By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Long-time Barton County Register of Deeds Pam Wornkey has announced her retirement. A Republican, that party will now determine who takes her place. A convention to make that determination is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Best Western Angus Inn Poolside Room. Republican Party Leader Dick Friedeman said up to 58 members will be voting up at least three known candidates.
"It's a convention but the people who participate in the convention are all the Republican Precinct Committeemen and women from Barton County," he said.
Wornkey is set to retire on Sept. 1, and the winner of Thursday's convention will assume the role at that time. Glennda French, a current deputy clerk in the office, and Susan Williams and Julie Peterson, both former deputy clerks, are known candidates in the race. At least one-third of committee members must be present for a quorum, and the winning candidate must receive a majority of votes. Friedeman said there are no runoff ballots.
"We'll just keep voting with the same three candidates until someone drops out because they can see they're not winning," he said. "The members can say, 'Oh well, my first choice isn't going to make it so I'll switch to somebody else on the second choice.'"
The appointment will be forwarded to Gov. Laura Kelly, who is obliged to confirm the appointment. The public is invited to attend Thursday's convention.