
From Donna Zimmerman...
Donna Zimmerman, Barton County Clerk, announces
her filing for re-election. Zimmerman
said she started her county service in December 1981. In 1995, Zimmerman was appointed County Clerk
by then Governor Graves. Zimmerman was also
recently appointed Assistant County Administrator in May of 2017 and continues
to help in that capacity. Zimmerman said
“it has been a privilege to serve as your County Clerk and Election Officer for
the past 25 years”.
Zimmerman said, “as your local elected official charged with conducting elections, it is my priority to be transparent. Voters must have full confidence of our ability to conduct fair and impartial elections.” Zimmerman has participated in the transition from paper balloting to opti-scan ballots, to electronic voting and now back to a hybrid system of electronic and plain paper ballots counted by precinct tabulator. The ever-changing environment is an exciting challenge for Zimmerman and her office.
In order to keep current with both technology and best practices, Zimmerman attended the Kansas County Clerks’ and Election Officials’ Association certification courses offered by Wichita State University, Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs. Zimmerman completed the seven-year certification training, which included 148 hours devoted to Public Administration, Interpersonal Relations and various electives, graduating with the designation of Master Certified County Clerk.
Zimmerman is a member and Past President of the Kansas County Clerks’ & Election Officials’ Association and member and Past President of the South Central Kansas County Clerks’ & Election Officials’ Association. Zimmerman served on the Executive Board of KAC (Kansas Association of Counties) as well as the on Executive Board of the KCOA (Kansas County Officials Association). Locally, she has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors of the Great Bend Rotary Club, a member of the Great Bend Pilot Club, and Habitat for Humanity. Zimmerman is also a 1999 graduate of Leadership Great Bend.
Zimmerman is married to her husband, Ray of 39 years, and are homeowners in Great Bend. They have two children, a daughter, Sara Winegarner, and husband, Larry, Wichita, and a son, Cory Zimmerman and wife, Katie, Great Bend. We have been blessed with four beautiful granddaughters and a precious great-grandson. Zimmerman said she most enjoys the time spent with family.
Zimmerman said “I am proud of my record. I am proud of my relationships with other municipalities in Barton County and throughout the State of Kansas. I am proud of the fact that I can honestly say I strive to do my best in the most transparent manner possible, for you. I ask for your continued support and vote.”