Chanute’s candidate forum was held on Thursday, Oct. 23 at Memorial Auditorium, hosted by the Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce.
The following is a brief recap of who is running.
For Chanute City Commissioner, the two candidates who earn the most votes will hold a four-year term, while the third highest ranked candidate will serve a two-year term. Incumbents, Tim Egner, Kevin V. Berthot, and Mayor Jacob T. LaRue are all running. Tim Harding is also on the ballot.
Several incumbents are running to keep their seat on the Neosho County Community College Board of Trustees, including: Bryan J. Schulz, Martha R. McCoy, and Michael De La Torre. A challenger, Kathryn E. Taylor is also running.
Heather Guernsey is running to keep her spot on the USD 413 School Board. Recently appointed board member, Jennifer May is also running. Challengers include Tiffany Cooney and Steven Cunningham. Elected members will serve a four-year term.
The event was moderated by Ross Hendrickson. Candidates gave opening and closing remarks, in addition to participating in a question and answer forum. It was livestreamed to the City of Chanute Facebook Page.
“What is your vision for economic development in Chanute?” Hendrickson asked.
LaRue said economic development is a multifaceted approach.
“It’s a mix of both retention and recruitment,” LaRue said.
He also highlighted that partnerships with existing entities to support economic development are important. However LaRue said that the city is “strapped for cash” and that there are not additional funds currently to support such ventures outside of the existing sales tax and the potential sales tax question on the ballot this year to fund the Chanute Regional Development Authority.
Egner said he was on the commission when CRDA began.
“They’ve helped bring in businesses. I think supporting them with this tax ballot question, They’ve done a bunch of good. I think we should keep them going,” Egner said.
Harding was the next to speak: “I think we need to work more on keeping our graduates in Chanute, opening their own small businesses, whether it be plumbers, electricians, welders, whatever it is, but we need to keep those people in Chanute. “
Harding said that better housing and having more businesses and restaurants for citizens to choose from would be beneficial to keeping graduates local.
Berthot said economic development is competitive. He noted that municipalities are often competing to hire developers. He highlighted the recruitment and expansion of Orizon Aerostructures “My vision is to continue to reach out to potential companies. There is an opportunity right now for data centers in the Midwest. Chanute is sitting in a good location for a data center,” Berthot said.
The second question of the evening was: As Chanute grows, what are your ideas for ensuring there is a qualified workforce available and for ensuring quality, affordable housing is available?
Egner said that the commission would have to work with local education systems like USD 413, and NCCC to ensure there is an adequate workforce.
Concerning housing, Egner highlighted the Osa Martin subdivision, which has been completed, but said beyond utility incentives, there is not a lot the city can do to bring the cost of housing down.
Harding also said that a connection to NCCC would be important to recruiting regional graduates.
“As far as housing, my idea is to look at the landbank and how it is being used. We’ve got a lot of houses that are being torn down. We need to go in and see if they are salvageable at all.”
Berthot said a qualified workforce would come from USD 413 and NCCC, and highlighted the focus on trade skills. As far as housing, Berthot said it continues to be a challenge.
“Since 2018, the cost of housing has increased 40% in the state of Kansas,” Berthot said. He highlighted how valuation on homes continues to increase, which is why he is proud to have been on the commission to vote to reduce Chanute’s property tax levy, which he believes stimulates homeownership and growth in Chanute.
LaRue said projects such as the new agricultural science building at Chanute High School promote workforce development. When it comes to housing, LaRue said the reduction of the mill levy helps tremendously as an economic development tool to entice people to move to Chanute. He also highlighted the city’s support of reinvestment housing districts.
“How would you balance infrastructure needs with other demands?” Hendrickson asked.
Harding said it starts with the budget, and takes into consideration how much money is available and what needs fixed most urgently.
Berthot said the police and fire departments make up the bulk of expenditures and the higher priority based on feedback from the community.
Berthot said to address infrastructure needs, the city is already in the process of building a new water plant and a wastewater treatment facility. Berthot said streets are also worked on each year.
“I think we owe everyone safety, security and consistency,” LaRue said. He highlighted the need to consider not just what is needed urgently, but to prepare for what will be needed in the future.
Egner said the reality of the situation is that the City’s management staff brings infrastructure needs to the commission.
“I’m going to use their expertise. They know more than I do,” Egner said.
He highlighted recent park updates, but noted that the city’s funding primarily relies on the income earned through utilities.
In other county races: Erie City Council members serve a four-year term. Incumbents Stephen E. Maher, Kyle Buntin, and M. Edward “Eddie” Hibbs III, are running. Daniel Quinn Mason and Jerry L. Moses are also on the ballot.
USD 101 has one candidate filed for District 2, Carla Rush, and Morgan Bunting is running for District 3. No candidate filed to run for District 1.
Elected Galesburg City Council members will serve a two-year term. Incumbents Brian Semrad and Alex Tromsness are running. Nancy Dague and Shannon Caswell are also running. No one filed to run for Galesburg City Mayor.
In Stark, incumbent Charles W. Hill is running for city council, and current Mayor Jeffrey Dean Kovacic is running to keep his position.
In St. Paul, incumbent Keith Van Leeuwen is running for Mayor. Incumbents Dan Spielbusch and Mike Grosdidier are running for city council, alongside Jason Venneman, Cary O’Brien and Kenny John Paisley.
Mark A. Stitch, Kathy Brazle, and Shawna Wright are all on the ballot, running for Southwind Extension Board, a four-year term.
No candidates filed for Thayer City Council or the Earlton City Council.
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Another story on the Chanute Public Schools Board of Education and the Neosho County Community College Board of Trustee forums will be included in Friday’s edition of the Chanute Tribune.
