By DALE HOGG
Barton County Media Consultant
The Barton County Commission on Tuesday leveraged its regular meeting to highlight an extraordinary 12-hour slate of community activities, which commissioners framed as a necessary demonstration of public service and accountability.
Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson, District 3, announced that the commission and its administrative staff would collectively put in 120 work hours during the day, covering multiple events without adding "one extra dollar" to the budget.
"Today is one of the proudest days I've had as a commissioner, and it's thanks to the people sitting to the left and the people sitting to the right of me," Hutchinson said. "Not one person on this team said, 'No.' Everyone here... said, 'Yes, we'll step up. We're going to put in a 12-hour day today.'"
The ambitious schedule began with the formal meeting, followed by the County Employee Picnic in Jack Kilby Square. In the morning, the commission planned to discuss a housing project in Hoisington before continuing its "Travel 389" initiative in the afternoon with visits to Great Bend businesses, including KanEquip, Queen Bees Nutrition, Beauty Bar and Kansas Pro Wash, Mark's Custom Signs, and Central Plains Security.
The day concluded with commissioners attending the League of Women Voters Candidates Forum Tuesday evening at the Great Bend Event Center.
Hutchinson used the commission’s commitment as a benchmark for all elected officials.
"I think that this should be more the rule, instead of the exception, with elected officials talking from the president all the way down to the township officials," he said.
He issued a call to action for the public.
"If your elected officials aren't doing this sort of thing and they're not putting in 12-hour days when they're needed to, fire them, elect new people," Hutchinson said. "The people that are voting are in charge, and (all elected officials) should be held to the same level of accountability."
Commissioner Duane Reif, District 1, agreed, adding that the effort is simply part of the job.
"We’re not just patting ourselves on the back. We're just doing what we're supposed to do," Reif said, emphasizing the importance of the evening forum. "It's your chance to get out and know the candidate that you're voting for."
Commissioner Barb Esfeld, District 2, echoed those sentiments. She added that, for example, the Commission spent countless hours crafting a balanced 2026 budget that remained below revenue neutral. The hours and the effort put into the process created a budget that the Commissioners were proud to adopt.
"How sad that people out there just really don't even know what we do," Esfeld said. "This commission will tell you we spend hours working on our budget."
She joined her colleagues in encouraging voter participation. She noted that the forum was the perfect example of an opportunity for residents to get involved.