City Commission: Who will get your vote?

[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.

Hutchinson News Online

[old timer]

I can't think (and I've googled, etc.) of what he has done beside leasing All-4-Fun.

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.

And since he was City Commissioner for the last four years, why did he do nothing about the Events Center. (ps., "convention center" what the h is that?)

There have been at least, what, three or four managers of the race tracks during Sherer's tenure.

There have been at least three city managers.

Nothing has been done about the Events Center. No vote ever taken on what ever the "Convention Center" is -- what, we need two $30 million dollars centers ?

He did allow total conflict of interest in the issues concerning Boot Hill Gaming Inc.

So, contest, name (besides, if true, lease from Denton of All-4-Fun), name one thing that he did? Really ? I need help on this .......

[Tee]

To me, the vote comes down to who I think will save me money in taxes...ie: who will live within our means.

Jim Sherer: Has proven that he can spend money like it's in unlimited supply.

Brian Weber: Pledges to support most of the tax and spend programs. I don't think he's old enough to pay taxes long enough to understand the pain that we working class feel. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he has never gone hungry like some of us. Despite his affiliation with government in school, he has lilttle life experience, let alone experience with taxpayor money.

Dorothy Faulkner: Decades of ties with local government officials. Possible axe to grind. Has worked within a system that requires you to spend over budget to get an increase in the nexxt years budget. Has pledged to support many tax and spend projects.

Monte Broeckelman: CFO of major cooperative. Has vast knowledge of economics, fiscal responsibility, certified public accountant, finance commitee for a non-profit.

If we are approaching this logically, and hiring the right person for the job, there is only one person who is actually qualified to be in charge of our money, and that is Monte Broeckelman. He'll get my vote.

[Detector]

Why do we NEVER see anyone willing to take a firm stand on important issues facing the people? There always seems to be a back door left open for them to slither out of.

[Clueless]

The biggest issue before us is those who don't (or won't) vote.

I'm absolutely turned off by those members of this forum who click on the 'I won't Vote' button. To those people I ask this - "How do you enjoy your right to a voice - and not exercise your right to vote?"

We see voting numbers decline. There's always a lot of 'talk', but fewer who take the effort to 'walk' and vote. Why? Are we simply to lazy to go to the polls?

[Made in the USA]

Originally Posted by Clueless

The biggest issue before us is those who don't (or won't) vote.

I'm absolutely turned off by those members of this forum who click on the 'I won't Vote' button. To those people I ask this - "How do you enjoy your right to a voice - and not exercise your right to vote?"

We see voting numbers decline. There's always a lot of 'talk', but fewer who take the effort to 'walk' and vote. Why? Are we simply to lazy to go to the polls?

Very simple Clueless--------
Some of us do not live inside the City Limits, thus we cannot vote in the City Commission elections. Why, can you swing it so we can vote???? If that's the case, I will be glad to!

[Clueless]

Originally Posted by Made in the USA

Very simple Clueless--------
Some of us do not live inside the City Limits, thus we cannot vote in the City Commission elections. Why, can you swing it so we can vote???? If that's the case, I will be glad to!

OK - I was on my rampage and forgot about that - sorry USA, I apologize. My overall argument stands, 'cause there's a whole lotta folk inside the City that never vote, but have big attitutes. I know that because I know some of them...

No, can't arrange your ballot, but wish I could.

[Made in the USA]

Originally Posted by Clueless

OK - - My overall argument stands, 'cause there's a whole lotta folk inside the City that never vote, but have big attitutes.

Surely not in Dodge City! Of course, it would help if we had more candidates to pick from, and there was someone (or several) that would stand up for the citizens!

[Detector]

First let me say that I do vote. Second, this in no way is meant to insinuate these candidates are evil.

If our choices were to elect from Genghis Khan, Timothy McVay, Adolf Hitler and Charles Manson, how would you justify voting? How could you say someone that chose not to vote has no voice?

Not all people believe in electing the lesser of the evils. In fact I'd say if more people were to be a bit more selective on when they would vote, our choices would improve drastically. As it is, these candidates know we must elect someone out of the group no matter how bad the choices are.

[Made in the USA]

Damn, all those goodies are running, and I don't get to vote! I'll bet Hitler could get the SEC built!