Independent Ed Lutz seeking county commission post

Edward Lutz, 63, Holton, is seeking election to the Second District Jackson County Commission seat.

Lutz is not affiliated with a political party and will face incumbent Republican Janet Zwonitzer on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.

Lutz graduated from Mayetta High School and attended Kansas State University for two years in the business administration program.

For the past 36 years, he has been self-employed, operating his own construction company.

He has four children and five grandchildren.

Why are you seeking election?

“I am a lifelong resident of Jackson County,” Lutz said. “I’ve enjoyed living here and raising my four daughters. I want others to have that opportunity for their families, but high taxes make it hard for families to live here. Our senior citizens are struggling to stay in their homes. I think the county can do better with its current budget, and I want to help make that happen.”

Do you think the county’s current tax rate is justified and adequate to operate the county’s departments?

“Yes, I do. I do not think the mill levy needed to be raised just because the state put a tax lid in place,” he said. “Appraisals continue to rise, which will bring in more tax dollars even if the mill levy stays the same. This is something that hits homeowners and farm ground owners very hard.

“We should not raise the mill levy to replenish our contingency reserve fund after using it to purchase and remodel the new county shop.

“I believe that we need to learn to live within our means. The budget for the sheriff and jail is a good example of that. Our current sheriff has stayed within his budget and improved many aspects of the department.”

What concerns do you have regarding the county budget?

“I think the budget for rock for the county roads is a big concern,” he said. “We need to find a way to haul it in cheaper so that more of the money for rock can be used to get rock on our road. I would also like to see the county do a better job of maintaining the roads so that the rock put on the road stays there.

“I am also concerned with the amount of money that has been spent purchasing and remodeling the new county shop. Even though the original purchase price was less than the proposed price of a brand new building, the building has needed a lot of repairs and will continue to need them over the years. Purchasing this building has also removed it from the tax roll, which means a loss of tax revenue for the county.”

What would you do if elected?

“I will do my best to see that we spend taxpayer money wisely and as efficiently as possible,” he said. “I want to represent the citizens of the second district and their needs to the best of my ability.”

Why do you believe you are qualified for this position?

“I own my own business. I have worked as a framing and building contractor since 1980,” he said. “Each house I build or remodel has a budget, and it is my responsibility to stay within that budget and help the homeowner to achieve their goal. I also have to hire sub-contractors and supervise their work and make sure they deliver their work within budget and on time. I feel that having this experience qualifies me for the job of county commissioner.”

Lutz is a member of the Evangel United Methodist Church of Holton.