In a news release Tuesday, sitting Hays City Commissioner Michael Berges announced he has filed to run for the Ellis County Commission First District seat.
The seat is currently held by Butch Schlyer, who has yet to file for re-election.
Berges will seek the Republican nomination in the August primary and to then fill the four-year term during the November general election. The First District represents a portion of Hays and the northwest part of Ellis County, including the city of Ellis.
“I was encouraged to run by many that know my interest in keeping current on issues about our communities and county as a whole," Berges said. "There are large projects involving housing, road/bridge construction, and facility plans among other topics that need a sound commission focused on growth and improvement.”
Berges is employed by Development Services of Northwest Kansas and currently serves as treasurer on the board for the ARC of Central Plains, chair of the Tiger Takedown Club and current vice-mayor for the city of Hays. He is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and participates at First United Methodist Church as well, where his wife, Erica, is a member.
“I believe the county continued focus on improving infrastructure and providing quality emergency services will help advance economic vitality and innovation for the citizens of Ellis County," he said. "To reach our goals, it takes a cooperative effort from many entities throughout Ellis County and I enjoy being a part of those efforts”
Berges is a 2004 graduate of Fort Hays State University with a degree in political science. His and his wife, Erica, director of the United Way of Ellis County, have three sons — Jackson, 10, Noah, 6, and Isaac, 4.
“My family and I feel fortunate to live and work in Hays. We’ve both kind of found a niche calling of working for nonprofits that help so many individuals and organizations throughout Ellis County and western Kansas," Berges said. "We have a lot of first-hand conversations about the impact local decisions make on everyday life.
“It would be a tremendous honor to serve the people of Ellis County as commissioner. We have great communities and I look forward to introducing myself to voters in the coming months.”