A Republican primary election will be held in August for the 4th District seat on the Sedgwick County Commission.
Commissioner Richard Ranzau is facing a challenge from a retired business executive.
Ranzau launched his re-election campaign last week for a third term on the commission.
"I’m not ready to give up the fight — fighting for the taxpayers in my district," Ranzau says. "I think they need someone in the district who will make sound fiscal decisions and who is willing to fight for them on a daily basis."
He describes himself as a “defender of the taxpayer” and an advocate for a government that is efficient, effective and accountable.
"I have a track record of doing my homework and basing my vote on that," Ranzau says. "I don’t let campaign contributions affect the way I vote."
Ranzau says he helped the county save about $30 million in taxpayer money on the new Joint Law Enforcement Training Center and Reagan Building renovation projects. His re-election campaign announcement features mostly fiscal accomplishments.
"A lot of people confuse economic development with cronyism and corporate welfare. That’s not the same thing," Ranzau says. "The best way to create prosperity and economic development is by creating an environment where everyone can prosper. That means a low tax burden and regulatory rate."
Ranzau says he supports term limits and plans to self-limit to serving only three terms on the county commission.
The 4th District covers central Wichita and areas to the north and west, including Maize, Valley Center and Sedgwick.
Hugh Nicks, also a Republican, is a retired marketing executive and third-generation farmer. He filed as a candidate in the 4th District race last October.
Currently, all five members of the Sedgwick County Commission are Republicans.
The primary election is set for Aug. 7.
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Follow Deborah Shaar on Twitter @deborahshaar.
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