To the editor:

As neighbors in Barton County, specifically District 5, start heading to the polls, a lot of us are thinking carefully about who we want representing our area on the Barton County Commission. Living in and around Great Bend, we know that keeping our community strong takes common sense, budget discipline, and a genuine respect for every tax dollar coming out of our pockets. That is why I am supporting Johnathan Robinson for District 5.

Johnathan isn’t a career politician looking for a title. He’s a Kansas native who served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps overseas, worked on the front lines as a deputy sheriff in local law enforcement and corrections, and today works as a regional manager for a locally owned business right here in Barton County. That practical combination—military discipline, public safety service, and private-sector budgeting—gives him real insight into managing resources responsibly.

What stands out about Johnathan is his straightforward commitment to District 5 homeowners, producers, and small business owners. When housing and economic growth came up at the candidate forum, he didn’t pitch new government programs or big-budget initiatives that end up raising our property taxes. Instead, as he looked into the crowd of local Barton County citizens, he talked about cutting back on unnecessary zoning red tape, supporting our existing local businesses, and helping strengthen our local economy so good-paying jobs can grow naturally. He understands that county government should be a careful steward of our tax dollars, not an added burden on working families.

District 5 needs a commissioner who will listen to residents, keep local spending in check, and ensure county government stays accountable to the folks who pay the bills. Johnathan has the work ethic, military discipline, and conservative common sense to do right by our district.

I urge my fellow District 5 voters to take a close look at his platform and vote for positive change.

Early voting is currently open on the second floor of the courthouse through noon on Monday, Aug. 3, or you can vote at your local polling place on Primary Day, Tuesday, Aug. 4. Vote for the neighbor in District 5 who will bring positive change to Barton. Vote for Johnathan Robinson.

Dr. Benton Hrabe

Great Bend