By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
An analysis of court records has revealed Hays City Commission candidate David Koshiol has a past criminal record and an eviction.
Most of Koshiol's charges stem from incidents at least 10 years ago.
The most serious charge was an arrest for aggravated assault in 2012 involving a knife. That case was dismissed with prejudice, according to court records.
Koshiol pleaded guilty to felony theft in 2008 based on an incident in 2005.
Koshiol, 39, would have been about 19 at the time. Koshiol explained in his interview with the Hays Post on his candidacy that he had a difficult childhood, having been raised in the foster care system.
He said in that interview, "I was nudged by others into running for city commission because of my background, my connections to the blue-collar community in Hays and how outspoken I am on issues I feel passionately about."
You can read the full interview here.
However, Koshiol did not disclose his criminal record in that interview or publicly during his campaign.
In 2008, Koshiol pleaded guilty to use or possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of stolen property, both misdemeanors. A charge of misdemeanor possession of drugs was dismissed, according to court records.
Koshiol has an eviction on his record from the same time period.
The Hays Post contacted Koshiol about the criminal convictions and eviction.
The Post asked him if, based on his criminal and court record, he would be able to
• Fairly handle the Hays Police Department budget, and hiring and firing of the police chief
• Manage city funds and budgets
• Fairly address landlord/tenant regulations, as well as decisions involving housing developments
Although Koshiol initially began to answer these questions, he then said he wanted to retract all of his statements and refused to comment.
He said he did not want to be part of a smear campaign of a "liberal rag."
Felony convictions would not prevent Koshiol from winning and taking a seat on the city commission.
He is not the only one on the ballot who has had legal issues.
Candidate Samuel Allen was arrested on a charge of alleged blackmail in July. His name remains on the ballot.
The Hays Post performed a records search of all other Hays City Commission and USD 489 school board candidates. No other candidates had felony convictions or any pending criminal charges based on a search of Kansas District Court records.
Early voting is ongoing. The deadline to vote early at the Ellis County Administration Center is noon on Monday. For voter convenience, early voting will also be available from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the administration center.
Election Day is Tuesday, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.