A candidate forum for Kay County Commissioner was held at the City Central Building on Friday Oct. 23.

Candidates Chris DeBoard and Jason Shanks were introduce d by Tammy Reese, Chair for Ponca Politics Committee, and given 10 minutes to speak before being given questions from index cards. Each candidate was given two minutes to provide an answer to the questions.

The floor was then open to audience members to ask questions with the caveat that no questions be direct to one candidate and that no statements be made and candidates rotated who would reply to a question first.

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Both candidates were asked about what was the number one priority of a county commissioner.

Shanks mentioned the need to be conservative and have your financial means as without financials you can’t do anything. It is also important to see to the day-to-day operations of the courthouse and be a good listener to the public.

DeBoard cited budgeting the courthouse and having a budget for roads was a priority.

• The candidates were then asked what is a county issue they want to address as commissioner.

Shanks said finances, as it is unknown how much they’ll get each month since that is ran through the state.

DeBoard wants to address getting better roads.

• Both were asked about their plans to update roads and bridges.

Shanks revealed that 77 miles of road have been updated and as far as bridges are concerned hardly any obsolete ones are left in the district to replace.

DeBoard wants to start work to have maintenance performed on ditches and to keep roads in better condition.

• As for other issues to focus on when elected, the candidates answered as follows.

Shanks wanted to continue to work with KSV on the annex, Duke Energy’s proposed new wind farms. Working with various contracts and offices at courthouse.

DeBoard wants work with all the different ooffices of the courthouse and focus on what the majority of people want.

• The candidates were also asked about what they felt were the greatest assets of Kay County.

Shankscited the people that he works with everyday as well as economic development.

DeBoardsaid the courthouse, the jail and the people.