Campaign Information |
Election Information |
ROLLIE'S CORNER
First Published in the Flint Hills Shopper | Ads paid for by "Rollie Martin For Commission,"
Charles Steffes, Treasurer
June 16, 2020 - Welcome
Many of us remember "Gene's Corner", which were newspaper articles written by the late Gene Steffes as a weekly column in the Shopper. Gene was a Republican Representative in the Kansas State House and would present his ideas and thoughts for his constituents to explain legislative policy. I, and many others, appreciated his way of keeping in touch with voters. Over the next few weeks, I will be presenting information and opinions in "Rollie's Corner" in the Flint Hills Shopper. Some of the subjects that I will cover include:
- Appraisals
- Appropriations
- Budgets and Finances
- Comprehensive Planning/Zoning
- Lyon County Fairgrounds
- Newman Regional Hospital
- Public Health orders/Covid-19
- Property Tax and Sales Tax
- Economic Development
- Education
Have a good week!
Rollie Martin
June 23, 2020 - Debt-Free
In 2012, the Lyon County Courthouse was paid off by a sales tax which was approved by the voters in 1998. This was accomplished three years earlier than had been planned. In the last eight county budgets, Lyon County has not made any interest or bond payments. The county is debt free.
Historically, Lyon County has maintained good cash balances, or reserves, to handle the cost of all budgeted and unforeseen events, such as the cost of the 2011 Reading tornado, the six floods of 2019 and the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. The “reserves” have prevented disruptions, such as layoffs, furloughs, hiring freezes, etc., to the county's operations.
Work on the 2021 budget has started. The specific organizations requiring appropriations, the elected officials, and the various county department heads have each presented their respective budgets to the Lyon County commissioners. Currently there will be at least a 3 mill reduction in the 2021 budget. This will be at least a 5% reduction in the county's mill levy. This 2021 budget will be the third consecutive year for the mill levy reduction.
However, with the downturn in economy during the past 6 months, commercial, residential and agricultural land values are trending down along with county sales tax collections. Future budgets will have to be adjusted. The Lyon County commission will have to make these adjustments downward to keep the county in a strong financial position.
Have a good week!
Rollie Martin
June 30, 2020 - Zoning
A neighbor asked me why the Commissioners are looking at county zoning in regard to comprehensive planning. This is not a simple issue, but I will attempt to explain what is involved.
Lyon county is divided into three zoning areas:
1. the City of Emporia and each of the other 8 incorporated towns in the county; 2. the metropolitan zone, which is a 3-mile area surrounding the city Emporia, along with a corridor stretching south from Emporia along Highway 99 to the airport; 3. the remaining metropolitan area of Lyon County is taken care of by the City of Emporia zoning rules and regulations, even though it lies outside of city limits.
The current draft of zoning rules will eliminate the metropolitan zone. This will give all citizens of Lyon County an elected official, either with the city or county, to represent them on zoning matters. At the present, the residents have no elected representative in the metropolitan zone.
The Lyon County commission is reviewing the current draft and is taking public comment until August 12. All current homes, structures and land parcels will not change with any new zoning rules or regulations. Any NEW homes, structures and land parcels in the county will come under the rules of the proposed zoning draft if approved by the Lyon County Commission.
I will not approve the zoning proposal draft if there are more restrictions placed on new homes, structures and land parcels in the agricultural areas of Lyon County.
Have a good week!
Rollie Martin
July 7, 2020 - Fairgrounds
When I became a member of the Lyon County Board of County Commissioners in 2009, I attended a “New Commissioner” seminar, presented by the Kansas Association of Counties (KAC). One of the speakers challenged each commissioner to choose one area in our county to put extra energy into during their 4-year term. I chose the Lyon County Fairgrounds. Commissioner Scott Briggs appointed the Lyon County Fairgrounds Improvement Committee. This committee has now evolved into the Lyon County Fairgrounds Foundation.
The first event was when Clint Bowyer made a gift to the fairgrounds for a community building. Next came the total rebuild of the Anderson Building. The cooperation of the county, the City of Emporia, E.C. Jones Charitable Trust and many private contributions made it possible.
Congratulations to the Fair Board for the digital sign at the corner of 12th Avenue and Industrial Road in Emporia. This sign provides many announcements for different groups and events. In 2019 the fairgrounds provided facilities for 20 different nonprofit groups and over 60 educational opportunities for both adults and youth.
Currently, different groups are working together to bring a walking trail to the fairgrounds. There could be many more improvements to follow. All areas in Lyon County make much more progress when all groups work together.
Have a good week!
Rollie Martin
July 14, 2020 - Roads & Bridges
The condition of roads and bridges in the county is a big concern for county residents. As a county commissioner who lives in the rural area of Lyon county, I get many calls about the conditions of the gravel roads. At times during the past two years, the weather has caused problems with all of the 1000 miles of gravel roads in the county.
In 2019, the Road and Bridge Department started a long term process of placing a “crown” on the gravel roads. This crown is built by bringing extra dirt and materials from the sides of the road to the middle of the road. During this process, the roads can potentially get very muddy, and then turn to dust too quickly. However, this is a temporary road condition and will result in better roads.
Lyon County has 426 bridges and road culverts. The county now has the equipment and personnel to rebuild some of the bridges. As a result, these purchases allow us greater savings by doing our own work and create local jobs by not contracting outside the county. Hopefully, the weather in Kansas will return to a more “normal” weather pattern so that these long term projects can move forward.
Have a great week!
Rollie Martin
July 28, 2020 - Vote
Get out and Vote August 4
Is it Christmas in July? With all the roads, highways and lawns decorated with political signs, this year’s Republican Primary is getting a lot more attention on the county, state and national level! I encourage everyone to gather accurate information on the issues. Make sure and check out www.lyoncounty.org and www.VoteRollieMartin.weebly.com for the best up-to-date information. Everyone should take advantage of the mail-in ballot, advanced voting or go to the polls on August 4 to vote. I am seeking to be re-elected as the District 3 County Commissioner. In January, I entered the race in order to continue the County’s financial position and to maintain stability with programs and services that Lyon County provides for our citizens. Covid-19 hit our country hard in March, and this heightened the duties of the Commission as the Public Board of Health. There was no playbook for us with a pandemic. Public information seemed to change daily. along with the duties of the Public Health Board.
In the next four years, I have the experience to lead Lyon County, along with other commissioners, through the difficult problems that the pandemic has caused. I will listen to all of the stakeholders in forming public health orders. I will continue to serve the county with a positive outlook and a cooperative spirit. I would appreciate your vote in the primary election on August 4.
Have a good week!
Rollie Martin
August 4, 2020 - It's Fair Time
By the time that you read this column, the Kansas Republican Primary will be in progress or has concluded. I hope that everyone took the opportunity to vote.
Coming up this week for all of us is the Lyon County Fair. I participated in the fair through the 4-H program when I was younger and so did my children. Now my grandchildren will be involved in 4-H activities on the fairgrounds. This year's Lyon County Fair will be different due to the Covid-19 virus. My grandchildren were not only peparing their livestock projects with clipping and brushing and cleaning the animals, but they were also video taping them for virtual presentations. Other 4-H entries will be displayed, too. Good luck to all.
I would like to thank the Fair Board, K-State Extension and all volunteers for all of the work in planning and working at the Lyon County Fair and for being innovative with new ideas to continue the show during a difficult time. I hope that everyone will follow these young participants in whatever ways that you can.
Have a good week!
Rollie Martin
August 18, 2020 - Thank You!
A big “Thank you” to all the voters who voted in the Kansas Primary on August 4th. When all of the votes were counted, I retained my position as District 3 Commissioner of Lyon County.
Rosemary, my wife, helped me in many ways with her encouragement. My children and grandchildren were my biggest cheerleaders. I am especially grateful for all of my family support.
The following organizations and businesses helped to make this election possible and provide my campaign assistance and good information: Lyon County Election Office, League of Women Voters, The Flint Hills Shopper, KVOE and The Emporia Gazette, and Professional Printing.
A special shout-out to Charles Steffes for his work as my treasurer. Also to all of the people who placed signs and verbally encouraged me, I am grateful to you for some great and solid support.
When Jerom Smith and Chris Bartel entered the election, it made me a better candidate. Their ideas will make me a better commissioner for my constituents.
This will be my last “ROLLIE'S CORNER” for awhile. It was an opportunity to present some information and express my opinion on various issues. Thank you again.
Have a good week!
Rollie Martin
Rollie Martin (right) speaks at and celebrates the Prairieland Partners groundbreaking event with Governor Laura Kelly (second from right), 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber (left), and Emporia Mayor Danny Giefer (second from left).
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Rollie Martin (right) speaks to Lyon County
Republicans at their monthly meeting with contesting candidates Jarom Smith (left) and Chris Bartell (middle). |
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTER'S QUESTIONAIRE
1) What skills and experience do you bring to the position of County Commissioner?
I am seeking re-election to be District 3 County Commissioner. For the past 12 years, I have served Lyon County in this position and would like to continue this service for another term. I have worked with the communities of Olpe, Hartford, and Emporia with a lifetime of community service and common sense leadership. I am a leader, listener, and have a cooperative attitude when dealing with issues and residents.
2) What are the most critical financial challenges for Lyon County, and what do you propose to address them?
The most critical financial challenge for Lyon County will be adjusting budgets due to lower tax revenue. The projected lower tax revenue is a result of both decreased property valuations and lower sales tax receipts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
3) How will you prioritize weighty decisions such as infrastructure improvements or capital outlay projects?
In weighing priorities for a project, the first step is to determine if the improvement or project is a “want” or a “need” of Lyon County. Obviously, a need is a higher priorty than a want. The second step is budget. Have we planned for the need in the budget or is it a need for immediate consideration? All capital outlay projects are funded through county sales tax receipts.
4) What is a county commissioner’s responsibility during a public health crisis?
The role of a county commission during a public health crisis is to serve as the public health board as established by the State of Kansas Statutes. The Lyon County Commission annually appoints a Public Health Officer to advise the commission on health issues. However, this is not the only source of counsel when issuing a public health order. The commission also seeks input from hospital professionals, business leaders, and the citizens (through emails, phone calls, and public comment in commission meetings) in order to mold a public health order for the county.
5) Where do you see Lyon County in the next 5 to 10 years? How will you make your prediction(s) happen?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I see Lyon County maintaining a strong financial position by adjusting current budgets to help with the emergency needs caused by the Covid-10 pandemic. Historically, Lyon County has maintained good cash balances, or reserves, to handle the cost of all budgeted and unforeseen events, such as the cost of the 2011 Reading tornado, the six floods of 2019 and the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. The “Reserves” have prevented disruptions, such as layoffs, furloughs, hiring freezes, etc., to the county's operations.
Furthermore, I firmly believe the county needs to play a larger role in the economic development. The economic base of the county needs to be expanded to include more small businesses, by engaging all economic development groups with a cooperative spirit to GROW Lyon County and prepare for the future.
I am seeking re-election to be District 3 County Commissioner. For the past 12 years, I have served Lyon County in this position and would like to continue this service for another term. I have worked with the communities of Olpe, Hartford, and Emporia with a lifetime of community service and common sense leadership. I am a leader, listener, and have a cooperative attitude when dealing with issues and residents.
2) What are the most critical financial challenges for Lyon County, and what do you propose to address them?
The most critical financial challenge for Lyon County will be adjusting budgets due to lower tax revenue. The projected lower tax revenue is a result of both decreased property valuations and lower sales tax receipts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
3) How will you prioritize weighty decisions such as infrastructure improvements or capital outlay projects?
In weighing priorities for a project, the first step is to determine if the improvement or project is a “want” or a “need” of Lyon County. Obviously, a need is a higher priorty than a want. The second step is budget. Have we planned for the need in the budget or is it a need for immediate consideration? All capital outlay projects are funded through county sales tax receipts.
4) What is a county commissioner’s responsibility during a public health crisis?
The role of a county commission during a public health crisis is to serve as the public health board as established by the State of Kansas Statutes. The Lyon County Commission annually appoints a Public Health Officer to advise the commission on health issues. However, this is not the only source of counsel when issuing a public health order. The commission also seeks input from hospital professionals, business leaders, and the citizens (through emails, phone calls, and public comment in commission meetings) in order to mold a public health order for the county.
5) Where do you see Lyon County in the next 5 to 10 years? How will you make your prediction(s) happen?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I see Lyon County maintaining a strong financial position by adjusting current budgets to help with the emergency needs caused by the Covid-10 pandemic. Historically, Lyon County has maintained good cash balances, or reserves, to handle the cost of all budgeted and unforeseen events, such as the cost of the 2011 Reading tornado, the six floods of 2019 and the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. The “Reserves” have prevented disruptions, such as layoffs, furloughs, hiring freezes, etc., to the county's operations.
Furthermore, I firmly believe the county needs to play a larger role in the economic development. The economic base of the county needs to be expanded to include more small businesses, by engaging all economic development groups with a cooperative spirit to GROW Lyon County and prepare for the future.
Rollie Martin
District 3 Lyon County Commissioner
[email protected]
1772 Rd. 30
Hartford, KS 66854
(620) 437-2175
[email protected]
District 3 Lyon County Commissioner
[email protected]
1772 Rd. 30
Hartford, KS 66854
(620) 437-2175
[email protected]