Marion County Commission election surveys

Kent BeckerKent Becker

680 290th Road,Durham, KS

Cell: 620-382-5296

beckerkentd@gmail.com

Occupation: County commissioner, bank consultant and director

Family :

Wife: Ginger; Sons: Tony resides in Colorado and Todd resides in Marion County. Four grandchildren

Years resided in Kansas: 66 years; born and raised in Durham/Marion County

Previous political experience:

One year and four months as Marion County Commissioner

Eight years on USD 410 School Board

Four years on Marion County Planning and Zoning

Eight years on Durham City Council

Five years Fire District 1 board member

Why did you file for commissioner, and what do you hope to accomplish as an elected leader?

Marion County is an incredible place to live and raise our families. I made sure that I brought my family back to be raised in a wholesome environment such as this.

We have incredible schools. Our youth have the opportunity to attend two outstanding post-secondary schools: Tabor College and Butler County Community College.

We have a base of small businesses in Marion County that have served the county many years. We are one of the few rural counties in Kansas that have two excellent hospitals.

Because of this, it is my belief that a person needs to give back to the community and county that you live and work in. I want to be a voice of reason. I wish to represent my constituents in a wise and fiscal manner.

What do you think is the role of a county commissioner?

To set and oversee the budget

To set and oversee policy

To hire non-elected department heads and oversee their management

To be available to constituents/tax payers of the county

What do you think are the most important issues facing Marion County, and how do you propose to resolve those issues?

Infrastructure (i.e. roads, bridges, solid waste, law enforcement, and health care) are of the utmost importance. Without the above, it would be difficult for Marion County to encourage economic growth in the county. These issues can only addressed through forward thinking.

As a sitting commissioner, I have been able to provide input and direction to the following:

1. The Road and Bridge Department is now planning improvements over a reasonable timeline that will allow budgetary flexibility given a limited tax base.

2. The commission is in the initial process of planning for a rebuild and enlargement of the County Transfer Station to better serve the county residents and also provide a safer working environment for its employees.

3. The Marion County Sheriff Office; along with county and city fire departments and police, have implemented an advanced 911 system.

4. The Marion County EMS has expanded its service to provide full coverage for Marion County. Additional paramedics and EMTs have been hired along with a purchase of up-graded equipment.

I believe it is in the best interest of Marion County to be proactive in addressing the possibility of having a county administrator.

None of the above can be possible without prudence, fiscal responsibility and adherence to the budgetary process and fairness in taxation.


Larry Cushenbery

Larry J. Cushenbery

3474 Diamond

Tampa, KS 67483

Cell: 316-772-8129

Home: 620-732-2252

cushdog@speednet.com

Occupation: Equipment operator for KDOT/ retired fire lieutenant Wichita Fire Department

Married to Yvonne for 39 years. Son Chad is 38 and married with four kids. Son Brett died in 2003 in a bull-riding accident.

Years resided in Kansas: Lifetime

Previous political experience: Active member of the NRA for over 40 years, assisted with the Delano Development Committee in Wichita and acted as treasurer for candidates.

Why did you file for commissioner, and what do you hope to accomplish as an elected leader?

I am running because I want to see a change in the current commission, one that is more concerned about controlling spending, lowering taxes, being honest and open with the public, working with businesses to keep them open and prospering for the good of the community, instead of petty, unprofessional and, to be honest, embarrassing behavior that is not conducive to healthy growth or stability in our community.

I haven’t seen anyone represent the fact that the majority of industry and tax profits are coming from District 1, but our current representative is following the leads of Districts 2 and 3 rather than representing his own district. I hope to provide leadership that is more proactive and willing to think outside the box to come up with innovative ways to control spending, give tax relief to businesses to increase jobs availability which in turn results in more people wanting to live here and address the ongoing issues with our roads.

What do you think is the role of a county commissioner?

First and foremost is to represent the constituents of the county by positively influencing policies and both implementing and overseeing the policies and ordinances of the county, approval of budgets, overseeing spending, taxation and the hiring of county employees—basically act as the CEOs of the county.

What do you think are the most important issues facing Marion County, and how do you propose to resolve those issues?

High taxes and road maintenance are the two biggest issues. By more wisely spending our money, we can cut down our costs that in turn would assist with keeping the taxes in check. I think that as a Commissioner we should step up and make the hard decisions without having to hire a consultant at every turn. The implementing of a county administrator to work with department heads to assist with budgeting and applying for grants would be far cheaper and more productive than the random hiring of consultants. As far as roads are concerned, I think we would be money ahead to change the ways we currently have of dealing with issues by patching and putting on bandaids, but to instead do things right the first time and actually correct the issues that are creating our problems. It is cheaper and wiser to spend $100 once than $20 eight times.


Craig Dodd

Craig Dodd

1110 230th

Hillsboro, KS 67063

Cell: 303-591-6862

Work: 620-947-0190

Elkhunter4114@gmail.com

Occupation: Retired – small store owner

Married to Diana. Sons: Jason is 46, Mark is 43, and Sean is 50. Daughters: Desiree is 48 and Staci is 51.

Years resided in Kansas: 14 years.

Previous political experience: Alderman, Tenn.

Why did you file for commissioner, and what do you hope to accomplish as an elected leader?

Concerned in the direction of current commissioners and direction of Marion County

What do you think is the role of a county commissioner?

Listen to residents, review request with open mind and make decisions based on what is best for the majority.

What do you think are the most important issues facing Marion County, and how do you propose to resolve those issues?

1) Budget – take the necessary time for department line item review.

2) Taxes – how to tighten our belt and get the burden of high taxes lowered to attract businesses and families.

3) Business development – programs to support the struggle of current small and medium retail businesses and develop programs to attract manufacturing, distribution facilities to support the county.

More from Hillsboro Free Press
DEATH: Bertha Adina Goertz Schroeder, 98
Bertha Adina Goertz Schroeder, 98, a homemaker, died Aug. 11 at Bethesda...
Read More