There was a lot of interest in the late commissioner’s post
Rural Claflin farmer and oilman Kirby Krier was selected Tuesday night to fill out the balance of the late Barton County First District Commissioner Kenny Schremmer’s term which ends in 2022. The selection was made at a convention of the county’s Republican precinct committee members from District 1.
A longtime commissioner, Schremmer died at his Hoisington home on Thanksgiving Day. He had been a fixture since he was first elected in 2002. He was last re-elected in November 2018, meaning there are two years remaining on this term.
Barton County Republican Party Chairman Dick Friedeman learned of Schremmer’s passing the day he died and he had 21 days to convene the committee.
On Tuesday, the 14 members of the committee met in the main courthouse courtroom to pick from the eight candidates. There had been a lot of interest in the vacancy, so the crowd, masked and socially distanced due to COVID-19, filled the space.
The night included introductions by those nominating the commission hopefuls. There were also speeches from the candidates themselves, extolling their experiences, backgrounds and deep ties to the county.
The voting was done by secret ballot, and the rounds of voting were set to continue until a candidate emerged with the majority. However, Krier won with eight votes in the first round.
“Several people asked me to run,” Krier said. “I want to add some stability.”
He served twice previously on the commission, from 1999-2005 and again later for two years. “I have a wealth of experience,” he said, adding he also knows most of the county officials.
Now, the appointee’s name will be submitted to Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly who has seven days to finalize the appointment. If no action is taken, the candidate automatically assumes the post.
According to the Barton County website, the sprawling District 1 takes in the northern two-thirds of the county and includes Albert, Beaver, Claflin, Galatia, Hoisington, Odin, Olmitz and Susank.
Commissioners serve four-year terms, with two of the five commissioners being elected in the same year, and the other three commissioners elected two years later.
Schremmer served as commission chairman, and had previously served as chair from 2014 through 2016, with Schartz in the pro tem seat. Schartz took the gavel in January 2017, with Schremmer as pro tem.
After Schremmer’s death, Schartz was named chairman, Jim Daily fills the pro tem position.
