Chat: Chris Bartel, 3rd District County Commission
Friday, October 31, 2008
Chris Bartel is the Democratic candidate for the 3rd District Lyon County commission seat. He is a farmer and runs cattle in southern Lyon County. He and his wife, Mindy, have been married almost 15 years. They have a son, Kyle, who celebrates his third birthday one month from today. Here is a transcript of Bartel’s chat this morning:
Q Why do you feel that you are qualified to be a Lyon County commissioner?
A I was born and raised in this community. This area is special to me and I feel compelled to give something back.
I graduated from Emporia State University with a degree in business. I have almost 15 years of business management experience. That gives me the background in budgeting, human resources, logistics, leadership, marketing, purchasing and all other aspects of successful business to help manage the county and be a good leader for its employees.
I also have 8 years experience being on the board of directors for the water district I live in, as well as being a past president of Phi Beta Lamda at ESU, and serving in many positions on the board of trustees at church. Most importantly, I have a desire to learn even more, and to do all I can to help friends and neighbors in our community.
Q What research have you done to prepare you for this job?
A I started four years ago going to some commission meetings and meeting the people that work for the county,
The last year, I have asked so many questions from one of the current commissioners that I believe he is getting tired of me making so many inquiries, but that is part of what he was elected to do, so I will keep asking and learning.
I received copies of the last three years’ budgets and studied them. I have visited with numerous folks that work for the county in different places and positions. It has been surprising how many of those employees have called me at home and we have discussed issues and perhaps some options or changes that might be possible.
I have discussed numbers and reports with Dan Slater, including budgets and employees and possible what-ifs on the new sales tax issue. Most importantly while I have been out walking door to door, I have listened to everyone that wanted to take time and express concerns and ideas with me. There will be a lot of learning that needs to take place for any new commissioner, and that is something I am very good at.
Q We usually hear about economic development as it affects the city of Emporia. Do you think it’s possible to spread economic development projects to rural Lyon County? If so, how would you propose doing that?
A Yes, I believe it is possible. I would be excited to work with the economic development group that works in our community to bring new employers to our area and with the area chamber of commerce. I believe the more I was involved in those two groups, the more the chance the county and not just the city would be represented.
I would try to be the best salesperson for the county that the rural areas could ask for. There would have to be incentives involved. I would not lean towards giving so much that the county taxpayer would lose out, though. We would have to upgrade and maintain our infrastructure to entice new business, or growth from existing business. Tax breaks for added employees, and even, possibly — like I know the city has done — loans to small business for growth and added work force are a couple ideas.
Rest assured, I would not do anything with tax dollars without community support and obtaining the necessary facts and information to make an informed decision.
Q During your campaign, you’ve talked about finding efficiency in government. What are some of your ideas for changes that you believe will save money and make government run more smoothly?
A Listening to folks that work for the county has been the greatest source of information for coming up with ideas to save money.
I have heard from some employees that say for what it costs they don’t see enough benefit for the county to continue to supply uniforms and the person that told me that was wearing one at the time!
I have heard others ask about county vehicles being driven after normal working hours. I have personally seen in the courthouse what seems to me like a waste of expensive paper and ink cartridges when there are computers with word-processing programs and spreadsheets that I feel should be better utilized.
I have the latest in education, experience and training to look for many other opportunities and to come up with better alternatives and solutions, and will do so if elected.
Q The 3rd District includes part of the city of Emporia and rural Lyon County south of the city. Are there any issues specific to the 3rd District that you believe or voters have told you need to be addressed by the county commission?
A Almost everyone I have visited with in the rural areas has brought up the subject of road conditions. The weather has been very unkind in the last year or so on our infrastructure. In the area I live, almost all our roads are flat and full of holes. It wasn’t too many years ago they were crowned and the water ran off. I am not sure why we are allowing this to happen, but I will be finding out quickly if elected.
Then we are going to have to budget for gravel to be replenished. There is very little to none on the side of the road like there used to be. If we don’t keep our infrastructure up, who is going to want to use them, such as possibly new rural business prospects or new citizens/taxpayers looking to move to our rural community?
Q Within the last 10 years, there has been interest in developing subdivisions at different places in the county. Although I don’t believe any have been in the 3rd District, you still would have a vote as a commission. What criteria would you use to determine whether a subdivision was a good fit for a particular location?
A Lyon County as a whole is mainly devoted to agriculture. There are many places, though, that are not efficient for that purpose. Those would be the main areas I would be inclined to support subdivisions.
I do not want to see fertile farm ground or beautiful bluestem pastures divided up in small plots and then filled with homes. We must all remember, though, that the commissioner position is intended to be the voters’ voice in local government, so if the issue came up and there was overwhelming support, I would vote as the majority asks me to.
But, as I stated above, my opinion is that I am not for subdivisions moving farther out into the county.