Candidates for public office in Great Bend, as well as candidates for the Barton Community College Board of Trustees, had a chance to meet the public and answer questions on Tuesday when the League of Women Voters of Great Bend — Barton County hosted a forum at the Great Bend Events Center.
The League also plans to host a forum next Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Friendship House, 418 E. 3rd St. in Hoisington. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the forum will start at 6 p.m. with candidates for Hoisington mayor and the USD 431 school board. That forum will be live-streamed by the Great Bend Post, as was Tuesday’s forum.
This is an off-year for Barton County Commission seats. County Counselor Patrick Hoffman served as the moderator, allowing candidates to introduce themselves, answer a randomly drawn question from a list they received in advance, and then answer another question of their choosing from the list.
Candidates for the Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education were up first. Voters will choose three candidates at the Nov. 4 general election. There are four candidates: Jacqueline Disque, Chad Burrows, Barbara Thoren and Sarah Schenek. Burrows did not attend Tuesday’s forum or supply answers.
Candidates for the Barton Community College Board of Trustees are Carl Helm, Kimberly Becker, John Moshier, Kyle Zoellner, Will Rains, Billy Eldridge and Amber Smith. Voters will elect three trustees. All of the candidates were represented, but Billy Eldridge was unable to attend and his wife Kassandra read his responses.
Candidates for mayor are Alan Moeder and Davis Jimenez. Both currently serve on the City Council.
Candidates for City Council Ward 1 are Deklyn Craven and Shelly Peacock. Craven did not attend but sent an email with his responses. They were read by Jan Stice with the League of Women Voters.
Candidates for City Council Ward 2 are Jay Luerman and Charlie Dixon.
Candidates for City Council Ward 3 are Cody Harris and Shelly Arnberger.
Both candidates for Mayor of Great Bend have posted information about themselves on the Vote444.org website
Alan Moeder
Personal Biography: Lifelong Great Bend resident. Has owned and operated Moeder Plumbing, Heating and Air since 1982.
Education: Graduated from Great Bend High School and attended Barton Community College.
Community/public service: Past President Optimists Club, Barton County Relay for Life and Columbus Club. Previous Board member for BCC Booster Club, St. Rose Parish Council, Boy Scout Leader and an Eagle Scout.
What do you believe are the three critical projects or initiatives that will move your city forward? Advance the Star Bond initiative to position Great Bend as a premier destination, sparking growth, tourism and community pride. Revitalize Brit Spaugh Park’s south side as a vibrant space that enriches quality of life, fosters connection, and inspires joy for every generation. Strengthen efforts to attract new businesses and industries that will drive economic development and expand opportunities in Great Bend.
Davis Jimenez
Personal biography: Davis is a husband, father of three, veteran, and dedicated public servant who has called Great Bend home nearly his entire life. Great Bend has been the community where he grew up, built his family, and chose to serve. A strong sense of duty has guided every step of his life. He serves in the Army Reserves and has deployed overseas multiple times in defense of our nation. That same commitment to service led him to become active in the community joining the Lions Club, founding Dropping 22 Inc.
Education: Attended Great Bend High, Barton Community College, K-State
Community/public service: United States Army Reserves (Veteran), Current 3rd ward Great Bend City Councilor, Founder & Director of Dropping 22, Master Mason, Great Bend Noon Lions Club
What do you believe are the three critical projects or initiatives that will move your city forward? Three critical initiatives that could truly move Great Bend, KS forward are Downtown & Economic Revitalization, Public Safety & Community Well-Being, and Infrastructure & Quality of Life Improvements.
