By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Matthew Gerritzen represents the youngest of any of the candidates running for a seat on the Barton County Commission this year. Graduating from Hoisington High School in 2000, Gerritzen is seeking a position to represent District 1 on the commission.
Gerritzen was part of the candidate forum last
week hosted by the League of Women Voters Great Bend – Barton County.
"You'll see a running demographic that runs for county commissioner," said Gerritzen. "You'll see a lot of CEOs, business owners, a president of every organization. I don't hold those demographics. I am part of that 'minority' majority of Barton County. I'm just an hourly-wage worker in Barton County. That is a voice that has not really been represented on the commission over the years."
When discussing taxation, Gerritzen said slashing taxes is not always the
answer, but making sure the county is fiscally responsible with the dollars
coming in is necessary.
"Not everybody needs new," said Gerritzen. "Now, emergency vehicles...yes. For reliability purposes, new is great. But, there are a lot of entities around the county that have brand new vehicles, brand new equipment, all the time. We can make that last a little bit longer with the right maintenance. Make those expenditures go a little further."
Linda Moeder, Duane Reif and Jeffery Donecker are also running for the District
1 position. Eagle Radio has or will feature each candidate this week.
You can view the entire candidate forum by clicking HERE.
Barton County Commission election preview – Jeffery Donecker