<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596211367391.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>As
COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Ellis County and throughout Northwest
Kansas, what should be the role of the county commission in community health
decisions and how is that role best accomplished?I would talk with the head of the EMS. He is the
medical matter expert and communicate with the medical center. The Ellis County
Commissioners can then make the decision.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?More proactive. I would work with the city and Ellis
County and have a good relationship with the city of Hays. I would work with
Hays to get more water to Hays and higher-paying jobs, which will make our
people spend more. If they make more, they will spend more.Several
high-profile disagreements have occurred this year with other county level
elected officials and the county commission. Going forward, what is the best way
to ensure that all county departments work in a cohesive manner?More meetings with the department heads to have a
good communication with the employees under them.In
what ways would you improve communication between city governments and the
county commission?The city commissioners should attend county
meetings. Same with the county commissioners — they should go to city meetings.This
year, two sales tax measures passed by the voters helped to alleviate strain on
the county budget, but long term concerns remain, how best can the county
commission stabilize their budget for the foreseeable future?I think for now Ellis County should just maintain
what we have until a somewhat normal need returns.If
elected, in what ways would you be a better servant of the public
interest than the other candidates? By talking with them and Ellis County taxpayers. I
would go to the surrounding cities, town meetings and fire meetings and get
involved.What
do you see as the top concern of Ellis County voters over the next few years
and what would you do to alleviate that concern?Ellis County spending too much money. I would keep
people involved and appoint Ellis County meetings to speak their opinions.How
do you plan to address road and infrastructure concerns in Ellis County?The way I see it, a road tour encounters on high
volume roads for traffic. Repair the roads as a scheduled maintenance program.In
what ways does your personal and professional experience qualify you to serve
as an Ellis County Commissioner?My experience with construction works, small and
large. I am an electrician, plumber and work with people to listen and talk
with them to reach common sense.In
your view, what is the primary difference between how you would serve as a
county commissioner and the other candidates?I will be in the Ellis County administrative office
in all departments for more than a morning and more than 15 minutes. I will
spend one to two hours minimum, just so I can see if more or less help is
needed in certain offices, including field operations.What
decision made by the county commission in the last few years did you disagree
with and what would have been your decision?Some of the raises that were given needed to be
distributed throughout the county employees. Many
county staff members received raises this year bringing them closer to the
market average for their positions, but remain under the average. How would you
ensure that county employees are paid an equitable wage now and into the
future?The employees of Ellis County should get a cost of
living raise and budget the raises. They make up a good percentage of the Ellis
County workforce.The
Ellis County Attorney has repeatedly asked for additional staff to be hired in
that office. Do you agree with that position and how would you address that as
a commissioner?I would like to visit that office and see what the
workload is on a weekly basis. If I see it needs another position, then we could
budget it for them.

CANDIDATE PROFILE Ellis County Commission: Neal Younger