2024 Barton County Local Candidate Forum

In partnership with the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, the League of Women Voters will be hosting two different Candidate Forums for the upcoming November election season. Forums are open to the public with refreshments being served. 

Both forums will be live-streamed on the Great Bend Post.

Contact: Janice Walker, 620-617-4568
janicew1949@gmail.com

July 18, 2024 - Barton County Local Candidate Forum
Great Bend Senior Center
2005 Kansas Ave.
Great Bend, KS
6:30-8 PM
Refreshments will be served.

A total of eight (8) candidates running for County Clerk, County Register of Deed, City Council/Ward 1, and the Ellinwood Hospital District are being invited.

July 25, 2024 - State & Federal Candidate Forum
Great Bend Senior Center
2005 Kansas Ave.
Great Bend, KS
6:30-8 PM
Refreshments will be served.

A total of 13 candidates running for Congress/District 1, State Senate, State House, and District Judge are being invited. View State & Federal Candidate information HERE. 


Get the election information you need at vote411.org. Brought to you by the League of Women Voters Education Fund.

VIEW CURRENT ELECTION FILINGS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS HERE.


LOCAL CANDIDATE INFORMATION

• Bev Schmeidler (Incumbent)
• Alicia (Schartz) Straub

• Glennda French (Incumbent)
  • I am Glennda French and I have been a resident of Barton County for 20 years. I reside in Ellinwood where I have raised my children and now have grandchildren to experience our great county with. I have also been an employee with Barton County for five years. First, with the Treasure and I currently hold office as your Register of Deeds.
    
    I began working under the guidance of Pam Wornkey. As you may know, Pam was the registrar for 10 years. In the time before her retirement, she taught me every aspect of this position and I continue to follow the procedures set forth by her and the Kansas statutes. When she announced her retirement, she felt confident that I was the right person to become the next Register of Deeds. At a meeting held by the Barton County Republican Committee, I was appointed by way of vote to move forward. 
    
    After taking office, I was able to make additions to the services that we offer. 
    
    First, our records can now be researched online. This is especially convenient for those who are not able to travel to the office. 
    
    Second, A records notification system was added. This system sends a notification by email if any document is recorded using your name. Essentially, this is a tool to help prevent fraudulent transfers of ownership. 
    
    Third, since we are an accepted passport facility, equipment was purchased to offer photos for passport, conceal carry, and international driver’s license applications. This has been a one-stop convenience for our community. 
    
    In addition, with the utmost consideration, I have eliminated a position in the office. I have found that the workload is manageable with just two employees. This saves taxpayer dollars by eliminating the added expenses of having a third employee. 
    
    Barton County is important to me as well as maintaining the essential land records that I have been sworn to protect. I am grateful to have been appointed to this position and humbly ask for your support during the Primary Election on August 6, 2024, with advanced voting beginning July 17th.
• Susan Williams
• 
• I have been a Barton County resident for over fifty years. My husband and I raised our daughter here and are proud she chose to come back to Barton County after her college graduation and give back to the community through her profession. My husband and I have been co-owners of a successful business for more than 20 years. Throughout the years, I have served on many community committees. I am fully invested in the communities and the people. I want to work for the voters of Barton County and for this nomination. I invite you to follow my Facebook Page – Susan Williams for Barton County Register of deeds.
  
  I have eight years previous experience in the Register of Deeds office with seven years as the Deputy Register of Deeds.
  
  I began working in the Register of Deeds office in 2013 and it soon became apparent I had found my niche. I quickly achieved my certification as a Certified Deputy Register of Deeds and held that position until 2021. This is my first opportunity to run for the office.
  
  I have worked with many of you in the past whether that be with recording conveyances, mortgages, oil and gas documents, passports, surveys, or with the Golden Belt and Hillcrest Cemetery. I find the work to be so rewarding and I understand the importance of accuracy, efficiency and prioritization when recording documents. I also understand the need to continue with new technological advances while still maintaining the integrity and preservation of the historical records.
  
  Thank you for your support in my endeavor to serve as YOUR Barton County Register of Deeds.

• David Gonzales
  • 
    • ​I am David Gonzales I have been a resident in Ellinwood since 2005. I have lived in
      Barton County since 1988, working originally as an Occupational Therapist at
      Great Bend’s old hospital, CKMC. In 2006, my wife and I started Achieve Rehab, LLC at 1410 Polk Street in Great Bend, where we specialize in orthopedic shoulder, elbow and hand therapy.
    • I have served the Ellinwood District Hospital as a board member for approximately 10 years. My goal as a board member, was to work with the other members and the great staff of the hospital, to partner with the community to build a new hospital. Together, we have now realized that goal!! Together, we can continue to build the best healthcare for our community.
    • As a board member, I plan on continuing to work to that end. Recruitment of the
      best medical staff, and being fiscally responsible to the tax payers of the district is my top priority.
    • To the voters of the Ellinwood Hospital District, thank you for the opportunity to
      serve you and your families. I ask for your vote.
• Harry A. Whiting, Jr.