Get out a vote! Interviews for April 7 Election

BY ALEX BATTITORI

Girard City Council, the USD 248 Board of Education and the Girard Medical Center Board of Trustees (Hospital Board) are preparing for elections set to take place in the upcoming weeks.
All elections will take place Tuesday, April 7, and will be included on the same ballot.
Each candidate offered their comments on their running in their respective elections:

 
CITY COUNCIL
Members of City Council serve four-year terms and represent the four wards of Girard. This year marks the end of the 2nd ward representative’s term. Incumbent candidate Dave Garrett is up for reelection against challenger Kelly Peak. Mike West, 4th ward representative, is also up for reelection.

Dave Garrett

Dave Garrett is the incumbent candidate for City Council elections, having represented the 2nd ward for one term beginning April 2011. Garrett is a lifelong resident of Crawford County and has been heavily involved in the Future Farmers of America since high school.
“I have been a council member for almost four years,” he said regarding why he chose to run again for City Council. “The first couple of years [were] a learning experience. I am still learning. There are several projects we have worked on and completed. We have several more projects we are currently working on.”
After being employed with various agriculture machinery companies, Garrett returned home in 1998 to manage Girard’s NAPA Auto Parts store.
Garrett often takes part in community volunteering, has served with “Celebrate Girard” to help bring events to the community and was recently appointed as the Alumni President of the Girard FFA.
He also serves as the financial secretary for the Knights of Columbus, is the administrator of the Southeast Kansas Farm Toy Show and has been a volunteer fireman for the rural department since 2000.
On why he believes he should be reelected, Garrett said, “I have four years experience as a council member. I work in town, and am usually available if anyone has questions or concerns. I have been involved with several improvements to the city, including new water towers, sewer project, repaving Summit Street and many others. We are working on several new projects, including the sidewalk repairs around the square, and new sidewalks around town, and a walking/biking trail to give people a safe way to exercise.”
As for the biggest challenges facing Girard and how he plans to confront them, he said that citizens usually come to him saying taxes are too high, and he agrees with them. Bringing new business into town is important not only in that aspect, but would also bring about more job openings.

Kelly Peak

Kelly Peak is running for representative of the 2nd ward on the Girard City Council. Peak is a lifelong resident of Girard, graduating from Girard High School in 1983 before graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1987 with a degree in education.
Peak has spent nearly 30 years in educational programs as a teacher, coach and director of various youth projects. She has been employed at Greenbush for 14 years and previously worked for the state of Kansas at the former Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services for seven years.
At Greenbush, she is the Special Projects Director of Development and has worked for the past few years on developing the new Camp and Retreat Center facilities and programming and directs a federally funded education program that serves high-risk students.
Outside of work, Peak volunteers on several community committees, serves as the secretary for Pittsburg State University’s Alumni Association Board of Directors and is a member of the Board of the Girard Area Chamber of Commerce and the e-Community Leadership Team.
Regarding why she decided to run for the council, she said, “I am a candidate because it is important for me to give back to the community that today is home to four generations of my family. I have experience working in public service that includes setting priorities, budgeting, and administration.
“Girard has a rich history and a lot to be proud of. Regional organizations like SEK-CAP, Heartland, Craw-Kan, County Government, Greenbush and the Girard Medical Center provide diverse employment opportunities in our community. Our small businesses, restaurants and banks are built on integrity and quality service. Industries exist that provide good jobs. Our schools are excellent. The faith community is abundant and growing. With the City and community working together and communicating, Girard will have a vibrant future.”
Peak said she brings several experiences to the role of City Council member, including her directing experience in statewide and community projects and her involvement as a public servant.
“All of these work experiences involve working with people and managing budgets, setting priorities and making decisions based on facts. As a City Council member, I will ensure a positive outlook and stay focused on making decisions for the common good.”
Should she be elected, Peak said of her goals, “Our future depends on our ability to communicate our story, effectively manage the City’s operations and maintain trustworthy relationships. School improvements and city sewer, water and street improvement projects are positive steps for Girard. I want to capitalize on the pride and enthusiasm that exists when people get involved and work toward a common goal.”

Mike West
Mike West is running unopposed for his seat on the city council representing the 4th Ward. Mike was appointed by Mayor Kurt Ziegler recently after the resignation of former council person Melody Cherry moved.
West’s background is strong; which includes running his own business, Mini-Stop, in Girard, and is also the former City Administrator. West has brought stability to his seat and looks forward to helping move Girard in the right direction.
 

USD 248 BOARD OF EDUCATION
Members of the USD 248 Board of Education serve four-year terms. This year marks the end of incumbent terms for Roger Breneman, Dave Goble and Dale Shireman. Breneman and Shireman are running unopposed, Goble is up for reelection against challenger Kevin Kerr, and Lori Johnson is running at large.

Roger Breneman
Roger Breneman is up for reelection for Position 2 on the USD 248 Board of Education. Breneman is a lifelong Girard resident and graduated from Girard High School.
After graduating from what is now Pittsburg State University, he took a job at Breneman Auto Parts where he worked until his retirement in 2013.
Regarding why he decided to put his name up for reelection, he said, “I have always had an interest in everything that occurs in relation to Girard schools. I have been fortunate enough to have helped with some school activities [and] I have grandchildren who attend or will attend Girard schools and that, too, keeps me involved.”
Although he is running unopposed, Breneman said he hopes that he might bring a new insight on certain issues should he be elected.
“There is going to be new challenges with the impending budget cuts. I think with the school board, administration and faculty that we will be able to move forward and endure the shortfall.”

 

Dave Goble
Dave Goble is an incumbent candidate finishing up his second term on the USD 248 Board of Education. He is up for re-election for Position 1.
Goble grew up in the area and graduated from Girard High School before continuing on to Pittsburg State University. In 1986, he took a job at Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism. Additionally, he has spent close to 30 years as a public resource manager at Crawford State Park, where he currently holds the position of Program Services Manager II.
In addition to his professional career, Goble has been extensively involved in the community, including being a member of Sherman Township Trustee for 16 years and the Sherman Township Fire Department for more than 20 years. Currently, he serves on the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished in these past eight years,” Goble said of his experience on the board. “The board’s goals during this time have always been to put students first, to expand their opportunities and to conduct business in an open and transparent way. To this end we have undertaken several important changes.”
The first of the changes was the way in which they filled the position of Superintendent of Schools, implementing a process that included the involvement of community members, business leaders, staff and students.
The second change was the beginning of strategic planning to determine what the realistic needs were for Girard schools. Goble chaired the facilities and steering committees during the process.
As for why he decided to run for the school board again, Goble said, “I wish to continue my work as a board member. As you can see, we as a board have been busy trying to insure that the tradition of excellence that makes Girard a school of choice continues. We have the best staff in the area and with completion of the bond initiative we will have some of the nicest facilities around. With our investment in technology and curriculum, I believe we have given our kids the best chances for success.”
He added that as a board member he has tried to be engaged as much as possible. He believes the current board has been a good team working for the good of Girard’s students and community and that they are in a better position than most districts due to past and present conservative management.
“If the patrons of USD 248 should choose to reelect me, I hope it is because I have represented their best interests and served them well in this position. For the future, I would hope to continue the many traditions of the district and afford every opportunity for the success of our students.”
Goble and his wife Anna have three children; two have graduated from Girard High School and the third currently attends R.V. Haderlein.

Lori Johnson
Lori Johnson is running for an at-large position on the USD 248 Board of Education. Johnson graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1995 with a B.S. in education. Upon graduation, she began working as a substitute teacher and with the after-school program for Girard schools.
She then spent the next ten years working at the Southeast Kansas Greenbush Education Service Center before opening her own business in 2007.
“It was during my time at Greenbush when I first discovered my passion to serve in the role as a school board member. I had the privilege to attend numerous board meetings across the state and I developed a newfound appreciation for school board members. It was then that I realized the important link school board members have with the community and their drive in ensuring that students get the best education for the tax dollars spent.”
Additionally, Johnson said owning her own business has given her the opportunity to view public education from another standpoint. She now understands the value and importance of having a strong community in order to have a strong school and believes it is her responsibility as a business owner and community member to be active in the community and support Girard’s schools.
More recently, she was appointed chair of the USD 248 school bond campaign, an opportunity which she said heightened her desire to serve as a USD 248 School Board member and reminded her of her passion for students and public education.
Regarding her campaign, she said, “With all my life experiences and passions, I believe now is the perfect time to strive to reach my goal of becoming a USD 248 School Board member. I’m confident that I have the qualities it takes be an effective board member, I am very passionate about education and [I] understand the camaraderie between school and community. Above all, I have the ability to work with others–parents, teachers, district staff and board colleagues–toward the common goal of providing the best possible education for the children in our community.”
Johnson has lived in the Girard community all her adult life. She and her husband Wade have three girls currently attending school in the district and strive to be active in the school system through volunteering in the classrooms, attending school events and being active members of the GHS Booster Club.

Kevin Kerr
Kevin Kerr is running for Position 2 on the USD 248 Board of Education. Kerr grew up in Derby and attended Wichita Area Votech following his high school graduation before making his way to the area and graduating from Pittsburg State University with a degree in wood technology and management/sales.
Following this, he was hired by SEK Interlocal 637 as a vocational special education teacher in 1994 and he works there to this day.
“I chose to run for the school board because this is ‘home,’ and I want to make a positive difference in our school district,” he said. “My 22-year-old son went through the Girard school system and my daughter is currently a student in Girard Middle School. My wife and I decided to more here largely in part due to the quality of education Girard USD 248 has to offer.
“I have built quality relationships with youth in Girard and am committed to this community. I believe I can impact positive change and look forward to doing that if elected to be a member of Girard USD 248’s school board.”
Regarding why he believes he should be elected, Kerr said, “I believe I have credible insight to help make quality decisions for the youth of Girard. Unlike other educators in Girard, I am afforded the opportunity to run for the board since I am employed through the Interlocal 637, which oversees special education needs in Girard and 12 other districts. With this, I am able to be in the school system and have a greater understanding of the present needs of teachers and students.”
Additionally, he said he genuinely wants to make Girard and its school district great for its current students and for the students of tomorrow.
Kerr and his wife have lived in the area for 17 years and have two children, Eric and Emma.

Dale Shireman

Dale Shireman is up for reelection for Position 1 on the USD 248 Board of Education. Shireman grew up on a rural farm north of Walnut and graduated from Girard High School in 1996 before going on to play football at Butler County Community College for two years.
He moved back to the area in 1998 to accept a position at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, working there for seven years before taking a job at the Crawford County Road and Bridge Department, where he is currently employed.
“In 2003, I was appointed to the school board after Tony Stark stepped down mid-term. I knew my children would be attending Girard schools and felt at that time it was important to bring a younger view to the Board of Education,” he said on why he originally decided to run for the board.
He said he feels he should be re-elected because not only are his children experiencing middle school and soon-to-be high school at Girard, but he also knows the farming community background and the history and traditions that make Girard schools what they are today.
“If re-elected, I will continue to support the staff and administration by helping to make the best decisions possible. I will also continue to support the ongoing development of facilities, as well as making sure the students receive the quality education they deserve.”
Shireman lives in Girard with his wife Stacy and their two children Laney and Gabe.

 
GIRARD MEDICAL CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES (HOSPITAL BOARD)
There are two at-large positions open on the hospital board. On the ballet voters will vote for two candidates.
The four candidates running are Glen Mathis (incumbent), Robert Tersinar (incumbent), Jerry Hanson, and Chido Mukwindidza.
Each position serves a 4 year term. According to board by-laws, officers are elected at the first meeting following the annual meeting (which is now held the fourth Tuesday of April).

Glen Mathis

Glen Mathis is the incumbent Chairman of the Hospital Board. Mathis is a Girard resident and has been the co-owner of Mathis Drug Store since 1983.
“I believe my input as a long-standing businessman and medical professional would be beneficial to the board and hospital,” he said on why he originally ran for a position on the board and why he has put his name up for election again. “I was actually asked initially to run for the Hospital Board by the board itself because I have over 40 years of experience in the medical field and they believed I would contribute valuable input.”
Should he be reelected, he said that one of the key issues the board and hospital must address is the budgeting of funds in a way to be certain they will be able to control cost while still delivering the highest quality healthcare in the community.
As for why he believes he should be reelected, he said, “The current board is a very cohesive group. We’ve done a lot of good things and we work well together, something the hospital has seen the benefits of. We all bring something different that allows us to determine the best possible route to take, and reelecting myself and Robert [Tersinar] is part of that formula.”
He is passionate about this because, Mathis said, “I believe [the hospital] is the lifeblood of the community.”

 

Jerry Hanson

Jerry Hanson, of Girard, is up for election of the Hospital Board.
“I have been employed by Girard Medical Center for many years and feel that at this point in my life I would like to do my part in giving the hospital future direction,” he said regarding why he decided to run for the board.
Hanson grew up in Girard and graduated from GHS before receiving a B.S. from Pittsburg State University. He worked in GMC’s clinical laboratory for 42 years, was the lab director for 34 years and served two terms as the hospital’s CEO. Jerry previously owned and ran a private laboratory in Pittsburg, while he is not the current owner, he still works there to this day.
“Due to the fact that I have worked [at the hospital] so long, I feel that I have a good understanding of the needs of the patrons of this area. I also have knowledge of how medical facilities should function as I have had management experience in the hospital and have been a successful small medical business owner. Also, my whole family has been and will be loyal.”
Hanson believes the large debt the hospital has incurred over the last few years will need constant attention for many years, and implementing an electronic medical record system, which is currently in its infancy, will also be of extreme importance.
“Ultimately, the retaining and recruitment of quality medical personnel (both doctors and hospital personnel) takes constant board involvement.”

 
Robert Tersinar

Robert Tersinar is the incumbent Secretary of the Hospital Board and has served on the board in various positions since 2005.
“My wife and I had recently moved back to the community to raise our family. We wanted to be active in the community, and I thought my experience and education could help the hospital,” he said regarding why he originally ran for the Hospital Board.
Tersinar grew up on a farm in Farlington and graduated from Girard schools, eventually going on to receive his MBA. He currently works as a financial advisor for SEK Financial in Fort Scott.
Regarding why he decided to run again he said, “I am very proud of our community hospital. It has become a big part of my life. The more time and effort you invest in an organization the more you want to see it succeed. It is a vital part of our community’s quality of life, public safety, and economic survival. Seeing it grow and continue to succeed is very important.”
Tersinar brings several years of business and financial experience to the board, has participated in two successful CEO hires, supervised major facility upgrades, expanded service lines in order to diversify [Hospital Board] revenues such as senior behavioral health and reestablished vital lines of communication between physicians and the hospital’s management team.
“We have a fantastic board of trustees right now,” he said. “This team has worked together well for years, No one brings an agenda or special interest. Each member brings an intelligent impartial desire to do what is best for the hospital, the patients, the employees and the community.
“Based upon this success, I would ask the voters to keep this board team in place on April 7. Our financials are strong, our facilities are ideal, our current services fit the community’s needs and the board is structured ideally to meet future challenges. Healthcare delivery will change dramatically in the future. We can’t rely on models and structures that worked well 20 years ago.”

 

Chido Mukwindidza

Chido Mukwindidza is up for election of the Hospital Board.
“Quality healthcare is very important and critical to any community,” Mukwindidza said regarding why he decided to run for the board. “Girard Medical Center is a big pillar to our community and surrounding communities. I decided to run because I wanted to give back to the community that has given my family and I so much. Two of our kids were born at Girard Medical Center. I would love to positively impact our community by being part to the decision-making. Decisions that will positively affect our community and generations to come.”
Mukwindidza graduated from Oswego High School before going on to attend Pittsburg State University. He has been a Girard resident for the past 13 years and is currently employed at the Golden Living Center in Pittsburg.
He believes that his insight in the medical area would be beneficial to both the board and the hospital.
As for what he thinks will become important issues for the board to address in the next few years, he said, “Critical access [and] 30-day readmission penalties, safety in the way healthcare is delivered, strong partnerships, overall population wellness and reimbursements.”