(Editor's Note: Candidates from several races were featured in Monday's Candidate Forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Great Bend - Barton County. This is the third of several recaps of the event with candidates grouped by the race for which they are a candidate. This story focuses on the Barton County Commission District 5 race with candidates Stanley Behrends and Johnathan Robinson. Monday's full event, which was livestreamed by Eagle Media, can be viewed by CLICKING HERE).
By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Ahead of the Aug. 4 Primary Election, the League of Women Voters of Great Bend - Barton County hosted a candidate forum last Monday evening at the Great Bend Events. Several candidates for various local elected officers were allowed a short introduction, then given two minutes to answer a random question they were provided beforehand. Candidates were also given the opportunity to answer a question of their choice. The Barton County Commission, District 5 race for the area in and around Great Bend features two candidates. Incumbent Donna Zimmerman did not re-file for election.
Stanley Behrends has lived in Barton County for 42 years. He worked at Great Bend Feeding for 20 years as a cowboy supervisor, working with crews and the animals. He worked alongside the Barton County Road and Bridge Department crew as an assistant foreman for 19-plus years. For the past 20 years, Behrends has served as president of Barton County Crime Stoppers.
Behrends drew question No. 3 pertaining to affordable housing in the county. With renters spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing, they are often forced to make difficult choices about basic needs. How will you use municipal tools and resources to expand access to affordable housing and reduce homelessness in Barton County?
“Helping attract better-paying jobs and supporting economic growth can give families more financial stability,” Behrends said. “I would also like to explore grant opportunities and funding programs that support affordable housing projects. By working with local organizations, developers, and community leaders, we can look for practical solutions that make housing more accessible while strengthening our community.”
Johnathan Robinson was born and raised in Kansas, moving to Barton County three years ago. He graduated from high school in 2010, then spent five years in the United States Marine Corps. He moved back to Kansas where he worked in law enforcement and corrections, and is now a corporate-level manager for a locally-owned business in the county.
Robinson wants to bring common-sense government and fiscal responsibility to the commission, where he can continue his public service. He also drew question No. 3 regarding affordable housing. He said the best solution comes in removing barriers and not creating more government programs that burden taxpayers. That could mean a restructuring in zoning laws and working with local non-profits.
“The strongest long-term solution is to strengthen the local economy,” Robinson said. “When we grow in good-paying jobs and support our existing businesses, more families can afford houses that are already here, and the housing market will continue to grow. I will not support policies that raise costs to current homeowners or shift the burden onto taxpayers through large-scale government housing projects.”
Early voting is currently underway at the Barton County Clerk’s Office on the second floor of the Barton County Courthouse, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, until noon on Monday, Aug. 3. Regular polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Aug. 4.