Candidates for special election picked at caucus

Earlier in January, Gov. Jeff Colyer announced the special election to fill the vacancies created by the increase in the Marion County Commission from three to five members would be Nov. 5.

In addition, both the Marion County Republican and Democratic parties would need to hold a convention between Jan. 19 and Jan. 28.

Adhering to the convention dates, both parties held caucuses Saturday, nominating candidates for commission district 4 and 5.

The Democratic caucus saw one candidate, Trayce Warner, Florence city councilor, who was nominated to run for the District 4 position.

However, there wasn’t a Democratic candidate stepping up in District 5, according to information from caucus attendees.

On the Republican-side, District 4 saw a few candidates, but only one, Dave Crofoot, received a nod as the party’s nomination.

Jonah Gehring, who is a Hillsboro city councilor, was the Republican party’s choice in District 5.

Amy Soyez is running as an independent candidate in Hillsboro, and currently collecting the signatures needed to appear on the November ballot.

Slight twist until November

The Kansas Association of Counties, at its annual convention, offered information about counties that voted to change to a five-member commission.

Even though the other two members won’t be elected until November, a KAC representative said that a majority of the commission (quorum) will count all voting seats, regardless of whether that seat is currently filled.

What that means for the seated commissioners is that all three must be present or there won’t be a quorum.

Caucuses for both the Republicans and Democrats were at 203 N. Third, Marion.

More information about the candidates will appear in a future edition.

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