Here’s what candidates for Sedgwick County Commission say about services, key issues

Three spots on the Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners are up for election on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The commission is made up of five members. They set policy direction, make decisions on taxes and approve an annual budget for vital services such as EMS, 911, Comcare, corrections and the sheriff’s office. They are paid $98,304 a year.

Below are county candidates’ responses to our survey.

And here is a link to all of the races on the ballot for Sedgwick County voters.

You can look up your voter information to see which district you live in, and where your polling site is.

How the voter guide works:

Click on the race you are curious about, and you’ll go to a page with candidates’ responses. There, you can use the jump menu to get to a specific race or district.

A note on editing and fact-checking

Some survey responses were lightly edited for grammar, but the substance of the responses was not edited and is the candidates’ own words. We did not fact-check all of the candidates’ responses.

District 1

Republican Pete Meitzner is the incumbent. He is challenged by Democrat Kelli Grant.

Kelli Grant, Democrat

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?

The top issue in this race is investing and rebuilding our human services and human infrastructure. We can do this in several ways. We can invest in mental health services and look for efficiencies between the mental health and public safety systems, such as more specialty courts. With the highest rates of domestic violence in the state, a specialized court for domestic violence would be very beneficial. Bringing money into the county through more grants will help keep taxes low. I will protect the August 2 vote by protecting county services for family planning services that impact all residents of District 1.

What, if any, changes should the county make in the services it provides?

Sedgwick County needs to invest in human infrastructure. Currently, there are hundreds of vacant positions in human services departments. It is important to attract and retain talent in these departments which will drive service delivery outcomes. We need to consider innovative ways to address human services, and we need to consider development of a domestic violence court. Domestic violence cases are the highest in the state, per-capita and we must look at both services and funding for this pressing issue.

Sedgwick County is struggling to adequately staff many departments, from Comcare to EMS, Elections to Emergency Communications, and many others. How would you, as a commissioner, address this?

As a Commissioner, this would be a top priority because hundreds of empty positions impacts service delivery to the community and quality of life. I would recommend investment in our talent to increase retention rates. I would also have an open-door policy for county staff. I think that access to decision-makers is important and I would welcome feedback from employees. Investment and innovation should be the focus to assist in recovery from so many vacancies.

Sedgwick County commissioners approved spending $2.1 million in ARPA money to lease two floors at the Ruffin Building until at least July 2025. Where do you think Sedgwick County’s administrative offices should be located in the long term, and how should it be paid for?

The claw-back of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from non-profits who had applied for assistance was very disappointing for agencies who applied and were led to believe would be awarded to the community. Building an administrative complex has been a long-term conversation at Sedgwick County, and I think that the administrative complex should remain downtown, and a remodel of the annex would be my choice. Sedgwick County officials have stated that economic impacts of this project would be absorbed based on economic forecasting.

Do you support privatization and/or outsourcing county services? Why or why not (and which services)?

I support partnerships and coordination of services with nonprofits and private providers. Sedgwick County has a responsibility to its citizens to provide human services, it is a major part of operations and provides a safety net to vulnerable populations. We must invest, together, in our human infrastructure to create a community that not only attracts, but retains talent. Investment in these services by Sedgwick County is important for our entire community.

Do you support consolidating services and/or departments with the city of Wichita? Why or why not (and which services)?

County / City partnership promotes functional government and combining services has been successful with the Metropolitan Area Planning Department. Other consolidated services like 911, EMS, and the Heartland Preparedness Center have been successful. Opportunities for combining services, when it makes sense, is a positive for our community, and I would seriously look at those options to partner with the City of Wichita and surrounding cities.

Are elections in Sedgwick County secure, accessible and accurate? What, if any, changes would you propose?

Yes, our election staff are competent and able to provide a secure, accessible, and accurate election process.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided?

Yes.

Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?

I am most qualified for this position because I see the need for change. I care deeply for my community and fellow community members. I understand that we need to protect and elevate the will of District 1 voters on August 2. I stand with the voters of District 1, and am committed to focusing on issues related to that resounding vote.

Campaign website: votekelligrant.com

Pete Meitzner, Republican

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?

Public Safety and Health; From the Sheriff Department and Jail, the Fire Department, EMS (Ambulance service), and 911, to the County Health Department; all providing essential services to all citizens in Sedgwick County. The mental health in our community, including addressing homelessness is the next priority for me.

What, if any, changes should the county make in the services it provides?

Sedgwick County provides many essential services as mentioned above. We continue to adapt and adjust and any changes are done in a transparent and thoughtful evaluation in order to assure the continuation of service to our citizens at a high level.

Sedgwick County is struggling to adequately staff many departments, from Comcare to EMS, Elections to Emergency Communications, and many others. How would you, as a commissioner, address this?

Staffing at government and business levels is a challenge nationwide. I am proud of the recent increase in compensation this past year, and budgeted for the 2023 year. I have supported these recent major steps but we still have work to do for all departments providing services to our citizens.

Sedgwick County commissioners approved spending $2.1 million in ARPA money to lease two floors at the Ruffin Building until at least July 2025. Where do you think Sedgwick County’s administrative offices should be located in the long term, and how should it be paid for?

The move to the Ruffin Building was timely, and necessary. This freed up space for the overcrowded District Attorney offices, and the county criminal and civil Courts. Now that building is a true court house. The future of of administrative offices should be a transparent process with offers from existing buildings, and proposals for new construction. We should keep this move centrally located in the downtown area. Paid for by long term bonding.

Do you support privatization and/or outsourcing county services? Why or why not (and which services)?

Most all of the county services are difficult to privatize. Examples are 911, and Fire. However, I am always open to ideas and proposals for outsourcing if it provides the citizens better services both financially and operationally.

Do you support consolidating services and/or departments with the city of Wichita? Why or why not (and which services)?

Yes, I am always open to consolidating services with the city of Wichita. We have done so with Planning and Code Enforcement, Law enforcement training, and other regulatory areas which have proven to be more efficient delivery of services.

Are elections in Sedgwick County secure, accessible and accurate? What, if any, changes would you propose?

In Sedgwick County; yes I believe the elections are secure, accessible and accurate. We will continue to work with the Kansas Secretary of State, who has authority over our Election Commissioner, to always be on the alert, for any discrepancies in our local elections.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided?

In Sedgwick County, yes, I believe the presidential election was fairly decided. And, I believe the same in Kansas. I can’t speak for other states and election jurisdictions.

Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?

My 11 years of local government service and leadership are of record. I have a successful history of collaboration with fellow electeds, businesses, non-profits, and education to get things done. I take a business approach to governing, with respect to all citizens, not just the vocal few. My personal history, both financially and in business, provides our County with honest, and open leadership. A $500 million annual budget requires sound experience.

Campaign website: PeteForSedgwickCounty.com

District 4

Democrat Lacey Cruse is the incumbent. She is challenged by Republican Ryan Baty.

Ryan Baty, Republican

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?

On many levels, it’s painfully obvious that we have significant challenges facing Sedgwick County and a return to health and stability is going to take a collaborative, wide-scale effort. When we talk about top issues and contending for the health of our community, I have focused on four specific areas: [1] Stability of county government; [2] Economic Health; [3] Mental Health; and [4] Relational Health. The underlying factor influencing most of the challenges in county government services is staffing instability. Finding stability will require competitive wages, modernized strategies and reforms, and in some cases — particularly in mental health — a more effective pipeline that allows us to both attract and retain the workforce needed to perform valuable services.

What, if any, changes should the county make in the services it provides?

We see challenges in public safety departments, surging crime, deteriorating mental health, and instability in our economic fundamentals. These issues are sizable and very complex. In regards to our public safety departments like EMS, County Fire and the County Jail, I don’t see a viable option to cut or change services until we first find the stability in staff and operations. There are immediate adjustments, however, in our approach to behavioral health through Comcare. Seeking more collaboration opportunities with community partners will help us to better meet our growing mental health needs. I also believe that mobile mental health capacities are a priority that deserves budget reallocation and funding.

Sedgwick County is struggling to adequately staff many departments, from Comcare to EMS, Elections to Emergency Communications, and many others. How would you, as a commissioner, address this?

Staffing shortages are impacting the county’s ability to perform effective services. There are currently 650+ vacant positions, resulting in a dangerous reality for citizens that are dependent on these services. I’m advocating for a stability first approach. We have to provide a competitive wage and organizational structure that will help us to both attract and retain the staff that delivers these important services to our community. Once we achieve a level of stability, step two must be focused on reform and restructuring plans that improve efficiencies and outcomes. I will work alongside each department to help them achieve the necessary systematic changes. The bottleneck to this point has been the inability to pass through needed reforms due to the staffing crisis.

Sedgwick County commissioners approved spending $2.1 million in ARPA money to lease two floors at the Ruffin Building until at least July 2025. Where do you think Sedgwick County’s administrative offices should be located in the long term, and how should it be paid for?

The bottlenecks at the DA’s office and Courts has required county government to create more space. There are significant plans being discussed that center around geography, new build vs remodeling existing structures, and the timing. I see the advantages of county offices in the downtown core, but the most important factor for me is cost. We have such pressing needs in services and staffing that every available financial resource needs to go towards those pursuits first, not real estate for county government. I will be an advocate for reviewing multiple options focused on financial stewardship, service efficiencies and department collaboration. The decision to use ARPA funds has been made and my goal moving forward would be to ensure that they are used wisely and effectively.

Do you support privatization and/or outsourcing county services? Why or why not (and which services)?

As a matter of principle, I’m for any action that will make services more effective and efficient to our taxpayer. I believe it’s time to “Rethink Comcare” and creatively look at how we approach our behavioral health needs. There are several other organizations in the community that are overlapping services to the same population of needs. This provides for an opportunity to better collaborate these services and offer tangible support to other organizations in the field. This streamlining and collaboration of services would allow for a refocus of structure at Comcare and relieve some of the bottlenecks and pressures that are crippling the department. We simply don’t have the human resources to meet the needs and we shouldn’t ask our community to wait for substantive reforms.

Do you support consolidating services and/or departments with the city of Wichita? Why or why not (and which services)?

The topic of consolidation with the City has been discussed for decades. Is this something we can work towards in the future? Maybe. I’m certainly open to the conversation. There are ways we can consolidate and better collaborate areas such as training, parks, housing, mental health and communications. At this time, however, we have significant challenges to address that a total consolidation of governments would not solve. My immediate priority is to remain focused on stability in the core functions of County Government. Conversations of merger and consolidation need to wait until we find better stability and health.

Are elections in Sedgwick County secure, accessible and accurate? What, if any, changes would you propose?

I believe that we do a good job in Sedgwick County with election security. Is the process perfect? No. There are always ways we can improve and I would work to advocate for safe, secure and accessible elections. This underscores the need for transparent government and how hard elected officials must work to ensure the confidence of our citizens. One practical approach to help provide confidence is to ensure that the state and county are appropriately funding the Elections Department so that we can provide the adequate resources needed to run efficient elections.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided?

Yes. In regards to elections, I think we do a good job in Kansas and wish other states across the country adopted some of the measures we take here to improve voter confidence.

Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?

We are a community in crisis and a return to health and stability will require a new generation of leadership. I have the experience to help us navigate this pivotal season. I also have the relational capital with colleagues on the commission, staff, non-profits and our business communities to build the support and make progress on our most pressing needs. Sedgwick County needs leadership from District 4 that is committed to collaboration and civility — leadership that can push through partisanship and finally deliver results.

Campaign website: ryanbaty.com

Lacey Cruse, Democrat

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?

The ComCare Crisis Expansion site selection is the most critical issue in this race. I will ensure the location of Comcare is selected based on the research and data produced and presented by the Mental Health and Substance Abuse coalition. As the only commissioner who was an integral part of the development of this plan, I am the best person to help ensure the site for this $15,000,000 asset doesn’t fall into the hands of developers with less than ideal motivates. Using best practices, data, and research as a guide, we have an opportunity to serve those with the greatest need, and we can ensure equal access for all citizens by selecting an appropriate site.

What, if any, changes should the county make in the services it provides?

The county needs to modernize its systems. For example, we need to fund the technology needed to go paperless in Comcare’s Children’s services. Too much time is spent by citizens and county staff inputting data that could be collected electronically. Our children’s division also needs to work better with parents of children in the system. Additionally, the county needs to focus on prevention efforts. I believe the county could benefit from adding more peer support specialists. People in crisis or recovery need connection with those with lived experience. By reevaluating our staffing table, we could hire more people who are successful in the recovery process, which has proven to reduce the relapse rate for both clients and peer support professionals.

Sedgwick County is struggling to adequately staff many departments, from Comcare to EMS, Elections to Emergency Communications, and many others. How would you, as a commissioner, address this?

Sedgwick County must continue efforts to increase wages for employees and fix the glaring culture problem. I will work to retain the professionals who serve this county and continue to show employees they are valued. I will seek input and listen to suggestions from employees, including them in building an inclusive environment where people want to stay instead of the current reality of employees walking out the door.

Sedgwick County commissioners approved spending $2.1 million in ARPA money to lease two floors at the Ruffin Building until at least July 2025. Where do you think Sedgwick County’s administrative offices should be located in the long term, and how should it be paid for?

I believe the need for a central location is vital, and I would like to see the county have more public engagement around this topic to ensure this happens transparently. Voting for the move to the Ruffin building made sense so we could clear space for the expansion of specialty courts. During my next term, I will continue to drive the conversation around expanding specialty courts to include a veteran and mental health court. As we have seen with our drug court, alternatives to incarceration produce better outcomes, thus reducing the burden on taxpayers.

Do you support privatization and/or outsourcing county services? Why or why not (and which services)?

I believe the focus should be on paying county staff what they are worth to run the county without the need for privatization. I do support partnerships and collaboration with the private sector in some instances if and where they make sense.

Do you support consolidating services and/or departments with the city of Wichita? Why or why not (and which services)?

As a larger vision for the future of local government, it makes sense to consolidate by department. I would support consolidating services over time to find efficiencies in departments like finance, legal, communications, housing services, parks and recreation, and law enforcement, to name a few. Consolidation will also help minimize citizen confusion about who does what. Too often, government officials and staff will point the finger at each other, saying it is not their responsibility, essentially passing the buck to another jurisdiction. We see that right now with the marijuana and fentanyl debate, and we’ve seen it for years with the fire discussion.

Are elections in Sedgwick County secure, accessible and accurate? What, if any, changes would you propose?

I do believe our elections are safe and secure but underfunded. I would vote to increase the pay for poll workers and fund recruitment efforts to increase the number of workers at each polling location. During the August 2nd primary, the Lynwood Recreation Center saw wait times of 3 plus hours. No voter should be waiting in line that long, especially parents with small children or citizens who have trouble standing for hours on end because only a few poll workers are available.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided?

Yes

Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?

I have a proven track record of standing up for people and bringing new ideas to the table. I will continue the work of reshaping and reimagining our mental health care, substance misuse, and homelessness services. I have been proximate to the experiences, the issues, and the people long before being elected to serve in this position, and I’m not here to climb a ladder to higher office. I am a servant leader who is compassionate, empathic, and accountable. Over the last four years, I put people first and have made it clear that I will stand up and work alongside my community to ensure we innovate and modernize our systems. This work is often uncomfortable and difficult, but I will never stop ensuring government puts its number 1 stakeholder first - the residents of our county.

Campaign website: laceycruse.com

District 5

Republican Jim Howell is the incumbent. He is challenged by Democrat John McIntosh.

Jim Howell, Republican

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?

There are actually many top priorities but the prevailing answer is the growing mental health crisis. As a member of the BoCC, we are working to bring several strategies together namely a new State Regional Mental Health Hospital that will likely be in Wichita, a new Kansas Regents WSU/WSU Tech/KU Health Sciences College to create a pipeline of professionals to fill the need for qualified providers, an expansion of our Mobile Mental Health services, a new Human Services Campus that will help with addiction treatments and longer term stabilization, and finally an expansion of County ComCare where we provide direct mental health services.

What, if any, changes should the county make in the services it provides?

Sedgwick County has already expanded services considerably since I have been a commissioner. We should always strive to do what the people that elected us expect or desire, nothing more, nothing less. I think the county needs defined guardrails to keep us focused on our mission and to not take on responsibilities that belong to other taxing jurisdictions. The existing budget does not have uncommitted resources to spend on new ideas just because we think we have some funds available at the moment. Nevertheless, if voters approve specific revenue for new services, then we should carry out those mandates but otherwise, we need to protect those precious property tax dollars.

Sedgwick County is struggling to adequately staff many departments, from Comcare to EMS, Elections to Emergency Communications, and many others. How would you, as a commissioner, address this?

Altogether, staff salaries have increased about $30M across the organization recently to retain and recruit staff. Sedgwick County must be competitive or else we will spend too much on recruiting and onboarding less experienced staff. Secondly, we recently acquired an internal survey tool to poll employees on issues in the workplace. This should encourage our employees that we will have the data needed to make the workplace better. We need to understand the good, the bad, and the ugly truth that causes employees to stay or leave. In addition to improved exit interview tools that analyze the reasons employees might choose to leave, we need a better policy that encourages our employees to talk to a commissioner if they feel they cannot resolve conflict any other way.

Sedgwick County commissioners approved spending $2.1 million in ARPA money to lease two floors at the Ruffin Building until at least July 2025. Where do you think Sedgwick County’s administrative offices should be located in the long term, and how should it be paid for?

I have promoted and supported several ideas that would solve the need for a permanent County Administration Building for $10M or less. There is at least one current downtown option that would meet the needs and save two-thirds over the cost of a new building. There are some other perfect buildings further from the core that could be acquired for about $5M. Since few people ever visit these offices, a conservative solution that meets the needs but saves a lot of precious property tax dollars is my goal. I do not agree with one of my colleagues that is willing to obligate $30M or more to build a brand-new County Administration Center when all we really need is function, not Taj Mahal.

Do you support privatization and/or outsourcing county services? Why or why not (and which services)?

Public-Private partnerships can sometimes provide higher levels of efficiency because they can pivot as needed to meet the goals. In government, we sometimes fail to be as efficient as possible but we also have higher level of resources and more control on what is being provided. One example where I think we should explore some private sector help is in Mobile Mental Health. We could have a professional respond to a scene with a CIT trained officer and with patience help the person in crisis. We can have many professionals on call that respond whenever and wherever the crisis happens whereas ICT-1 is waiting for a crisis to happen then can only respond to one crisis even if there are several happening at the same time.

Do you support consolidating services and/or departments with the city of Wichita? Why or why not (and which services)?

Yes, as a commissioner, I have always supported reconfiguration of local government that provides higher efficiency (better services for less cost to the taxpayer). We completed the merging of MABCD & MAPD into a county building back in 2015. We have merged parts of Firefighter training and we now share a Law Enforcement Training Center. Some of the areas of government that should consider consolidation include Human Resources, Print Shop, Animal Control, Purchasing, Housing, and consider locating Wichita Municipal Courts into the County Courthouse and then backfill the spaces at Wichita City Hall with some county-based offices.

Are elections in Sedgwick County secure, accessible and accurate? What, if any, changes would you propose?

I have been a champion for Election Safety and Security going back to when I was a state representative. Sedgwick County led the state in advocating for Election Audit law and I personally testified in favor. This year, ballots will be accepted for 6 days (through 11/14/22) because Friday after the election is Veterans Day. This grace period is a state law issue but Kansas needs to reconsider the law that requires election offices to accept and count ballots days after the election in over. The actual administration of the election falls under the authority of the Secretary of State and the appointed Election Commissioner. I do think our Sedgwick County elections are well ran and the equipment in use is designed to be audited and provides the highest level of security available.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided?

Every State has State Laws on Elections and I am not an expert on other states. I do think Kansas sets the high standard for good election laws and Sedgwick County especially sets a high bar for election excellence. I do believe Kansas held very good elections in the 2020 General Election and the results in Kansas were proven to be accurate. The controversaries being debated in other states has nothing to do with being a County Commissioner in Sedgwick County Kansas.

Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?

I am the most experienced commissioner and have institutional knowledge that helps bring wisdom to the commission. I am principled and data driven, and loyal to the Constitution. I always study the issues before they are discussed in public. I am not a parrot that just repeats what others say but I develop original thought and dig deep on the issues. After years of my leadership, SgCo has the third lowest mill levy rate among the 105 counties. We have great fiscal health proven by a long-term Triple-A Bond rating. Our infrastructure shines when compared with other counties. I have personally pushed for ethics policy, increased transparency, and accountability. I am a Military Veteran with 24 years in local aviation experience, three degrees, and have lived in the district for 40 years.

Campaign website: VoteJimHowell.com

John McIntosh, Democrat

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?

Lack of support for Public Safety Departments especially in regard to low pay. I would direct the Human Resources Department review and bring to the commission a plan to bring the pay and benefits up to market value on these positions and continue this plan going forward so we don’t end up with the same problem.

What, if any, changes should the county make in the services it provides?

The county needs to increase the staffing in departments that would deal with Mental Health. Also, we need to work with all 20 cities in the county to make sure proper funding and services for our seniors and disabled residents in the county are currently being meet.

Sedgwick County is struggling to adequately staff many departments, from Comcare to EMS, Elections to Emergency Communications, and many others. How would you, as a commissioner, address this?

I would direct the Human Resources Department to review and bring to the commission a plan to bring the pay up to market value on these positions. We also have to look beyond just pay and also see if the benefits package and relevance of the job are correct.

Sedgwick County commissioners approved spending $2.1 million in ARPA money to lease two floors at the Ruffin Building until at least July 2025. Where do you think Sedgwick County’s administrative offices should be located in the long term, and how should it be paid for?

The new offices should be located in the downtown area close to the other public offices. The funding would probably come from bonds.

Do you support privatization and/or outsourcing county services? Why or why not (and which services)?

At this time, I do not see any reason to privatize any of the county services but would always have an open mind to any conversation that would benefit the county and its residents.

Do you support consolidating services and/or departments with the city of Wichita? Why or why not (and which services)?

I see no benefit in consolidating any services currently but would always have an open mind to any conversation that would benefit the county and its residents.

Are elections in Sedgwick County secure, accessible and accurate? What, if any, changes would you propose?

Yes

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided?

Yes

Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?

I bring experience and fresh ideas to a position which is in desperate need of a change. It is time for common sense and civility to returned to the BOCC.

Campaign website: mcintoshforsedgwickcounty.com

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This story was originally published October 24, 2022 at 5:21 AM.