In my opinion, from the county's perspective, we have good county infrastructure physically as a whole from the aspect of bridges, roads, and those items. We have the largest number of blacktop miles maintained by a county, and bridge work is done as needed.

The best use of county funds right now would be the ability to help fund industrial and small business growth. All the funding now seems to focus on tourism, not long-term growth. As a county, since breaking from Great Bend Economic Development, we need to focus those funds and additional funds on job creation, not necessarily in Great Bend, but in surrounding communities. The funding can come from economic incentives, grants, and also a portion of the tax money that is funneled to the college. Those tax dollars are funding growth elsewhere in talent, jobs, and overall economic growth for other communities; let's keep it at home. Stop the leak and fill our communities not others.

As I have seen in other communities like Hays/Ellis County, the focus has been on retaining students, young families, and jobs. Here in Barton County, we are losing that knowledge, talent, and families to other areas because of this lack of growth focus. As I see it, the current policy in Barton County as a whole is to tax those who stay until they can no longer afford the cost of living, thus forcing them to leave, rather than growing the pool of businesses and citizens to lessen the burden on those individuals and businesses who stay. The focus should be to first expand opportunities for people to stay, then incentivize the students/families/employees who return to the area through housing grants, tuition reimbursements, and opportunities that allow them to earn a sustainable wage and give back to the community and inform others of the potential here in Barton County.

Truth be told, we don't have an element of the county government that is outstandingly more effective than the other. As a whole Barton County does look to be operating smoothly overall, but like any government, there are corrections, focuses, and refinements that can be made. Yes, we all require the basic needs and protections provided by a government, but beyond that, to what degree will a citizen sacrifice the ability to live a meaningful life to fund an entity that should be run like a business but isn't and has taxing power to make up for its shortfalls, and we as citizens don't? Barton County is not alone in this; municipalities, schools, townships, and other taxing entities share in this. For the future of Barton County, there should be checks and balances amongst all taxing entities. In conclusion, if I had to pick one of the most effective elements of the county government is the Treasurer's office. They process those bills and make sure they are in the mailbox on time.

We are blessed that we have an excellent system of roads in Barton County. Maintaining those roads are a priority. In addition emergency services and our sheriff’s department need to be maintained also. Due to the erosion of the counties reserves over the past four years it will be mandatory to seek federal and state grant opportunities to delay any additional tax. I would favor a sales tax over a property tax increase.

In regard to the entire county, we can take an example from the Claflin area and operations like Clara Barton Hospital. Personal investment has made it encouraging for growth. The need to allocate county tax dollars is always going to be there. But investing those tax dollars needs to grow the valuation so each of our share of that burden goes down. A rising tide raises all ships. Let’s focus on growing our county while maintaining the infrastructure that we already have.

I don’t believe we can single out one element or department. I have been impressed with employees and services in all parts of the county structure. Leaders need to be servants first. Leaders need to be able to the ask hard questions. I believe it is easy and appropriate to focus on property taxes first. But closely behind that priority, a County Commissioner needs to elevate the importance of private Property Rights as well.

Affordable quality housing, road and bridges. I would not want more property taxes so I would recommend a small increase on sales tax because we are a county hub for other communities.

Offer some incentives to encourage businesses to make Barton County attractive.

Strong board of commissioners that are working every day to grow the county. The commissioners need to take the lead on reviewing any kind of project large or small that is introduced.