Two Democrats, a Republican and a Libertarian are running to represent Baldwin City, parts of south-central Lawrence and much of southeastern Douglas County as the commissioner for the new District 5.

The two candidates running as Democrats, Erica Anderson and Nicholas Matthews, will face off in the Tuesday, Aug. 6 primary. The winner will face Republican Rich Lorenzo and Libertarian Kirsten Kuhn in the Nov. 5 general election.

We asked candidates about the top three issues driving them to run for this office, a question they’d ask their opponents and more.

Candidates were given a week to respond to these questions. We did not give candidates a word count limit but advised them to keep answers concise. Candidates’ answers appear below verbatim, minus minor typos edited for clarity.

We asked all candidates in races in which there are primary elections to participate, even if they don’t face a primary opponent, to allow our readers to start getting to know the whole field well before the Nov. 5 general election. We noted candidates’ parties throughout this questionnaire.

Will this race be on my ballot? Check which Douglas County Commission district you’re in at myvoteinfo.voteks.org.

Early voting began Wednesday, July 17. Voters can request a ballot to vote early by mail through Tuesday, July 30 at KSVotes.org. See this article for key info on how to cast your ballot.

Look for more coverage and candidate questionnaires still to come at lawrencekstimes.com/election2024. 

Jump to a topic:

• Meet the candidates
• Experiences and qualifications
• Top 3 issues
• Property taxes
• Wind energy regulations
• Sky Energy Center solar project
• Question for your opponents
• Free space
• Just for fun

This district

Douglas County Commission District 5, highlighted in pink in the map here, includes a portion of south-central Lawrence, reaching as far north as Clinton Parkway. It spans south and east to the county lines in some areas and includes Baldwin City.

Its northernmost boundary reaches Clinton Parkway from Crossgate Drive to the west to Vermont Street to the east. Its westernmost boundary north of North 900 Road is East 1000 Road, and then it includes much of the county east of East 1296 Road and East 1250 Road, including U.S. 59 Highway.

Its boundaries span to the eastern county line from the southern county line north to North 700 road, then follows East 2000 Road to North 900 Road and goes north to East 23rd Street to include a portion of far eastern Lawrence near the Kansas Highway 10 and East 23rd Street interchange.

See a zoomable PDF map at this link.

Meet the candidates

About you and your positions

Q: What specific experience and qualifications do you possess that make you the best candidate for the commission seat you’re seeking?

Anderson (D): The county commissioner for District 5 plays a crucial role in our community’s prosperity. Throughout my career, I’ve overseen legislative and budgetary matters in various capacities, including managing grants for nonprofits and corporations with rigorous reporting requirements. My involvement with health boards like the Kansas Public Health Association and numerous coalitions, both locally and nationally, has enriched my experience in economic development, land use planning, and policy advocacy. These diverse experiences, coupled with my ongoing collaborations with external entities and community stakeholders to ensure inclusive decision-making, form the foundation supporting my candidacy for County Commission.

Matthews (D): I have experience working for state government and have also studied local policy issues and taxes in my research as a student. I also think having an open mind and being willing to compromise, listen, and work together is something that is vital for the diverse community we have in Douglas County. Listening to every constituent and what they have to say, no matter if they are from Baldwin, Lawrence, Lecompton Eudora, or an unincorporated area in the county, is so important in order to make sure the Commission and the County are not overlooking certain communities or groups of people. Making sure to consider all points of views and options for addressing issues that arise is something that I would prioritize as Commissioner.

Lorenzo (R): My professional experience includes work as a lawyer, business owner and community leader. I’m originally from Miami, Florida and the son of a Cuban immigrant who fled a Communist regime. I moved to Lawrence to attend the University of Kansas and earned both a law degree and an MBA. I worked at a large law firm in Kansas City for 3 years before leaving to start a couple of successful financial businesses with friends in Lawrence. Ten years ago, I left the corporate world to lead Called to Greatness.

In addition to my business ventures, I have served on various boards and have been actively involved in the Douglas County community. For over twenty years I have been dedicated to coaching youth sports and mentoring the next generation. My wife and I have been married for 21 years and have five children.

Kuhn (L): I have been engaged in various capacities for several years now. I have a B.A. from KU and am currently serving my second term on the Bert Nash Governing Board. I have also been very active in the local organization Justice Matters, where I served as the Co-Chair for the Jail Alternatives Committee, a Team Leader for the Neighborhood Network, and worked with the Mental Health Committee’s monitoring efforts. I was intimately involved with the defeat of the jail expansion, as well as the creation of the Treatment and Recovery Center.

I’ve also been heavily involved with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, currently serving on two subcommittees. I’ve sat on the hiring committee for the Lawrence Municipal Court Judge, and am also the President and Founder of the Douglas County Community Bail Fund.

My focus on criminal justice reform, mental health advocacy, environmental stewardship, and government skepticism make me an ideal candidate for those of you who view our current policies as overreaching and undesirable for the average Douglas County resident. I will bring my attention to detail, perseverance, and critical eye to the operations of county government.

I don’t need to continue my paid work if I accept this role. I am able to focus entirely on county work, without distractions.

Q: Please list the top three issues motivating you to run for this office. What concrete ideas do you have to make a difference on each issue if you are elected?

Please be as specific as possible.

Anderson (D):
Build Trust: As I engage with residents door-to-door, a significant concern I encounter is the loss of trust stemming from feelings of being unheard in recent years. Issues such as rising home appraisals, property taxes, fiscal responsibility, and decisions regarding solar and wind projects have magnified this sentiment. It is crucial for county government to uphold integrity and ethical standards through transparent decision-making, open listening sessions, and clear communication on all issues.

If given the opportunity to serve, I am dedicated to rebuilding trust in District 5 and across the county. Strengthening relationships with Commissioners and county officials will be pivotal in advancing integrity and ethical practices, essential for restoring trust, preserving our county’s positive standing, and ensuring sustainable progress. I will also initiate open listening sessions within the district to provide every resident with an opportunity to voice their concerns and ensure responsive action from their Commissioner.

Ensure Compliance: Maintaining integrity requires strict adherence to pertinent laws and regulations spanning diverse areas such as daily operational protocols, grant stipulations, traffic laws, societal expectations, and the comprehensive legal frameworks governing governmental functions. As County Commissioners, it is paramount to demonstrate unwavering dedication to ethical conduct while proactively managing potential legal and reputational risks.

If entrusted with this role, I will diligently assess our current landscape and draw upon my regulatory expertise to identify opportunities for improvement. Addressing critical issues such as property taxes, fiscal responsibility, prudent expenditure, strengthening family support, workforce development, and enhancing housing affordability will be focal points of my agenda. These initiatives are aimed at reinforcing our commitment to accountability to the taxpayers of our county, whom we have the honor of representing.

Strengthen Families and Workforce: Families are the backbone of our communities. The workforce is the backbone of our economy. We must braid these two together and strengthen their bond and capabilities. Promoting strong families and a robust workforce is foundational to ensuring the well-being and prosperity of our community.

As a County Commissioner, I am committed to initiatives that bolster family stability, including enhancing access to affordable childcare, quality education, and healthcare services. Additionally, I will advocate for workforce development programs that provide our youth, adults, older adults, and disabled individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in our rapidly evolving economy.

By prioritizing these efforts, we can bolster the resilience and vitality of our community, paving the way for a brighter future for all members of our community.

Matthews (D):
One issue is the increasing property taxes on residents, which I believe can be reduced, putting money back in the pockets of Douglas county residents during our current time of increased inflation. Reducing the mill levy rate is one way to accomplish this. Simultaneously, in order to maintain and improve the services that the County offers, we also need to increase the efficiency of how our money is spent and utilized. I would work on initiatives that will increase the competitiveness of our procurement system — making the bidding and contracts for county work more economical.

Another major focus I would have is addressing the issue of housing and shelter for those experiencing homelessness. I would work closely with the city to pursue more coordinated strategies, including increasing the stock of affordable housing by partnering with local developers and utilizing county-owned land for new units or transitional housing. Additionally, I would increase and strengthen the programs we have that offer mental health care, addiction treatment, job training, and placement services.

My third issue is strengthening the recent Open Space Plan that was adopted. Douglas County is home to beautiful forest and prairie lands, but these are at risk of being depleted if we don’t make public land conservation a priority. We need to have dedicated funding so that every citizen of Douglas County and the generations to come will be able to enjoy clean, natural land. Having areas for recreation is vital for the health of our communities, and for the health of our natural ecosystems. Putting more concrete measures that have real impact into legislation is the next step for these kinds of issues.

Lorenzo (R):
Taxes — County government growth is out of control. In 2022, the Journal-World reported that from 2002 to 2021, Douglas County’s property tax rate — measured in mills — had increased by 70%. The average increase for a Kansas county in that time period was 30%. And it has continued to go higher. In my conversations across the County, high taxes is the number one issue. It’s time that we rein things in and give the taxpayers of Douglas County a rebate. By the end of this year, we will have almost $195,000,000 in cash reserves. Let’s not hold people’s money, let’s give their money back to them so they can spend it how they see fit.

Excessive Spending — From 2017 to 2024, the Douglas County budget grew 233% from $94 million to $194 million. The proposed 2025 county budget was $211.14 million. Spending is out of control. Instead of giving the citizens of Douglas County some relief in times of rising inflation, the commissioners ask for more from us. It’s time to prioritize our basic services and let the residents of Douglas County keep more of their money.

Real representation — Many in our community feel unheard and not listened too. This is especially true in our smaller communities and in the rural areas. I’m hoping to rebuild trust between the community and the Commission and provide honest, transparent leadership. It will require lots of conversations, lots of listening and lots of follow through. By doing this, County residents will begin to regain trust in their County leadership.

Kuhn (L):
Douglas County has a representation problem. The BOCC has consistently relied on county staff to determine their course of action. In almost every major decision, the body votes unanimously to support the recommendations of staff. While some of these plans may indeed have been the correct decision, what is the point of having an elected board under these circumstances? I support an engaged, informed, and representative Commission.

Taxes need to be cut. We should not be charging sales tax on items necessary for survival, such as food and water. These are not voluntary purchases. Additionally, property taxes should be reduced. We will need to make hard decisions about what can be cut, but the place to start is with the BOCC’s compensation rate itself. This is a position of service to this community, not a career. There is no need for the commissioners to receive an 8% pay increase every year. While this is an important role, it is a misuse of taxpayer funds to compensate public servants to the tune of $50,000 a year. That money belongs to the taxpayers.

I’d also like to explore ways to reduce our expenditures, starting with county land maintenance. For example, utilizing native species that do not need to be mowed and/or treated with pesticides regularly would be beneficial to the environment, as well as reduce cost outlays for staff and equipment, in appropriate areas.

Q: Many Douglas County residents have voiced concerns about property taxes increasing over the last several years. Do you believe that property taxes can be reduced from current rates? If yes, how would you reduce them, and if no, why not?

Again, please be as specific as possible.

Anderson (D): Yes, I believe property taxes can be reduced through careful review of the budget and spending policies. If elected, I will prioritize understanding how stimulating economic development can expand the tax base, potentially lessening the burden on property owners. I will request we assess county expenditures to ensure they are efficient and well-managed, to avoid higher property tax rates. Additionally, I will request a review of current tax exemptions and propose adjustments where appropriate to distribute the tax burden more fairly. We can explore opportunities to advocate for increased state funding or support for local services, which could help relieve pressure on property tax rates. Furthermore, engaging the community in discussions about budget priorities and tax policies will be paramount to promoting and ensuring enhanced community voice and informed decision-making to identify potential areas for cost savings.

Matthews (D): As stated before as one of my most important issues, I believe property taxes can be reduced, which will put money back in the pockets of Douglas County residents during our current time of increased inflation. Reducing the mill levy rate is one way. Simultaneously, in order to maintain and improve the services that the county offers, we also need to increase the efficiency of how our money is spent and utilized. I would work on initiatives that will increase the competitiveness of our procurement system– making the bidding and contracts for county work more economical.

Lorenzo (R): Yes, I believe that property taxes can be reduced from the current rates. The role of local government is to provide some basic services to our community. We must support our fire department, our emergency medical services, the sheriff’s department, our legal/judicial system and infrastructure. The county must also run elections, record public documents, issue licenses and collect taxes and assessments. The county can and should provide some specific services to assist Douglas County residents going through a mental health crisis or addiction, but these services cannot be un-ending and service providers must be accountable. Everything else in the budget needs to be reviewed. Local government must restrain itself from over-regulating, over-taxing, over-spending, over-promising and over-committing.

Kuhn (L): Yes, property taxes can be reduced. As I mentioned before, there are many line items that can be considered for reduction or removal from the budget, without diminishing the quality of life for our residents and having minimal impact on our local workforce. I’d like to hear more from the community about where the county may need to continue its financial backing and where we may be able to move to a more voluntary support system for desired projects.

Q: On a scale of 1-5, please rank how much you support the wind energy regulations the commission approved in May.

(1= Do not support at all; 5 = Fully support)

Anderson (D): 1

Matthews (D): 4

Lorenzo (R): 4

Kuhn (L): 2

Q: If you had been a commissioner in April when the commission approved a key permit for the planned Kansas Sky Energy Center, how would you have voted?

(Or, incumbents, how did you vote?) Only yes/no option given

Anderson (D): No

Matthews (D): Yes

Lorenzo (R): No

Kuhn (L): Yes

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Q: Please explain your answers to the previous two questions, if you wish, and/or share other key points you’d like voters to know about your stance on wind and solar energy projects in Douglas County.

Anderson (D): Our commissioners should have waited until we had all 5 commissioners, ensuring more inclusive representation countywide, before advancing this future plan. I vote against it because it doesn’t account for the perspectives of the 2 new commissioners, we will soon vote in to sit at the table. Inclusion should not be selective or occasional; it’s a fundamental principle, not an optional extra. As leaders, we must exemplify the behavior we expect from others by adhering consistently to our guidelines and actions, demonstrating inclusivity in all our decisions and initiatives.

Matthews (D): In terms of the ranking of how much I support the regulations, I give it a 4 because I would have liked to see increased setback distance and other further protections for rural residents. In terms of the solar aspect, the storm water management and other protections for nearby land will need to be closely monitored. This withstanding, I fully support and condone the development of renewable resources in our community.

Lorenzo (R): I rank it a 4 because a 2,500 ft setback is good, but a total ban on all commercial wind and solar projects in Douglas County is better. After listening to the voices of those potentially affected by the commercial wind and solar projects, it seemed clear there was not enough support to move forward. In fact, there was strong opposition. I support any Douglas County resident placing solar panels on their own home or outbuildings.

Kuhn (L): Due to the controversial nature of the issues, the votes should have been deferred until the new commission was seated. Regarding the solar farm, I would have liked to see more details regarding the re-vegetation of the project and explore further ways to utilize native planting if this project is to continue. I would have voted “yes,” if only to see the longer term plans of the project. My initial yes vote only indicated that the project could be explored further.

Regarding wind, I have questions about the viability and business sense of large scale wind farms. They do not seem to be as environmentally friendly as initially proposed, with their lubrication and structural support needs, among other issues. Solar appears to be more viable at larger scale, but I am much more in favor of projects such as these on an individual or family level scale, which allows the market to work out the kinks and bugs before commercial scale operations. I would prefer exploring rooftop and other options that have fewer impacts on Douglas County land use.

Q: Please share a question we didn’t ask that you’d like your fellow candidates to answer. How would you respond?

Anderson (D): How do you plan to collaborate with local community organizations and stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes, particularly on issues that directly impact their constituents?

I intend to establish monthly district meetings to actively gather feedback and engage directly with constituents. This proactive approach underscores my dedication to listening to community concerns and incorporating their input into decision-making processes. This method promotes transparency and ensures that the concerns and priorities of residents are thoroughly communicated and addressed. It’s a crucial strategy for maintaining close ties with the community and making well-informed decisions that align with their needs and preferences.

Matthews (D): What led to your decision to run as a Democratic candidate in 2024, when in 2012, during your candidacy as a Republican for the Kansas house, the LJW reported that, “Anderson says she opposes any measure to restrict Second Amendment rights, is pro-life and would support further steps to regulate abortion providers ‘as long as that legislation promotes life, not death.’” (as sourced from the Lawrence Journal-World on October 28th, 2012)

Lorenzo (R): If elected, what will you do to stay connected with all the citizens of our county (including the residents in smaller communities and rural areas)?

As I go door to door in District 5, it is clear that the current Douglas County Commission hasn’t valued or listened to the voices of the residents in the smaller communities of Eudora, Baldwin and Lecompton. Including the people in our rural communities in County conversations would go a long way in re-building trust between the community and the Commission. I think it will be important for me and the other candidates to remember that we work for all the residents of Douglas County. Being responsive to their concerns, needs and questions will grow trust and lead to better representation.

Kuhn (L): Have you received substantial endorsements or support from any organizations, local or otherwise? How do these organizations’ goals support your views?

I’ve only received an endorsement from the Mises Caucus of the Libertarian Party of Kansas. They’ve been integral for volunteer support and engagement. As a whole, I’ve not sought support from organizations, as I believe it’s more important to meet individuals where they are to understand their needs. I’m here to support the people, not organizations.

Q: Free space: Please share anything you’d like voters to know about you and your stances that we haven’t asked here.

Kuhn (L): I don’t have any grand plans to implement, no backs to scratch, no career to grow. I work as an independent contractor and have the flexibility to focus entirely on this role. I have never aspired to be a politician, but I am tired of being taxed and regulated into the ground and I’m sure many of you are as well. I want to put YOUR money back into YOUR pocket. I can and will be the positive change that Douglas County needs right now.

Just for fun

Candidates were not required to answer any of these questions, but we wanted to give our readers a chance to get to know them a little better and have some fun with this.

Anderson (D):

Favorite color? Teal

Do you have any pets, and/or what’s your favorite animal? 4 cats and a dog (all rescues)

What’s a fun fact our readers may not know about you? (Have a hidden talent? Interesting hobby?) Enjoy woodworking, sculpting and gardening

Favorite book, TV show and/or movie? Multiplicity

Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you in running for office or serving your community that you’d like to share? “When a leader’s vision fails, the repercussions can be devastating for communities, individuals, organizations, systems, corporations, and families alike.” (anonymous)

Matthews (D):

Favorite color? Green

Zodiac sign? Gemini

Do you have any pets, and/or what’s your favorite animal? The best cat ever named Toby. Favorite animal is Crow/Raven

What’s a fun fact our readers may not know about you? (Have a hidden talent? Interesting hobby?) I can wiggle my ears

Lorenzo (R):

Favorite color? Blue

Do you have any pets, and/or what’s your favorite animal? We have a dog, 6 barn cats and 22 chickens.

What’s a fun fact our readers may not know about you? (Have a hidden talent? Interesting hobby?) I love going out in the forest and clearing and cutting up dead trees to burn in our stove.

Favorite book, TV show and/or movie? I love reading biographies and watching British detective shows with my wife.

Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you in running for office or serving your community that you’d like to share? “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”- Anne Frank — I would substitute “the world” with “Douglas County.”

Kuhn (L):

Favorite color? Black

Zodiac sign? Taurus

Do you have any pets, and/or what’s your favorite animal? I have ferrets and cats, but I also keep bees. My favorite wild animal is a meerkat.

What’s a fun fact our readers may not know about you? (Have a hidden talent? Interesting hobby?) I can recite the entirety of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven from memory.

Favorite book, TV show and/or movie? My guilty pleasure movie of all time is Con Air. It’s such a fun, easy, quotable, movie. It’s great for just putting your feet up.

Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you in running for office or serving your community that you’d like to share? “Always stand on principle, even if you stand alone.” — John Adams

This post is by the Lawrence Times news team.

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