County commission candidates highlight property taxes as top issue

Candidates clash on methods to reduce county budget

Candidates debate sheriff's office staffing and courthouse security

Totman criticizes ballot boxes and local health agencies

Renewable energy and zoning emerge as divisive campaign issues

Support for small municipalities debated among commission hopefuls

Blair defends record using Highway 69 bypass as example of compromise

Incumbent commissioner points to AI as future economic factor

Candidates outline approaches to gathering public input

Challengers frame election as referendum on the status quo

County commission candidates highlight property taxes as top issue

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — During a candidate forum Tuesday at the Beard-Shanks Law Enforcement Center, Crawford County Commission District 1 candidates Bruce Blair, Bryan Hanson and Paul "Speedy" Totman universally identified property taxes as the primary challenge facing the county over the next three years, ahead of the Aug. 4 primary election. Hanson, a local business owner, emphasized that rising taxes squeeze seniors on fixed incomes and deter business growth, forcing landlords to pass costs onto working families. Totman pointed to reducing the mill levy as a direct solution. Incumbent Commissioner Blair agreed that taxes are a pressing issue but warned that anticipated state-level tax cuts under a new governor could force the county to make difficult local budget decisions and cut services to prevent costs from trickling down to residential property owners.

Candidates clash on methods to reduce county budget

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — When asked how they would cut property taxes, the Crawford County Commission District 1 candidates offered contrasting solutions. Bryan Hanson suggested bringing in an outside company to audit every county department to find operational savings and enforce stricter budget adherence. Paul "Speedy" Totman proposed an immediate half-mill reduction and transferring general funds, while also advocating for the state to legalize medical marijuana — a state-level policy matter outside the commission's direct authority — to generate new tax revenue. Bruce Blair cautioned that significant tax cuts require either slashing employee benefits or cutting staff, noting the county has already been absorbing positions through attrition and combining roles to maintain efficiency without losing essential public services.

Candidates debate sheriff's office staffing and courthouse security

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — The role and budget of local law enforcement drew sharp contrasts among the commission hopefuls. Bryan Hanson praised Crawford County Sheriff Danny Smith, arguing that a strong, well-funded public safety department is essential for attracting new residents and private investment. In contrast, Paul "Speedy" Totman argued the Crawford County Sheriff's Office and the Crawford County Courthouse are "overstaffed and overpaid." Totman suggested eliminating security at the county courthouse altogether to save taxpayer money, inaccurately claiming that neighboring counties like Cherokee and Bourbon operate without it, despite both counties maintaining established courthouse security measures and personnel.

Totman criticizes ballot boxes and local health agencies

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — During his opening statement, candidate Paul "Speedy" Totman raised concerns about election security and the management of local health services. Totman opposed the placement of election ballot drop boxes at a county facility, arguing they should only be placed in monitored public areas. Additionally, he claimed local health agencies are "out of control" regarding medication management, citing conversations with local registered nurses about people who need help being turned away. Local health agencies could not immediately be reached for comment regarding the anecdotal claims.

Renewable energy and zoning emerge as divisive campaign issues

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — Candidate Paul "Speedy" Totman took a hardline stance against zoning regulations and renewable energy developments in rural areas during Tuesday's forum. Totman argued that rural property owners should not face expensive permitting fees or engineering requirements to build on their own land. He also voiced strong opposition to wind and solar farms, raising concerns about who benefits financially from such projects. No evidence of corruption or financial kickbacks related to these projects has been identified in public records. He said he has prominently featured his opposition on campaign signs across the county.

Support for small municipalities debated among commission hopefuls

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — The level of support the county provides to its smaller surrounding cities became a point of contention during the forum. Challenger Paul "Speedy" Totman claimed communities like McCune, Walnut and Cherokee are routinely ignored by the commission and receive nothing in return for their tax dollars. Commissioner Bruce Blair defended the county's communication, stating he acts as a direct point person for project-based assistance in towns like Girard and McCune, while noting Pittsburg operates with a more independent, organized director system. Bryan Hanson stated he would ensure open lines of communication so all municipalities feel heard at the county level.

Blair defends record using Highway 69 bypass as example of compromise

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — When asked about resolving disagreements among municipal stakeholders, Commissioner Bruce Blair pointed to the U.S. Highway 69 bypass project as a prime example of successful negotiation. Blair explained that after facing public backlash and divided opinions among cities, schools and local businesses, the county worked with the state to reevaluate the project. The resulting compromise substantially cut the project's budget, which Blair argued reflected the county's willingness to listen to public input, pause unpopular initiatives and adjust long-term infrastructure plans.

Incumbent commissioner points to AI as future economic factor

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — Looking ahead to the region's growth over the next five to 10 years, Commissioner Bruce Blair identified artificial intelligence as a major disruptor that the county must prepare for. Blair suggested that as AI leads to widespread job displacement nationally, the local government and Pittsburg State University should focus on workforce development. By offering transitional training and jobs, Blair said the county could become a landing spot for displaced workers, driving local economic growth and population increases in the same way the region attracted workers over a century ago.

Candidates outline approaches to gathering public input

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — All three commission candidates stressed the importance of public input, though their methods varied. Bryan Hanson leaned on his experience as a local business owner who successfully lobbied for city-level changes in Pittsburg by speaking up at meetings. Bruce Blair defended his track record, citing public surveys and town halls held on issues like COVID-19 regulations and wind farms, comparing his data-driven approach to school district administration. Paul "Speedy" Totman emphasized his willingness to listen directly to concerned residents.

Challengers frame election as referendum on the status quo

Click here for local obituaries

Click here for local jail logs

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us