Yesterday the Board of Canvassers made the decision to not put my name, Laura Allen, on the November General Election ballot as a candidate for Ellis County Clerk. I understand why they made that decision, based on input from state election officials. I absolutely believe that if I chose to challenge the statute, by bringing suit, I would win. I won’t go into the details again, a letter from John Bird explaining that position has been published. I do not; however, believe that a lawsuit is in the best interest of the county or the state. Unlike the Republican Party, who threatened a lawsuit immediately if my name was put on the ballot, my goal is not to put undue strain of any sort on already sparse resources.
I do; however, believe that the spirit of an election is choice. I do not, as has been suggested, have a personal agenda. In trying to learn and become more involved in how our county and city are run, I realized that the people of Ellis County have not had a “say” in their County Clerk for some time. While it has always been an elected position, when there is no opposition, there is no choice, essentially, no election. I also realized that I do not want to be one of the folks who complain and criticize without stepping up to try to make a difference. Because of this I will continue my write-in campaign, and give the voters a choice. A write-in campaign is more difficult, and will take a bit more work than marking a bubble, but, I don’t know very many Ellis County residents who are afraid of a little extra work, it’s that western Kansas work ethic we should be proud of!
I also feel it is important to explain why I did not file before the deadline. It was not a matter of not being serious, or a disregard for deadlines. As a single parent, I do not have an extra $700. Especially with socioeconomics changing frequently based on the COVID-19 pandemic. I also have a son who had a heart transplant almost three years ago, and is now immunocompromised. Putting us in a position to be in contact with a number of people we don’t know, in order to get signatures for a petition, was not in his best interest. When I read the requirements for a write in campaign, I felt 5 percent of registered Democrats was something I could achieve. We all know how that turned out! At this point, I don’t think anyone should question my dedication or my seriousness about this election.
I was born and raised in Hays, as were my parents and their parents before them. My great-great-grandparents settled in Catherine with the first group that ventured this far west to build a new life. My grandmother cut chickens at Al’s Chickenette, which was also my first job. I graduated from TMP and then Fort Hays with a degree in business administration. I have one child who graduated from Hays High School, one currently at Hays High and another who went to TMP. I am a member of St. Joseph’s Church and am active in community events.
I have had opportunities to move out of Hays, but have chosen to stay here. It is my home and where I belong. My only hope is that we are all engaged and doing what is best for our community, and that local government is an extension of that community.
I am truly looking forward to the next three months!
Laura Allen