to remain revenue neutral for the budget year 2026.
Should each city park become more "individualized," offering different/fewer amenities at each location to save maintenance costs?
If a park is being used, we need to take care of it.
But it's just different nowadays. Kids aren't outside as much using the parks like we used to.
I just think we need to evaluate every single park in the very near future.
If we can specialize in different parks, make it better, and more kids come out, I'll be the first one in line to do it.
We do spend a lot of money on green space that sometimes doesn't get used.
But we also have a lot of [sports] teams that practice at those parks. You don't want to take that away. Traveling sports is a huge thing anymore, having enough practice facilities.
Are there areas in the city budget or departments that can be streamlined? What would you change in the city's current operations?
We challenge them every year to be as productive as possible and also not to spend more than they need to. I think they do a great job.
Some residents may express an opinion to the commission. They do have some good ideas. Sometimes we put those into practice. Other times, it's not possible.
Sometimes, as a commissioner, you're so close to the situation, you don't think outside of the box. That's why I've always enjoyed sitting down with residents, even if they're complaining to you. I enjoy listening because you do learn a lot from them.
Should the city get involved in the operation of the public transportation program ACCESS, which is struggling with its funding? Should the city offer greater financial support?
I think we need to be looking into it.
It's a need. There are a lot of people who use those services to get to work. If you don't have that, they can't get work, and that hurts businesses and everything.
But, off the top of my head, I don't have a better way. Rideshares were mentioned and funding them a little bit.
I haven't yet done any research into it, but if something is constantly losing money, I think you definitely need to look at it and see if you can change something.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Like I've always said, if you have questions for me, please contact me.
Local elections do count. We really, really need people to get out and vote.
The way I look at it is, if you like the way your community is going, please vote us back in. But if not, then you have an opportunity for some new people.
I will listen to what people have to say and will represent people the best I can. But I have to do it for the whole community and not just a few people at a time.
I take great pride in representing this community.
As told to Becky Kiser/Hays Post