The Emporia Gazette

May 28, 2012

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This is the fourth in a series of area candidates’ responses to questionnaires prepared by the League of Women Voters of Emporia. Today, the answers of the two candidates for District 3 of the Lyon County Commission. Their questions were:

1. What are your qualifications for this office? (75 words)

2. What are your views on economic development for the county? (100 words)

3. As commissioner, what would you like to see the county accomplish in the next four years? (100 words)

4. What are your views on City-County cooperation? (75 words)

Chris Bartel, Democrat

1. (Qualifications) My qualifications include the following; born and raised in this community, a bachelor's degree from Emporia State University in business management, over ten years experience in upper management including preparing budgets and being held accountable to them,  hands on experience in human resources and purchasing, as well as owning and operating my own business.  I also have a desire for public service, helping neighbors and folks in the community, and an overall caring and compassion for others.

2. (Economic Development) My view on economic development for the county is we need to do everything we can to get new jobs for more of the folks in this area.  So many jobs have been lost in this community the last couple years that we are all feeling the effects.  More jobs mean more people working, creating a healthier economy and raising the standard of living for all county residents.  That is good for all of us financially, morally, and socially.

3. (Next Four Years) I see dispatching and purchasing as two areas that could possibly be combined to create more efficient operations of city and county governments.  It boils down to economies of scale, working together to create a larger unit of government that has more muscle.  I have not yet studied all the facts and effects of these two suggestions, at this point I simply see them as opportunities.  If elected, I feel with my experience in this arena, I will be able to find other opportunities that would be able to save taxpayer dollars, with the input and approval of voters.  After all, we need to remember, government works for the citizens, not the other way around!

4. (City-County Cooperation) I would like to see the county government accomplish the following; maintain a strong financial standing, enhance the infrastructure, strengthen the safety and health departments, and create excitement that will foster new blood into the public service arena and foster new ideas and opportunities for the county to continue services we need to have without raising taxes and placing larger financial burdens on local citizens. We can accomplish this by getting involved and working together!

Rollie Martin, Republican

1. (Qualifications) My qualifications for commissioner are three areas: education, leadership experience and commitment. Being a farmer, math teacher, and in the Kansas Agricultural and Rural Leadership, “KARL,” program have enhanced my leadership skills. Experiences gained on school boards, farmers groups, and church committees have exposed me to governmental and non-profit budgets and dealing with people. I have made a commitment to my faith, family and community service and will do the same as commissioner.

2. (Economic Development) Economic development is needed to continue the growth of Lyon County. Projects must be evaluated on an individual basis, they should be a win-win situation for all parties involved and provide high quality jobs. However, we cannot “give away the farm” in economic incentives.

Economic development also needs to include economic “re-development” of areas and businesses that are left vacant. I will be a salesman for the county and the people. The best salesmen have a positive outlook and the ability to work through all situations.

3. (Next Four Years) The county can accomplish the following:

a. Develop Lyon County as a regional economic area using input from county commissioners, city council members, and small town leaders

b. Use the sales tax increase to lessen dependence on property taxes.

c. Upgrade the buildings and utilities on the fairgrounds.

d. Enhance educational and recreational opportunities for the youth.

4. (City-County Cooperation) On the surface it would appear that there are many opportunities for county-city cooperation in security, public safety, health services, and recreation. Some counties have tried, but have not always achieved efficiencies. In Lyon County, a committee is looking at the possibilities of cooperation. It will need a lot more study.

An area that cannot be overlooked is contracting with private businesses to perform some services in order to gain efficiencies. Small towns must have input in the process.