MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Republican candidates Dawn Varney and Mike Sullivan shared similar views on fiscal responsibility, transparency and the role of county government during a candidate forum hosted by the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce at Hutchinson Community College.
The two are competing in the Republican primary for the Reno County Commission District 1 seat.
During opening statements, Sullivan highlighted his background as a certified public accountant and former business manager for USD 309 Nickerson-South Hutchinson. He said his experience in budgeting, purchasing and financial management has prepared him to protect taxpayer dollars and make sound fiscal decisions.
Varney, a physician with backgrounds in nuclear medicine and psychiatry, emphasized her scientific training and longtime involvement in the community. She said she wants to be a commissioner who is responsive to residents and believes Reno County's greatest strength is its people.
Budget priorities
Asked about the proper role of a county commissioner, both candidates said listening to residents is essential while allowing county staff to handle day-to-day operations.
Varney said county government should focus on its core responsibilities, including roads, bridges and public safety. She argued commissioners should review every line of the budget to determine whether each expense is truly an essential function of government.
"We are giving away taxpayer money to for-profit companies," Varney said. "We need to ask first, 'Is this an essential function of Reno County government?' And if it's not, I believe it should be eliminated."
Sullivan said unfunded mandates from the state create budget challenges but agreed public safety must remain a top priority. He said county officials should look for opportunities to reduce spending in areas that do not affect essential services.
Economic development
Both candidates voiced support for attracting new businesses and jobs while urging caution when using taxpayer dollars for incentives.
Varney praised local efforts to recruit employers but said economic development should be conducted transparently.
"I promise you that I will never sign a non-disclosure agreement," Varney said. "I think people need to have a say."
Sullivan said the county should avoid "picking winners and losers" through incentive programs and carefully evaluate whether proposed tax incentives provide measurable returns for taxpayers.
Housing and mental health
On housing, both candidates said organizations such as Interfaith Housing play an important role but maintained that county government should not directly fund housing development.
Sullivan, who previously served on Interfaith Housing's board, praised the organization's model for helping families without placing additional costs on local taxpayers. Varney agreed private organizations should lead those efforts while the county concentrates on essential government services.
Addressing public health, Varney said Reno County should encourage more private mental health providers to locate in the community, citing growing concerns about mental illness and substance abuse. Sullivan suggested exploring federal funding opportunities while continuing to support organizations already serving local residents.
Date centers
The candidates found common ground when discussing proposed data centers and battery energy storage systems.
Varney said she supports at least a moratorium—and potentially a ban—on large data centers until more research is available on their potential impacts, particularly the effects of infrasound.
"We simply do not know what the infrasound is going to do to our health," Varney said. "Therefore, I would say let's not bring in data centers."
Sullivan also expressed concerns about water consumption, infrastructure demands, sound pollution and environmental impacts. He added that while those concerns are valid, the county's authority may be limited depending on where projects are proposed.
Closing comments
In their closing remarks, both candidates said their priorities would center on serving residents and protecting taxpayers.
Varney said her top goals are being responsive to voters, streamlining county government and reducing taxes where possible. She also called for improvements in education while emphasizing that county government should remain focused on its primary responsibilities.
Sullivan said his priorities include listening to constituents, identifying ways to save taxpayer dollars and encouraging responsible economic development that creates jobs without placing unnecessary burdens on residents. He pointed to his experience managing public budgets and negotiating purchasing contracts as qualifications for the commission.