By SALINA POST
In the days leading up to the Aug. 6 Primary Election, check Salina Post for profiles introducing the community to the candidates running for public office.
The Salina Post sent questionnaires to the candidates asking for biographical information, initiatives they hope to champion and changes they would like to see made.
If you live outside of Saline County check with your local elections officer for election deadlines.
📢 Early Voting Has Begun! 🗳️
Head over to the City-County Building at 300 W Ash St to cast your vote early!
🗓️ Schedule:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 3: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Monday, Aug 5: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Get ahead of the crowd and avoid the Election Day rush. Saline County’s friendly election workers are ready to assist you.
🗳️ Want to see a sample ballot? Visit myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView to get yours!
Personal Background
Full Name: Annie Grevas, candidate for Saline County Commission District 2
Age: 59
Current Occupation: KWU Assistant Director of Grants
Educational Background: BS from Kansas State University
Professional Experience: 28th Judicial District Community Corrections since 1987, ISO and ISO Supervisor for 6 years, Director for 29 years. Hours of grant writing training/experiences. 10-year member of the State of Kansas Sentencing Commission. Member of various Legislative efforts supporting criminal justice efforts and local community funding. Served on multiple community service agency Boards, in Leadership roles.
Previous Political Experience (if any): none
Vision and Goals
Why are you running for Saline County Commission?
Serving as District 2 County Commissioner will allow me to continue contributing to a community that has supported me and my family for 37 years. I want to work at the policy level to meet Saline County citizens’ needs and boost economic development.
What are your top three priorities if elected?
Increase/develop suitable space for the Saline County Health Department, be an active participant working to efficiently repurpose empty building spaces within Saline County, encourage non-tax funds to support Saline County Departments and Services.
What is your long-term vision for Saline County?
Meeting the needs of citizens and boosting economic growth. Developing a safe and growing family friendly community.
Policy
What one part of county government would receive more attention if you were elected?
The Budget Process and the Saline County Health Department
Do you plan to promote any changes to existing taxes? If so, why?
I do not have any plans to promote any changes to existing taxes. The largest capital improvement for Saline County occurred with the new jail. Funding the jail, approved by the citizens, with the sales tax increase capped it and does not allow for any further increase in that tax. I would like to expand nontax revenue in the county budget.
What is the county's most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects?
Suitable space for the Saline County Health Department and continued road maintenance as done within the past 5 years.
What is your stance on affordable housing?
Affordable housing is critical to boost economic development and growth in all cities/counties. The County Commission needs to continue to cooperate with all local entities and the City in all efforts. Through ARPA funding, Saline County Commission approved $1 million to South View Estates for infrastructure, capturing some of the housing investment during the Rural Housing Incentive District tax diversion.
What is your stance on mitigating and preventing homelessness?
With the recent Supreme Court decision, communities have a great amount of flexibility to deal with mitigating and preventing homelessness. I would support the County Commission cooperating with the city in developing a comprehensive plan to mitigate and prevent homelessness.
Budgeting
What is your experience with preparing or authorizing budgets?
I have experience in developing and authorizing budgets during my 29 years as Director of Community Corrections. While the daily population served increased, State budget funding did not; increasing the need for non-tax funded dollars through grants and contracts to balance the budget while increasing services and staff.
If new resources were available, what one area of county services would you feel most needs additional resources? Due to the need for suitable space for the Saline County Health Department, I would at this time recommend additional resources go to supporting that effort and to use those resources recruiting, retention and development of county employees.
Should any part of the county budget be shielded from cuts? And if so, which area?
If any budget should be shielded from cuts it would be those services that are related to safety in our community.
What element of the county's government is most effective, and why?
County employees, doing the day-to-day work, are the most effective element of this county’s government. The Senior Center Director, Community Corrections Director and the Health Department Director and all staff within all County departments regularly access grant dollars to supplement agency budgets. County employees volunteer within the community, support community growth, provide services to those highest of need persons, and more. With the hiring of Phillip Smith-Hanes as County Administrator; his progressive vision, strong leadership, and diligence provides the County Commission with excellent direction.
Are county taxes too high, about right or low?
The budget process works, listening to the citizens, and balancing the budget with appropriate taxes. As previously stated, citizens approved with a vote, a capital project funded with sales tax, that being the jail. Until that sunset, that tax is capped.
What do you feel is the county's role concerning water quality standards?
Recently the County Commission approved ARPA funding for local water districts. The county needs to continue to cooperate with all local entities to ensure our water meets all Federal and State safe water standards.
Closing
Why should people elect you to serve as a commissioner?
People should vote for me because I am the most qualified candidate. If you review my experience, consistent dedication, and my powerful desire to grow a family-friendly community you must conclude I am the best candidate.