By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com

There will be a contested race for Pratt County Commissioner in District 2 on August 6, 2024. Dwight Adams and Morgan Trinkle have filed for this position on the Republican ticket. There are two names filed for the Commissioner #3 position in Pratt County, Ryan Lunt – Democrat and Rick Shriver – Republican, but they run unopposed until the November 5, 2024 general election. Therefore, this week’s election preparation coverage centers on Adams and Trinkle who are of the same party and will each be looking for the most votes on August 6.

Each candidate provided answers for the same questions listed below. Their answers are unaltered and unedited.

1. Why are you a county commissioner and why do you want to continue to serve in this position, or why would you like to serve in this position?

2. What are the important tasks a county commissioner is expected to perform?

3. What are important issues in Pratt County government at this time?

Dwight Adams, candidate for County Commissioner District 2

1. Four years ago I became aware of our county commissioners’ plans to spend large sums of money. Through my attempts to make this information public to the county’s voters, I was repeatedly encouraged to run for the Commission myself. During the past four years we have made significant progress in aligning further spending with the parameters of the County budget. I feel a responsibility to ensure a continuation of fiscally conservative policies, spending only on essentials rather than things on wish lists.

When I ran for office four years ago one of my campaign promises was public access to entire commission meetings. As a result, we now broadcast all meetings and provide access to the tapes of these meetings through the County web page. Of course, open meeting laws forbid broadcasting executive sessions. I am in favor of minimizing executive sessions when legally possible.

I have served as a County Commissioner a total of twelve years. I attended classes provided by KCCA and LKM completing certification requirements for the Kansas Leadership Academy, an accomplishment rarely completed by Pratt County Commissioners. Youth does not automatically provide knowledge and experience. I feel I provide both.

2. Budget issues are a huge part of the responsibilities we handle. It was a surprise for me to learn that the Commissioners were not consulting accountants for budget planning and advice. Prior to the last four years, spending exceeded mill levies, and cash reserves were used to cover the expenses. Consequently, the present commissioners have been forced to increase mill levies to replenish the cash reserves so vital to the economic stability of our County. To that end Pratt County has hired an excellent accounting firm to guide us.

In addition to the budget, there are always challenges to weigh the needs of salaries and benefits for employees with the money limitations. Our personnel are our biggest asset. We have excellent staff, and retention of this staff is essential to the County.

County Commissioners are regularly faced with the task of assisting in arriving at solutions to problems that arise.

3. The State of Kansas has reduced valuations of agricultural, oil, and utility properties while increasing valuations of residential properties. Counties have no control over this. This reduces the actual value of a ‘mill’. Therefore, holding mill levies as low as possible while still paying basic expenses is a difficult challenge. In addition to employee expense, providing basic services necessitates maintaining a significant inventory of equipment. The County is tasked with the same challenges all of us face – balancing expenses and services with income.

I always strive to be accessible to all County residents, freely providing my cell number for questions and problems, 620-3770-0083.

Morgan Trinkle, candidate for Pratt County Commissioner, District 2

1. Change is not a BAD thing. I feel we need a change for a different viewpoint for the betterment of Pratt County residents.

I would like to serve as Pratt County Commissioner as I feel like I have an understanding of county policies and feel I can manage the county budget and finances. As a founding member of the Pratt County Zoning Board since 2011 I feel I also have a good understanding of issues facing the county concerning land use.

I am a lifetime resident of Pratt County. I am 68 years old and married to Deb Trinkle for 40 years and counting. We have 2 grown daughters, Angela Trinkle, Sheila Trinkle Lunsford, and have 2 grandsons Tyler and Dylan Reimer, and 1 Great Granddaughter Elaine Reimer. We are currently attending the New Beginnings GMC Church I feel religion is so important in this day and age as this world of ours is in its current state of affairs.

Besides the Zoning Board, I have or currently serve on the Pratt County Farm Service Agency county committee. A Captain on Pratt County Rescue, and former Township #6 Trustee. I have the training in several FEMA classes as what the first responders thru elected officials are required to do in any emergency or disaster. This is important because most incidents occur and are handled by local government. I.e. weather disasters, train wrecks, vehicle wrecks to active shooter events.

My Dad, Merle Trinkle served as Pratt County Commissioner for 12 years and I vow to continue his legacy by working for the people of Pratt County to the best of my ability. I saw first-hand how a commissioner needs to be dedicated and serve the people. This I PROMISE will happen again.

2. The important tasks that I feel commissioners are expected to perform are numerous. The top tasks I think the most important is the ability to work with all other elected officials. Such as other commissioners, department heads, City commissioners, State leaders and Federal officials. Along with all private agencies and private businesses.

Being able to listen to the concerns of the taxpayers and keeping them informed of county issues is vitally important. This includes keeping them informed of budget and public safety issues. Many taxpayers are uninformed about where their tax dollars go and I want to get this information out to them so they are more informed on important issues

Overseeing the operation and administration of the County is the one task that most see on a daily bases, but there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes. I am ready to tackle this task.

3. There are a lot of issues facing Pratt County right now. County infrastructures will have to be addressed soon. Courthouse updates, Health Department and Road Department (roads, bridges and building). I feel to help improve these issues the Taxpayer NEEDS to be fully involved and aware of the process from the beginning and their voices heard at each stage.

Better wages for employees’ is another area that need addressed. It is very hard for some departments to maintain help and this is one way to try and help fill these positions in various departments.

More businesses and industries need to be brought to Pratt County. We have very few places that residents can make a livable wage. Also, any new businesses will help current taxpayers with the tax base.

A personal goal of mine is that ALL departments and/or agencies in Pratt County work together for the betterment of ALL Pratt County Taxpayers This starts at the commission’s level and passes along to department and employee’s

WE ALL NEED TO WORK TOGETHER, all levels of government.

WE ALL WORK FOR THE PRATT COUNTY TAXPAYERS!!!!!