By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Elections are quickly approaching to determine various local councils and boards. The Great Bend Mayor race has two names on the ballot, incumbent Cody Schmidt and Davis Jimenez.
Jimenez was the only mayor candidate to attend last week’s candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters – Barton County. Given two questions, Jimenez wanted to see an increased effort to promote diversity.
"We need jobs for all different workforce levels," said Jimenez. "Jobs that bring opportunities, and opportunities know no color. We need to support local business, big and small. That means cutting red tape and making it easier for everyone to thrive, regardless of the location within the city. When businesses succeed, they hire people from all walks of life."
Jimenez has served as a Great Bend City Council member since February 2021. After initially being appointed to the council, he began his first, full two-year term on the council this past January.
When asked what city services he would like to improve, Jimenez mentioned recreation and housing but safety is first.
"We have to keep our city safe," said Jimenez. "That means supporting our police and firefighters with resources they need to do their jobs. When our neighborhoods are safe, our families can thrive and businesses can grow."
You can watch the entire candidate forum from last week by going to the Great Bend Post Facebook page.