[Tee]

Jim Sherer

As the only incumbent in this year's commission race, Jim Sherer points to street projects on 14th and Wyatt Earp Boulevard, and the city's acquisition of a youth activity center, as highlights of his tenure.

"I'm proud of what we've been able to do with the streets, even though it's been frustratingly slow," Sherer said. Final work on two of the city's main thoroughfares is set to begin this year, and Sherer said he would like to see the completion of those projects.

Sherer is also proud of the city's decision to enter into a lease-purchase agreement with All 4 Fun - an entertainment venue with miniature golf, go-carts and video games.

"We need to do everything we can to keep young families here," Sherer said.

Sherer said he would continue family-friendly efforts if re-elected by pushing for a city-owned water park. He also supports plans to further develop Dodge City's tourism industry.

Sherer said he would like to see the completion of a special-events center and a convention center - two projects funded by the Why Not Dodge? sales tax that have experienced many delays and controversy in their 11-year history.

Sherer, who is 65, recently retired as director of the Kansas Heritage Center and holds officer positions with two local historical groups. He also is a former member of the USD 443 school board.

Brian Weber

At 25, Weber is the youngest of the candidates and was also the first to file for the commission race - he filed his paperwork on Jan. 1.

After graduating from Newman University in Wichita in 2005, Weber returned to his hometown of Dodge City to work at the family business founded by his parents in 1980, Weber Refrigeration and Heating Inc.

Weber said he was motivated to run for public office for two reasons - to make city government more accessible to the average citizen and to give back to his hometown.

"Community involvement is a huge issue for me," he said. "A lack of community involvement translates into low voter turnout. I'm going to advocate fixing issues that may cause distrust in local government."

Weber said an open government will help leaders make more informed decisions.

"I think we can all win if community members are more aware - that enables them to be stronger voters," Weber said.

Despite his youth, Weber has had a long interest in politics, helping to found a College Republicans chapter at Newman and a Young Republicans chapter in Ford County. He also serves on boards for Western Plains Medical Complex, the Chamber of Commerce and the Depot Theater Company.

Dorothy Faulkner

Faulkner began working for Ford County as a dispatcher for the ambulance and fire department in 1976 and retired as the county's communications director. She also listed public accessibility as one of her reasons for running.

"I want to listen and respond to the concerns of all citizens," Faulkner said. "Several items have not been visible or transparent enough."

Faulkner was on-hand in 1991 when Dodge City and Ford County's communications functions were consolidated and when the county's addresses were updated for 911 response purposes. She said those changes weren't wildly popular at the time, but have proved beneficial in the long run.

"I can take the heat," she said.

Faulkner also said the Why Not Dodge? projects should be a priority.

"I'd like to understand more clearly why it's taken 11 years to build something that was voted on," Faulkner said. "I'm also very interested in the casino and would like to stay informed on that information."

Faulkner, who is 70, has lived in Dodge City for 46 years. She serves as the president of the Ford County Democratic Women's Association and is involved with the hospital and with an organization that helps children in the court system.

Monte Broeckelman

Broeckelman said he first began mulling the idea of running for the commission two or three years ago because he was dissatisfied with the direction of the city.

"I think we've made vast improvements in the last 18 months or so, but I guess I would like to see things continue to move in the right direction," Broeckelman said.

He said he would like to see the city do more to help existing businesses.

"I'd like to see us put some effort in trying to do something for some local businesses," Broeckelman said. "It seems like we get so focused on trying to bring new businesses to town to try to create jobs."

Broeckelman said he would like to see more action on the Why Not Dodge? projects and would like to be on board when the casino is built.

"I think it's going to probably stretch this community a little bit. There will be some issues that probably haven't been thought of at this point," he said.

Broeckelman is the chief financial officer for the Dodge City Co-op and, as a certified public accountant, has performed fiscal audits for small governments, something he said would be an asset for the commission. He said that if he is elected, he would make fiscally responsible decisions.

Broeckelman, 37, is involved with the finance committee for his church and serves on the Dodge City High School Business Advisory Group. He is active with the local Fort Hays State University alumni association and is a member of several professional accounting organizations.

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