2023 Wichita voter guide: Candidates in primary election for City Council District 4 seat
Four candidates are vying to replace Jeff Blubaugh on the Wichita City Council from District 4 in southwest Wichita. Two will advance from the Aug. 1 primary to the November general election.
Blubaugh faces term limits and cannot run again. The candidates vying to replace him include his nephew.
District 4 stretches to the edge of Goddard at its northernmost point and Haysville at its southernmost point. The northern boundary runs along West Maple Street and its eastern edge generally follows South Seneca.
If you are not sure you are in District 4, you can check by going to the Kansas secretary of state’s VoterView at myvoteinfo.voteks.org, putting in your information and clicking on districts.
Council members are paid $49,064 a year to pass laws, establish policy direction, adopt the annual city budget and levy taxes, among other responsibilities.
We asked the candidates to answer several questions about issues. Here is what they said. The responses are largely as the candidates sent them in. Some responses have been lightly edited to fix typos. Bio information was reported by The Eagle.
Note: City elections are nonpartisan, meaning party affiliations do not show up on the ballot. State and local party committees often choose sides in city elections with regard to funding and other forms of support.
Mayor and school board primary races
Bentley Blubaugh
Age: 20
Position: Store manager at Mr. Bs Daylight Donuts
Previously: Construction
Education: Completed high school diploma online, studied theology online through the New St. Thomas Institute
Party: Republican
Phone: 316-650-1488
Email: blubaughforwichita@gmail.com
Website: Blubaughforwichita.com
What is your top priority and what specifically would you do to address it?
Ensuring public safety is my top priority, with a tough stance against crime. Collaboration, technology, community engagement, and data-driven approaches, we can win the war in crime. Adequate resources and funding are essential in effectively combating crime. Having the necessary boots on the ground is imperative. Therefore, allocating proper resources and funding is crucial to support our law enforcement efforts.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I believe I am the best candidate for the position due to my unwavering dedication, passion, and strong family values. My commitment to advocating for the rights of Wichita workers is unparalleled compared to other candidates. My vision for a prosperous and safe Wichita involves fostering sustainable growth, creating job opportunities, and prioritizing the needs of our citizens.
Is there a particular city service that you think needs more resources? If so, how would you pay for that?
I believe the Wichita Police Department needs additional resources to effectively address community safety concerns, as safety is my top priority. Funding can be acquired through reallocating existing budgets or exploring public grants. I plan to investigate the potential misappropriation of funds in the Wichita City, as it appears there is a significant budget shortfall. It is unfortunate that we have to prioritize and make tough decisions regarding which resources should receive full funding and which should not.
Are you supportive of the City Council’s $6.15 million plan for a pickleball complex at South Lakes Park? What other investments would you like to see made in south Wichita?
I appreciate the concept of a state-of-the-art pickleball court in Wichita for recreation. However, the initial proposal of $3 million, though reasonable, seems a bit high. The new budget of $6.1 million is excessively high. I’d rather invest in security for existing parks and enhance places like Aley Park. It’s vital not to support contractors driven by personal gain. Diversifying park funds and prioritizing underfunded parks before new facilities is important.
What do you love about District 4, and why?
District 4 offers the community my family and I desire, with residential diversity and a strong sense of community. Active neighborhood associations work to improve the quality of life and create a welcoming environment. The district features parks for outdoor activities and is close to the Arkansas River, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities.
Dalton Glasscock
Age: 28
Position: Starnes Media Group CEO, Wichita State lecturer
Previously: Sedgwick County Republican Party chair
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University, master’s degree from George Washington University
Party: Republican
Phone: 316-648-5613
Email: dalton@daltonglasscock.com
Website: daltonglasscock.com
What is your top priority and what specifically would you do to address it?
The primary function of local government is public safety. Violent crime is rising in Wichita; we are short more than 90 police officers. Wichita Fire is facing challenges in response time due to a need for more firefighters. I commit to working with WPD and WFD to find innovative solutions to pay and personnel challenges; retention bonuses, college reimbursement options, longevity bonuses, and healthcare retention incentives. If we don’t do public safety well, we fail as a City.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
As a fourth-generation South Wichitan, I will bring a fresh perspective to City Hall with experience to lead. I am Chairman of the District 4 Advisory Board, a member of the Wichita Metro Crime Commission, a small business owner, and a lecturer at WSU. I previously sat on the Sedgwick County Mental Health Advisory Board, served as interim Sedgwick County Commissioner, and did military and veteran casework for the U.S House. My vision: A City Hall focused on the basic functions of local government.
Is there a particular city service that you think needs more resources? If so, how would you pay for that?
District 4 needs a new fire station. We face an increased response time in Southwest Wichita. There is no station west of the Airport and south of Kellogg, one of Wichita’s fastest-growth areas and D4’s most densely populated. I’ve ridden along with Wichita Fire, spoken with the Fire Union, and seen the challenges they face. I will support adding and prioritizing this in the Capital Improvement Plan and championing this with my six other colleagues. We have to give WFD the tools to be successful.
Are you supportive of the City Council’s $6.15 million plan for a pickleball complex at South Lakes Park? What other investments would you like to see made in south Wichita?
City Hall must focus on the basic functions of local government. We face a projected budget shortfall of more than 11 million dollars, and City Hall, like families in District 4, will have to make tough decisions. I will choose a new fire station, improved roads, and a stronger police force over the pickleball complex. Let’s maintain our current city facilities first; Aley Park, Pawnee Prairie Park, and Osage Recreation Center. We can get the government out of the way and let small businesses flourish.
What do you love about District 4, and why?
I love my neighborhood. From our annual neighborhood block parties until 2 a.m. to chatting with people during coffee on their front porch, I feel a sense of community down my street. I love that I know each neighbor by name. We change Wichita by investing in our blocks and empowering neighborhood associations to advocate for our residents. We will only build a Wichita for the future by first loving and being willing to fight for where we live.
Alan Oliver
Age: 63
Position: Retired; part-time Uber driver
Previously: Car salesman
Education: High school diploma
Party: Republican
Phone: 316-518-1813
Email: alanoliver114@gmail.com
Website: alanoliverwichitacitycouncil.com
What is your top priority and what specifically would you do to address it?
Infrastructure, our streets are in horrible condition. I would take another look at the budget and find money that’s wasted
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I’m 63 and retired. I plan to be your commissioner on a full time basis, not part time like the other candidates that have other interests or jobs. I’m a proven business leader and a fiscal watchdog.
Is there a particular city service that you think needs more resources? If so, how would you pay for that?
Infrastructure our streets. I’d cut out the waste
Are you supportive of the City Council’s $6.15 million plan for a pickleball complex at South Lakes Park? What other investments would you like to see made in south Wichita?
I am NOT in favor of the pickleball complex. Heck we can’t take care of our golf course and other parks right now. Let’s clean up what we already have.
What do you love about District 4, and why?
I’ve lived in district 4 a long time. The folks are just good Ole common blue collared folks that been over looked for a long time
Judy Pierce
Age: 75
Position: Wichita/Hutchinson Labor Federation president
Previously: Aircraft manufacturing
Education: High school diploma
Party: Democrat
Phone: 316-650-7169
Email: piercedistrict4@gmail.com
Website: pierceforwichita.com/
What is your top priority and what specifically would you do to address it?
Jobs, Services, and Infrastructure. The hard-working people of the fourth district deserve living wage Jobs where they can support their families, save for their future, and look forward to retirement in a safe and well-kept community. We need to focus on infrastructure. Safe roads, sidewalks, safe drinking water, well-kept parks, playgrounds. I will support industries that pay workers well in emerging and current industry. You must keep your eyes and your mind open because there are new opportunities every day.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
In 75 years I’ve seen a lot. I have seen what works and pushed for change in other areas. over the years I have negotiated contracts that affect the wages and benefits of thousands of workers. Taxpayer dollars like union dues are a resource that should not be spent frivolously. I take my responsibilities seriously and bringing jobs to Wichita that increase the opportunity for working families is a top priority for me. Jobs with good wages, Jobs with good benefits, Jobs with American Pride, and innovation.
Is there a particular city service that you think needs more resources? If so, how would you pay for that?
I believe our roads and parks have declined and our overall infrastructure needs updating and funding. Taxpayer dollars are a scarce resource that should be used wisely. Money doesn’t grow on trees. the reality is “we the people” are footing the bill. government should fund a basic infrastructure for all taxpayers. I’d cut pet projects, giveaways because nobody wants to raise taxes, so we must prioritize spending. Citizens must pay for the level of services they want and you get what you pay for.
Are you supportive of the City Council’s $6.15 million plan for a pickleball complex at South Lakes Park? What other investments would you like to see made in south Wichita?
Pickle ball is extremely popular with the 18-34 demographic, but it reminds me of the racquet ball craze of the 70’s and 80’s. $6.15 million dollars for a pickle ball court is a lot of money. We already have 21 outdoor courts and 16 indoor courts around town. I question if pickle ball is so popular why then aren’t more private companies are opening facilities. I also think that voters should weigh in on issues like this. When taxpayer dollars are involved, the taxpayers have a vote not just the bill.
What do you love about District 4, and why?
The people, The 4th District homes some of the hardest working & warm-hearted people on the planet. People in Southwest Wichita are good people. We don’t all have much, but we take care of one another. We’ve been through tornados and tragedies, but we strive on. In as a community we often feel forgotten and overlooked when it comes to City Government. I aim to change that feeling with action, persistence and tenacity that is reflective of my community. It will be an honor to serve my friends & neighbors in D4.
