By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Ellis Mayor Lyle Johnston is running for Ellis County Commission District 1.
He is being challenged in the Aug. 5 primary by another Republican, Hays resident Marcy McClelland. The seat is currently held by Ellis Republican Swede Holmgren, who did not file for re-election but has considered running as an independent in the November general election.
Johnston, 40, grew up in Ellis. His family moved to South Carolina where he graduated from high school. Johnston returned to Ellis County to attend Fort Hays State University and work on the family farm. He also works for Trego County Rural Water District No. 2.
“I’ve always had an interest in politics,” Johnson said. “I understand the issues surrounding agriculture and water which are so important to this area, and I believe I have good leadership experience by serving on the Ellis City Council.”
“I already have a role in leadership on the Ellis City Council for three years now,” Johnston explained, “and about 90 percent of what you do with any issue is a ‘no-win situation.’
“You read up on it to make an educated guess about it. Some (constituents) are going to love it; some are going to hate it. The important thing is to move forward.”
Johnston said he is a supporter of the fledgling Buckeye Wind Energy Project in Ellis County and “wishes it was already up and running.”
Although he praised the current Ellis County Commission for trimming the 2015 budget by $1.7 million, Johnston also said “realistically, the county will have to look at a permanent countywide sales tax to plan for future funding of major road and bridge projects.”
Polling locations in Ellis County will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 5. Advance voting is underway at the Ellis County Courthouse until noon Aug. 4.
Check Hays Post for election results as they become available.