Sedgwick County Treasurer Republican primary
The Sedgwick County Treasurer’s office operates the county’s two vehicle tag offices. It also collects real estate, personal property and other taxes and distributes the money to cities, townships and other taxing authorities. The office has the equivalent of 93 full-time employees. The treasurer is elected to a four-year term and is paid $92,658.
The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Charity Kennedy in November. The current county treasurer, Linda Kizzire, is not seeking re-election.
Brandi Baily
Age: 43
Education: Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, Master’s Business Administration
Occupation: Principal Accountant- Sedgwick County Finance (2007-present)
Political and Civic Experience: Councilwoman - Park City (2017-present); Treasurer - Chisholm Creek Utility Authority Board (2019-present); City Treasurer - Park City (2012-2017) Volunteer Park City PRIDE & 4th of July Member of Republican Women United Former Girl Scout troop leader
Endorsements: Dave Unruh, retired Sedgwick County Commissioner; Richard Powell, retired Sedgwick County Undersheriff
Contact Information: Email: brandi4countytreasurer@gmail.com; Website: brandibaily.com; Facebook: Brandi Baily for Sedgwick County Treasurer
1. What are your qualifications for the office?
I have measurable experience and an education. I currently manage the county’s investment portfolio of almost a half billion dollars. I work with the county auditors and I have full knowledge of the financial software used for general ledgers and I know how to correctly reconcile our accounts.
2. What changes would you make, if any, to better serve constituents.
Explore opportunities to decrease wait times by expanding tag office hours and set up satellite locations in some of the smaller communities.
3. Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
I have the drive, the knowledge, the experience and the education. I’m a political outsider who wants to make improvements for our citizens and continue my public service to Sedgwick County.
Ben Sauceda
Age: 37
Education: Attended Cowley County Community College and Wichita State University - Business Administration
Occupation: Sedgwick County Deputy Treasurer
Political and civic experience: Currently serve as Ward 3 City Councilman in Park City since 2018. Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission from 2011-2015, Wichita District IV Advisory Board from 2011-2015, and a member of leadership team of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year Campaign.
Endorsements: Sedgwick County Treasurer Linda Kizzire, State Representatives Emil Bergquist, Nick Hoheisel, Renee Erickson, Business leaders Bob Dool, Todd Johnson, Joshua Shorter
Contact information: www.bensauceda.com, ben@bensauceda.com
1. What are your qualifications for the office?
I currently oversee our Tax Department as the Deputy Treasurer. Previously, I oversaw the creation of our private school and worked through the accreditation process with the National Association of Private Schools, managed our school/church finances, worked with teachers to do continuous education training, and have managed groups of individuals in large settings dealing with conflict management.
2. What changes would you make, if any, to better serve constituents.
As our world continues to change rapidly, we must stay innovative in how we handle county business. I would work with our legislators to encourage changes in our state statutes that would allow for more efficient government in the 21st century. There are many ways our hands are tied because of this situation with state statutes that are not cost effective and burdensome to being efficient.
3. Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
I have experience in management. I have led individuals, been responsible for hiring, promoting, and handling employee reviews. This position requires someone who knows how to work well with others to get problems solved. I am that candidate. I would appreciate your vote in the August 4th Republican Primary.