A Low-Stakes Race for County Commission

 

Incumbent John Ford (R) is running for reelection to the Riley County Commission, in Kansas, against Rob Voelker (D). 

 

 

The election is the only race this year for a seat on the three-member Riley County Commission.

The election is being held in District 1. 

Here is a map of the districts for the Riley County Commission.

Both John Ford and Rob Voelker support hiring a County Administrator to take over many of the responsibilities of longtime County Clerk Rich Vargo, ahead of Vargo’s upcoming retirement.

Vargo has been Riley County Clerk for almost 30 years.

If Voelker wins, Democrats would hold 2 of the 3 seats on the County Commission, giving them the majority.

If Ford wins, Republicans would retain their majority, keeping 2 of the 3 seats on the County Commission, as they currently have.

The issues decided by the commission don’t really fall along party or ideological lines.

Both Ford and Voelker are good, reasonable, and competent candidates.

There are no meaningful differences between them on the issues.

Voelker is part of a social network of local liberal activists that I am part of.

I plan to vote for Voelker (D), but I believe either candidate would do a good job in the position.

 

 

John Ford was first elected to the Riley County Commission in 2018, and he was reelected in 2022.

I didn’t live in Riley County when John Ford was first elected in 2018.

I voted for John Ford (R), four years ago, in 2022, when he ran unopposed for reelection.

Voelker (D) previously served as sports director for News Radio KMAN.

He is currently a public address announcer for K-State sports.

He has been attending County Commission meetings for months to prepare for the election, and for the job of County Commissioner, should he win the election.

 

 

Here is the article the Manhattan Mercury wrote about Rob Voelker.

Here is the article the Manhattan Mercury wrote about John Ford. 

In August, Ford won a contested Republican Primary.

The Mercury asked the candidates about key issues facing the Riley County Commission.

Here is Rob Voelker’s campaign website.

A short biography about John Ford can be found on the website for Riley County, Kansas.

Here is Voelker’s speech at the Rally for Democracy, which was held last month.

I endorse Rob Voelker (D), although I believe either candidate would do a good job as Riley County Commissioner.