Hays Post
Hays Post emailed a questionnaire to each of the five candidates running for the three open seats on the Hays city commission:
Kelly Ancar, Reese Barrick, Alaina Cunningham, Diana Pantle, and Mason Ruder.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To find your polling location, click here.
Diana F. Pantle
NAME: Diana F. Pantle
AGE: 73
OCCUPATION: retired
INCUMBENT? No
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Ellis County Master Gardener – Secretary of the Advisory Council
Member of the Hays Public Library Foundation
Caretaker of one of the Little Free Libraries
Participate as a Senior Companion through the program with FHSU
Acting President of a new chapter of the Audubon Society
Former member of the Retention, Recruitment, Sustainability committee of Grow Hays where I was the catalyst for the production of 30-second promotional videos extolling the benefits of the Hays area
1. Why have you decided to run for a position on the Hays City Commission?
I love this community and want to do whatever I can to maintain and/or improve the city
2. What are the top three issues you believe the city will face in the next four years?
Water, attracting young people to move to the area, sustaining existing businesses as the older business owners retire
3. Is there something you would like to see change about any Hays city ordinance or program?
I have a few ideas, the least of which is the possibility of residents being allowed to keep a small (3-4) flock of hens (no roosters) within the city limits. I’d like to see mandatory licensing of massage therapists to ensure that those in this field have proper training. I’d like to see voting made more accessible not less. There has been a movement to allow a polling place on campus, I am in support of this endeavor. The Master Gardeners are interested in finding an area/areas where community gardens might be placed allowing residents without the space to grow their own gardens under the guidance of the ECMGs
4. In light of increasing valuations, should the city of Hays reduce its mill levy?
I understand this is a hot topic/button, however I need more information (overall impact to not just the city but homeowners/businesses) before I feel even remotely qualified to answer this question. Why or why not? without being armed with the impact statement if you will, I do not want it reduced. Again, with the information, my feeling is I don’t want to have any city services or the school system to suffer should revenue be reduced
5. What experience/background do you have that would make you a good city commissioner?
I listen, assess and think before making a decision
6. What would you do, if elected, to attract or retain businesses to the community?
I feel by promoting the virtues of a smaller city (less traffic, air pollution), we can extoll the richness of life possible here. Availability of free to low cost, cultural events are a huge plus for me and I don’t think gets enough recognition. Shouting from the rooftops, so to speak, that residents care enough about the future generations to have passed the school bond. The availability of good healthcare is another big plus.