By james art 
Still undecided who you’ll vote for in Tuesday’s election? Background checks on applicants, qualifications and problem positions are strongly recommended.
One way to help with this is to find a recording of the recent Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce Legislative and County Committee Forum. An audio version can be found at Adastra radio.com. Click on a podcast and go to Community of Care.
The Stringer Fine Arts Center program lasted nearly three hours, but it brought out several significant differences between the candidates and drew a good attendance. It was one of the most helpful forums and Chamber President Debra Tufal did a great job as moderator.
Unlike the presidential race, where almost everyone has long since made up their minds, many voters unfortunately go to the polls without knowing much about the candidates closest to their wallets and local ordinances.
As much as I’d like to support a few candidates who I know are more qualified and would help our community or country move forward, I don’t because it seems unfair to those who don’t have the column to oppose my thoughts and choices.
Bond proposals affecting taxes and other voter issues are different and deserve an editorial position, but we don’t have them on this November’s ballot. However, we will be giving away a few prizes in the hope of incentivizing those of you who haven’t been to the forum, haven’t decided on some contests, and are looking to learn more about those seeking your vote.
Without questions, three candidates gave the best opening and closing statements, along with the most direct answers to questions.
One of them was Garth Strand, who is running for County Commissioner in the 3rd Ward. Jason Probst, who is seeking another term in the 102nd Kansas House District, was equally clear in outlining his positions and strengths. Also with an impressive showing was Lindsey Hatfield, who is trying to become the first female and younger generation challenger in more than a decade to become Reno County Commissioner in District 4.
Especially in county commission races, we hope that whether a candidate has an R or a D after their name won’t make much of a difference. County commissioners should be elected based on their ability to make good decisions at the local level, along with their experience and integrity, not on partisan politics.
The most contentious and vocal sparring of the forum came down to comments between Rep. Probst and alleged opponent “carpetbagger” Kyler Sweely regarding Sweely’s transplant from Newton and short-term status as a Reno Countian, coupled with the outpouring of funds for Sweely’s campaign from the state Chamber pac and other outside conservative political organizations.
Incumbent Kansas House member Paul Wagoner and his Buehler opponent Lynette Krieger-Zuk have been at odds over Medicaid expansion and the challenger’s push for more education spending.
The recklessness award goes to Reno County Senate candidate Shana Henry, of Cheney, based on her answers to most questions, while her opponent, Michael Murphy, of Sylvia, may deserve the top prize for his plan to replace all Kansas property tax. It might sound pretty good, but it’s extremely impractical and has virtually no chance of going anywhere.
Listen to the recording of the legislative forum and see what you think.
And if you didn’t participate in early voting, be sure to vote on Tuesday. Even if you’re so disgusted with your presidential election that you’ve decided to wait this one out, there are important state and local races to settle.
By voting, you can be part of trying to find the right solution instead of being part of the problem.
Dan Deming, former general manager of Hutchinson radio station KWBW and former Reno County Commissioner, can be reached at 620-960-6733 or [email protected].