Four candidates are running for a seat on the Great Bend City Council representing Ward 2. 

There will be a primary election on Aug. 5 and the two that receive the most votes will be on the ballot in the Nov. 4 general election. 

The Great Bend Tribune requested photos and sent the same questions to all candidates: Charlie Dixon, Suresh Maharjan, Stephen Patton and Jay Luerman. 

Charlie Dixon

Tell our readers a little about yourself.

I work full time as a company pumper for an oil producer in Illinois.

City Council requires a significant time commitment, usually 2-4 meetings a month, as well as reading prep prior to meetings. How will this fit in with your other commitments?

I can adjust my time and schedule to ensure my presence at meetings and functions.

What do you believe is the role of the City Council in our community?

I believe the role of the city council is to represent the interests of residents, enact policies, and oversee municipal operations to ensure the community’s well-being and development. 

Based on what you know about City government, what do you see are top priorities for the City and why?

Top priorities should be investing in the future and growth of our city. Housing is a huge issue here. We don’t have enough homes or apartments now for middle class families. We need to focus on that before we can even grow as a community. With that there needs to be a plan to expand our utility infrastructure to support more housing and more people. 

Barton County has a 3.4% unemployment rate. Anything under 4% is considered fully employed.

To actively pursue businesses to expand into Great Bend we need to be able to provide an employee base. To do that we need to retain citizens and be a community people will want to move to and they need somewhere to live. It’s a vicious circle and we need to start with middle-income housing.

Suresh Maharjan

Tell our readers a little about yourself.

I am Suresh Maharjan, a proud resident of Ward #2. I’m a good listener. I’m open-minded,  And I don’t back down from challenges. I bring a can-do attitude to everything I do. Over the past four years, I’ve come to know this community not just as my home, but as a place where people care deeply — about their families, their neighborhoods, and their future. I’ve seen what happens when we show up for each other, whether it’s helping a neighbor after a storm or standing together to support our schools, small businesses, and our community.

City Council requires a significant time commitment, usually 2-4 meetings a month, as well as reading prep prior to meetings. How will this fit in with your other commitments?

Just like everyone, I have 24 hours a day. I do know how to manage my time to the commitments that I have put my mind into. City Council is not different.

What do you believe is the role of the City Council in our community?

To me City Council member is there to listen more and talk less.  It’s about making sure our city keeps growing, safely and responsibly. It’s about maintaining roads, creating more opportunities, and making decisions that reflect our needs.

Based on what you know about City government, what do you see are top priorities for the City and why?

Some of the top priorities of the City I see are infrastructure including roads and housing. When we have a better infrastructure and enough housing we can attract new businesses. This creates many new opportunities for the city and its valuable citizens. 

Jay Luerman

Tell our readers a little about yourself.

Jay Luerman, a devoted Great Bend resident, is running for City Council. As a Commercial/Ag Lender and management team member at First Kansas Bank, he brings financial expertise and leadership to the table. Jay is deeply engaged in the community, serving on boards including the Barton Community College Foundation, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, Barton County Kids Ag Day, Kiwanis Club of Great Bend, and Grace Community Church. He and his wife, Joanna, a nurse at the University of Kansas Health System, are proud to raise their three children in Great Bend. Jay is committed to strengthening our community and looks forward to serving you.

City Council requires a significant time commitment, usually 2-4 meetings a month, as well as reading prep prior to meetings. How will this fit in with your other commitments?

I am grateful for the support of my employer and my wife, Joanna, as I pursue a role on the Great Bend City Council. I only commit to responsibilities I know I can fully embrace, and I am dedicated to serving our community with focus and integrity. This role is significant, and I will invest myself wholeheartedly in fulfilling its duties to strengthen Great Bend.

What do you believe is the role of the City Council in our community?

The Great Bend City Council is vital to our community’s governance. If elected, I would only be one member of this dedicated team, but I am committed to working collaboratively to enhance the lives of our residents and strengthen our community.

Based on what you know about City government, what do you see are top priorities for the City and why?

I am not running on an individual agenda. My initial goal is to learn from the other council members; to gain an understanding of the city’s budget and operations. After that – I will form decisions to best serve our community and the members within my district.

Stephen Patton

(No photo submitted)

Tell our readers a little about yourself.

I’m 41. I have lived in or near Great Bend most of my life. I work at Sunflower Diversified Services full time and First Christian Church part time. I have 3 children - 15, 8, 7. I am married to Krystal Patton. 

The other questions were not answered.