By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Following the November General Election and being sworn into office in January, the Barton County Commission will see a pair of new commissioners take their positions on the board.
There has not been much change on the Commission recently outside of the 4th District. Jim Daily was chosen by a committee in April 2019 to replace Alicia Straub after Straub resigned her position to become a State Legislator.
County Administrator Phil Hathcock says usually the most
challenging aspect of being a commissioner is understanding the budget process.
"The budget is a whole other animal," said Hathcock. "It usually takes at least a year for a new commissioner to understand all the inner workings of the budget. It is a complicated moving piece."
The Republican Primary Election results from Aug. 4 saw Shawn Hutchinson defeat
three other candidates for the 3rd District. Barb Esfeld had an
uncontested race in the 2nd District and Daily was uncontested in
the 4th District.
Current commissioners Homer Kruckenberg and Don Davis are not running for
reelection.
"I have enjoyed working with the commissioners we have now, but a fresh set of eyes and opinions are always welcome," said Hathcock.
The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.