Hutchinson Tribune 2024 Voter Guide: County Commission

By Emmie Boese

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The Hutchinson Tribune created a list of questions for local state senate, representatives and reno county commissioner candidates. The questions act as a voter guide for the 2024 election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The story will be updated as responses come in. 

The responses posted are unedited and come directly from the candidate.

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County Commissioner District 2

Ron Hirst, Commissioner District 2, Republican

Waiting on a reply from this candidate. 

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County Commissioner District 3

Garth Strand, Commissioner District 3, Democratic

What are some policies you support that would directly impact the rural areas of the county? 

I believe that too often, rural communities are not given equitable attention on all matters…services and economic development to name two.  I would support Commissioners being required to attend City Council meetings of the communities in their districts at least once a year.  I would also support a formal working, strategic planning day with an outside facilitator that includes all County Commissioners and elected representatives from each community in the County.

How can the county commission continue to support economic expansion? 

Thinking of prospective citizens and businesses who are constantly exploring life in Reno County,  I believe first and foremost, the Commission must accept that this is actually happening and strive to create a positive, forward-thinking culture. More so, especially from the perspective of younger generations.  The Commission needs to stay educated on trends that various demographics look for when it comes to quality of life issues and be willing to embrace change, even when it conflicts with their own personal preferences.  Change needs to happen soon.  With our population trending down since around 2010, it is clear we don’t have the right formula.  

How well do you think the Reno County Community Corrections Program is doing in regards to helping youth in the county?

We are behind the curve but on the right track.  A number of initiatives seem to be producing positive results…Rise up Reno and Drug Court to name two.  This is a challenge with deep roots going clear down to things like lack of affordable health care, lack of child care, families living in poverty, availability of mental health care and others.  I believe the Reno County Commission needs to demonstrate their commitment to help with the way forward.  This goes back to positive, forward thinking leadership being willing not to just cut budgets, but to invest wisely in our collective future. 

How would you try to minimize property taxes while improving the community? 

First, everyone must realize that only about 25% of property taxes are actually controlled by the Reno County Commission.   The tax statements arrive and say ‘Reno County’ at the top so it is my opinion that many taxpayers are critical of what is just the messenger.  Other taxing entities, which the County Commission has no control of, are also part of the mix:  State of Kansas, City of Hutchinson, Public Library, Community College, School Districts, Fire Districts, Watersheds, Cemeteries and Townships to name a few.  According to Commissioner Hirst, Reno County is the 15th lowest tax rate county in the state…meaning 90 counties have higher rates.  With that, I believe the Reno County Commission has done well minimizing property taxes.  If I have a beef, it is perhaps they have done too well and not as good in the area of targeted investments to improve economic development and quality of life.  

It is also my opinion that concern about rising property taxes should be directed, at least in part, towards Topeka.  With the continued pressure to move income tax as close to zero as possible and now, with a newly disclosed agenda to get corporate taxes to zero, the money for basic services has to come from somewhere and it filters down to the local level and our property taxes.  Basically, actions in Topeka have shortened the Income Tax leg of the traditional, stable, three-legged tax stool:  income, sales and property tax.  Actions in Topeka that have directly impacted the counties include the elimination of the machinery and equipment tax and the mortgage registration tax.  

Lastly, one easy thing that Topeka could do to help with local property taxes would be to enhance and update the Homestead Refund tax credit.  I’m a certified tax preparer for the local VITA program and we do lots of Homestead returns.  It’s a fantastic program that helps those who need it most, to stay in their homes.  It’s past time for Topeka to update the program.

What are some other issues that you support that don’t typically make headlines? 

I would like to see the County Commission have a long-term, strategic plan to improve wildfire risk in Reno County.  The Fire Chief told me the Kansas Forest Service has parts of Reno County identified as the number one fire risk in the State.  Not acceptable!

I would also like to see us address water resources BEFORE we have a problem.  The State of Kansas let this issue linger for way too long and still, don’t have it as a high enough priority for me. 

What are some other issues that you are passionate about? 

The long-term trend of population decline is simply not tolerable.  We can easily see what has happened to so many communities further west.  I care too much about Reno County to let this happen here without our best efforts to turn it around.

“County before Party” is my campaign theme. It is my opinion this has not been the case in recent years. At this very grassroots level of government, I believe politics are best left at the door and those elected should bring honest, factual, positive, forward-thinking leadership to the table.

Ron Vincent, Commissioner District 3, Republican

Still waiting on a reply from this candidate.

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County Commissioner District 4 (Unexpired Term) 

Lindsey Hatfield, Commissioner District 4, Democratic  

What are some policies you support that would directly impact the rural areas of the county?

 Even though my district is centrally located in Hutchinson, it’s still very important to me that we support our rural Reno County residents. Wildfire prevention is something we should be focusing on since Reno county faces significant wildfire risk according to the KS Forest Service. I support landowner rights and also would like to see farmers be able to install solar on their property if they choose to. I also think it’s important for us to ensure there are adequate emergency services for the rural areas of the county.  

How can the county commission continue to support economic expansion? 

The county plays an important role in helping to create growth and new business opportunities. I think we should continue to support the Chamber of Commerce, and support entrepreneurship programs and incentive programs to get new businesses to our community. We should be making it easier for companies to bring their businesses and employees to Reno County.

How well do you think the Reno County Community Corrections Program is doing in regards to helping youth in the county? 

I think they are doing a great job, they have staff who use evidence based practices, and they have been effective at reducing recidivism. But I also think there are certain limitations the county has, which have been put in place with recent house and senate bills and those issues should be addressed at the state level. 

How would you try to minimize property taxes while improving the community? 

The only real way for us to minimize or lower property taxes is to grow our tax base. Growing the tax base and improving the community go hand in hand. People want to live and work in a thriving and vibrant community, and will often move out of a community if they feel like it’s regressive or stagnant. I will work to minimize property taxes by growing our tax base and supporting economic development, housing and childcare. All of these issues are intertwined and we need to focus on the future of Reno County more than we have been. For too long it seems like we’ve been trying to cut our way to prosperity but we need to make smart, thoughtful decisions for our future.

What are some other issues that you support that don’t typically make headlines? 

Supporting our community and culture. We have a vibrant community that is full of many different families and people, and I want to continue fostering great relationships between all communities in Reno County. I’m encouraged by the work that non-profits like Hutch in Harmony and our local NAACP chapter are doing and I would fully support their efforts. 

What are some other issues that you are passionate about? 

I’m passionate about supporting families. Families are the backbone of our community and we want all families to feel supported. As a mom with two young children, it’s been on my mind more in recent years, but it still feels like people don’t give it the weight it deserves. Affordable child care enables families to maximize their income and helps employers have a bigger labor pool. It’s also an economic development too. If we have innovative solutions for childcare in our community, that will bring people and employers here, which will help to grow our tax base.

Richard Winger, Commissioner District 4, Republican

Waiting on a reply from this candidate 

By Emmie Boese The Hutchinson Tribune created a list of questions for local state senate, representatives and reno county commissioner candidates. The questions act as a voter guide for the 2024 election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The story will be updated as responses come in.  The responses

Hutchinson Tribune 2024 Voter Guide: State Legislature

The Hutchinson Tribune created a list of questions for local state senate, representatives and reno county commissioner candidates. The questions act as a voter guide for the 2024 election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The story will be updated as responses come in. 

The responses posted are unedited and come directly from the candidate. If a candidate submits responses after the publishing date, The Hutchinson Tribune will add the responses in the story.

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State Senate, District 34

Shanna Henry, District 34, Democratic 

Still waiting on a reply from this candidate. 

Michael Murphy, District 34, Republican

Still waiting on a reply from this candidate. 

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State Representative District 101

Joe Seiwert, District 101, Republican 

Still waiting on a reply from this candidate.

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State Representative District 102 

Jason Probst, District 102, Democratic

Why are you running for office and what would you like voters to know? 

I’m running for office because I love our community and feel a sense of duty to be of service and do my part to protect Hutchinson from people who don’t have our best interests at heart. I have lived here most of my adult life – I raised a family here, have grandchildren here, and have made a lot of friends here. I have a vested interest in this community’s future. 

What issues matter most to you? 

Medicaid Expansion and containing growing healthcare costs is a top priority. I also want to provide tax relief – particularly property tax relief – to working Kansans. I believe in funding our schools, investing in infrastructure, creating opportunities for small businesses, and responding to what our constituents tell us is among their top concerns. 

What are some issues that you talk about that don’t typically make headlines? 

I worked for 6 years to pass the Kansas Contract for Deed Act. This is actually groundbreaking legislation that creates some guardrails and protections for people buying a home on land contract. It requires sellers to be forthcoming about any debt on the note, and ensures they have clear title to sell the property. We’ve experienced issues with this in Hutchinson, and I’m proud to have been part of the solution to stand up against predatory practices in this area. 

Do you believe that the topic of abortion has been put to rest following the 2022 constitutional amendment concerning abortion? Do you support any restrictions on the issue? 

The voters in my district spoke loud and clear – 3 to 1 against allowing the legislature to regulate reproductive health. My voters clearly do not trust the Kansas Legislature with the power to interfere with a very personal decision between a doctor and a patient. 

How well do you feel Kansas works together from a bi-partisan standpoint? How important do you think bi-partisan collaboration is? 

I think bi-partisan collaboration is critically important. I think Kansas could do far better. It often feels to me in Topeka that partisan politics is placed ahead of what’s good for Kansas. 

What are your thoughts on Medicaid expansion for Kansas? 

It’s reprehensible that we’ve not expanded Medicaid – and it’s financially dumb. Our local hospital had to lay off many of its staff, partly because we have upwards of $6 million per year in uncompensated care that could be partially offset by expanded Medicaid. Additionally, we are being cruel by denying essential staff in Kansas access to affordable healthcare. Most of our service employees, hair stylists, hotel workers, and many care-givers would benefit from expansion – but Republican leadership seems to be more concerned that some insurance companies might sell a few less policies to people who can’t afford the deductibles. 

What kind of approach can the Kansas government take to help eliminate fentanyl overdoses? What would that process look like? 

I’m proud of my work to make sure fentanyl test strips were made legal. That has saved lives. Same with my effort to get the Good Samaritan bill into law. We can work to increase penalties for those who harm our community by bringing in this dangerous drug – while also putting in place policies rooted in compassion and love for people struggling with substance misuse.

Kyler Sweely, District 102, Republican 

Why are you running for office and what would you like voters to know? 

I’m running to give Hutchinson a strong voice in the Legislature. The current representative has repeatedly chosen party loyalty over the interests of the district. His liberal voting record does not reflect the values we hold in Hutchinson. As someone who fought for our freedoms while deployed overseas, I am ready to bring that same dedication and fight to Topeka.

What issues matter most to you? 

If elected, I’ll immediately push for property tax relief, especially for disabled veterans and the elderly. These groups shouldn’t struggle to keep their homes because of rising taxes. I’ll also push to support law enforcement and keep our communities safe. When Kansas families need protection from human trafficking and illegal immigration, Jason Probst has consistently fallen short.

In 2023, Probst voted against HB 2350 which established the crime of human smuggling—exactly the kind of law that could have helped in situations like the recent tragedy in Finney County. There, two traffickers exploited immigrants, including children, forcing them into labor under horrific conditions.

What are some issues that you talk about that don’t typically make headlines? 

As a veteran, I understand the sacrifices made by those who served our country, especially those who returned with lasting disabilities. Too many disabled veterans are being left behind, and we must do better as a state and nation to support them. I believe we should pass a property tax relief package based on a veteran’s disability rating. It’s the least we can do for those who fought for our freedom and whose lives will never be the same.

Do you believe that the topic of abortion has been put to rest following the 2022 constitutional amendment concerning abortion? Do you support any restrictions on the issue? 

Look, we know that Value Them Both fell in Hutchinson. The people of the 102nd District no doubt showed up to the polls on election day and made their voices heard. Women in the entire state did, so I can acknowledge that. However, I do believe that there is too much support for current restrictions surrounding late-term abortions and using taxpayer funds for abortions. That is in no way fair to the people of Kansas who do not agree on this action. For example, using taxpayer funds for abortion to make Kansas a destination state for those that seek abortions- that statistic has climbed high in recent years, and I personally do not want Kansas known for that. We do, however, need to continue to provide alternatives to abortion, such as the many proper resources that women can have in order to make a decision that will potentially change them for the rest of their lives. I also agree that we have a right and responsibility to protect the unborn, while providing those necessary resources for women to make the decision to protect their unborn child. We need to continue to empower women in this monumental decision and offer a path forward for them and their babies. Now my opponent, Jason Probst, unfortunately can’t say the same. This past session, he voted NO on Senate Substitute for HB 2436 – Creating the crime of coercion to obtain an abortion and providing enhanced criminal penalties for offenses committed with the intent to coerce a woman to obtain an abortion, AND he voted NO to override the governor’s veto. He also voted NO on HB2653- providing child support for unborn children from the date of conception. That’s not all, though. In 2023, he also voted NO on HB2439- Requiring notification to patients that the effects of a medication abortion may be reversible. As you can see, my opponent wants to say he’s in the “party of inclusivity” or “the party of responsibility.” Well for our Kansas women and children, his actions don’t sound very inclusive or responsible to me.

How well do you feel Kansas works together from a bi-partisan standpoint? How important do you think bi-partisan collaboration is? 

Kansas has had moments of bipartisan collaboration, but we can and should do more. Bipartisanship works best when we put the needs of our district and state above party loyalty and petty politics. The best solutions come from considering diverse perspectives and building consensus. When we prioritize practical outcomes over political agendas, we create policies that truly benefit all Kansans. My goal is to bring people together, listen to every voice, and work toward solutions that serve our community and state—not just a party platform.

What are your thoughts on Medicaid expansion for Kansas? 

I am open to all conversations about how we can improve access to healthcare for Kansans. This issue impacts families across the state, from rural areas struggling with hospital closures to urban communities facing high costs and gaps in care. Whether it’s expanding telehealth services, reducing prescription drug prices, or ensuring our veterans, seniors, and low-income families receive the care they deserve, every idea deserves consideration. Healthcare is not a one-size-fits-all issue, and we need collaborative solutions that balance affordability, accessibility, and quality while still maintaining fiscal responsibility.

What kind of approach can the Kansas government take to help eliminate fentanyl overdoses? What would that process look like? 

The impact of ignoring the southern border is already being felt in Kansas. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) confirms that 100% of the fentanyl in our state comes from the southern border. When Jason Probst says the border isn’t a Kansas issue, he’s not telling the whole story—and Kansans are paying the price.

We need a tough-on-crime approach to stop those pushing fentanyl into our communities and must stand with other states working to secure the southern border. Probst refused to support a resolution backing Texas in its fight against illegal immigration, turning his back on law enforcement and undermining efforts to keep our communities safe. While other states take action, Probst has chosen politics over protecting Kansans.

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State Representative District 104

Lynnett Krieger-Zook, District 104, Democratic 

Why are you running for office and what would you like voters to know?‬

‭ I am running for House District 104 to listen and authentically represent the voters, families and‬ businesses in the communities of Hutchinson, Buhler, Inman and surrounding rural and farming‬ areas. As a retired teacher with over 30 years of teaching in public schools I have seen first hand how decisions of the legislature directly impact our schools and community. If we are to‬ get the work done in Topeka for those living in my community and across the state we have to‬ find ways to problem solve and find solutions to build a strong future. It is time to have a‬‭ Representative that brings to Topeka the concerns of the district they are representing.‬

 What issues matter most to you?‬

‭ My top three priorities are strong public schools, tax reform and healthcare and women’s health.‬

‭ Public Schools: Fully funding public education is one of my top priorities and the reason I decided to run for Kansas House. Public schools accept all students and are held to a high‬ standard for the use of tax dollars.‬‭ While I support the choices of private and homeschool, they‬ have the ability to limit who enrolls and are not held to the same public school standards or‬ accountability for your tax dollars.‬‭ The push for vouchers (school choice) has made its way to‬ Kansas. I am concerned about the misuse of your local tax dollars and the negative impact on our community public schools.‬ Tax Reform: After talking with hundreds of voters, I continue to hear how the economy is affecting family budgets with increased costs and property taxes. In 1992, Kansas homeowners‬ paid 35% of the overall tax base in property taxes. In 2023, it’s grown by 21% to 56%. We can work on a bi-partisan bill to lower the tax burden on homeowners and shift back a reasonable tax burden on corporations. ‬Health Care: Valuing life recognizes that healthcare access is a life and death issue. Expanding‬

‭ Medicaid is a common sense policy that would not only help our most vulnerable populations,‬including the elderly, veterans, and low wage workers, but would also bring many needed jobs‬‭ to our state.‬

What are some issues that you talk about that don’t typically make headlines?‬

‭ Bipartisanship and working for the voters and families in District104 is what a Representative‬ needs to do in Topeka that does not make headlines. If we are to get the work done in Topeka‬ for those living in my community and across the state we have to find ways to problem solve‬ and find solutions to build a strong future.‬

Do you believe that the topic of abortion has been put to rest following the 2022‬ constitutional amendment concerning abortion? Do you support any restrictions on the‬ issue?‬

‭ The topic of whether a woman has the right to make medical decisions privately between herself‬ and her physician continues to be discussed in the legislature as noted in proposed and passed‬ bills. The Kansas Constitution upholds certain restrictions on this issue.‬

How well do you feel Kansas works together from a bi-partisan standpoint? How‬ important do you think bi-partisan collaboration is?‬

‭ In talking with hundreds of voters during my campaign we can have civil conversations. This‬ civility needs to be brought to Topeka. When there is a super majority, bi-partisanship is difficult.‬ It is critical that collaboration, working through the hard conversations and listening must‬ happen in order to create legislation that truly assists the Kansans we represent in our‬ community and those across the state.‬

‭ What are your thoughts on Medicaid expansion for Kansas?‬

‭Valuing life recognizes that healthcare access is a life and death issue. Expanding Medicaid is a‬ common sense policy that would not only help our most vulnerable populations, including the‬ elderly, veterans, and low wage workers, but would also bring many needed jobs to our state.‬Kansas has lost nearly $7 billion in taxes to other states since 2014 due to not expanding. 80% of Kansans support expanding Medicaid and yet the legislature has continuously refused to bring this issue to a vote at the statehouse. It is time to expand Medicaid to support the 140K‬ Kansans who work but do not have health insurance.‬

What kind of approach can the Kansas government take to help eliminate fentanyl‬ overdoses? What would that process look like?‬

‭ Strategies to help eliminate fentanyl overdoses include increase access to naloxone, increasing‬ mental health support, treatment and recovery services and harm reduction strategies such as test strips and drug checking.

Paul Waggoner, District 104, Republican 

Why are you running for office and what would you like voters to know?

I am running for Representative because I believe in the conservative principles I have campaigned on since 2018 and the voters in the 104th have endorsed those views repeatedly at the polls, by wide margins. I think conservative free-market economic policies create a more prosperous society for all and conservative social positions are beneficial to families and to our culture as a whole.

What issues matter most to you? 

Issues of taxation matter for they effect working families and small businesses the most. The Kansas SGF (State General Fund) budget is on an unsustainable trajectory and must be brought down to earth.  I am also hopeful we can revamp the poorly written sports gambling

bill from 2022 and make it less of a giveaway to the casinos and special interests. Literally tens of millions of dollars will be wasted if we do not change the bill.

What are some issues that you talk about that don’t typically make headlines? 

The problem with the sports gambling legislation is out of the headlines currently (except in how in effects the Chiefs “stadium bill”). The benefit of keeping KPERS properly funded is not talked about much, but if we can stay the course for another 8 years the state will reap huge (I believe it is about $400-500m per year) savings in employee benefit costs.

Do you believe that the topic of abortion has been put to rest following the 2022 constitutional amendment concerning abortion? Do you support any restrictions on the issue? 

Any issue that deals with human life is never “put to rest”. Court rulings change, new legislation can challenge in various ways the Kansas court pronouncements from 2019.  That being said most of what we can do is related to expanding the ability of adoption agencies or pregnancy resource centers 

to reach out to those in unplanned pregnancy situations.  I have been struck by the negative and hostile reaction of Democrats in Topeka to support even the most modest legislation in this general field.

How well do you feel Kansas works together from a bi-partisan standpoint? How‬ important do you think bi-partisan collaboration is?‬

I think Kansans work together relatively well on bi-partisan measures. Easily 80% of the bills we consider in Topeka pass with huge margins from both caucuses. 

What are your thoughts on Medicaid expansion for Kansas?‬

Medicaid expansion is a bad idea and is totally oversold as to its “benefits”. For the $1.0-$1.4 billion annual cost to run the program we will see only marginal progress (fully 40% of the persons moving to Medicaid already have private insurance). I have gone to multiple

seminars put on by pro-medicaid expansion groups in Topeka and have only grown in my opinion that it is a bad policy idea.

What kind of approach can the Kansas government take to help eliminate fentanyl‬ overdoses? What would that process look like?‬

I think we have taken some positive steps recently on fentanyl. Realizing that most of the deaths are really “fentanyl poisoning” from spiked drugs helped moved most all legislators to support test strips and other helpful measures.

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State Representative, District 114

Kevin D. Schwertfeger, District 114, Republican 

Waiting on a reply from this candidate.

The Hutchinson Tribune created a list of questions for local state senate, representatives and reno county commissioner candidates. The questions act as a voter guide for the 2024 election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The story will be updated as responses come in.  The responses posted are