Michelle Meiwes notes Allen County has not had a female commissioner since Jean Barber retired 20 years ago.
She hopes to change that.
Meiwes filed Monday for a seat on the County Commission to represent District 2, which covers much of the northern half of the county, and includes Gas, LaHarpe, Mildred and the northeast quadrant of Iola.
Meiwes filed as a Democrat, the only member of the party to register by Monday’s deadline. That means she will face the winner of three Republican hopefuls — David Lee, Craig Mentzer or Eugene Weatherbie — in the November general election.
“I have thought about it off and on for some time,” Meiwes said. “I think a female perspective would add another dimension. I’d like to represent the Second District, in particular the east side of the county, but of course I’d work for everyone in Allen County.”
Meiwes has worked for the past 20 years at Hope Unlimited, an organization that offers services to victims of sexual and physical abuse.
While this is her inaugural foray into elective politics, Meiwes has served other organizations. She has been president of the Kansas Network of Visitation Providers for several years, and has been active with Allen County Farm Bureau.
Prior to joining Hope Unlimited, Meiwes was the director of nursing at a pair of area nursing homes, and served as school nurse for the Garnett school district.
She and her late husband, Ed, owned a farm northwest of Moran, and raised five children.
Michelle’s son, Joe, continues to see after the family’s cattle operation.
Her concerns for the county focus on core ideas, most prominently to continue to invest, maintain and develop the county’s infrastructure, such as roads.
“Overall, our county and our county officials have done a tremendous job,” Meiwes said.
Meiwes said she decided to toss her hat in the ring after Bill King announced earlier this year he was not going to seek re-election.
“I thought this would be a great time to run,” she said. “I’m looking forward to meeting lots of people, and would encourage everybody — no matter who they’re supporting — to go vote.”
ELSEWHERE, Republicans were guaranteed another primary vote, this one in the Third District, with the filing of former Commissioner John Brocker.
