Iola and Humboldt are governed by councils of eight members and a mayor. Smaller cities within hailing distance generally have a tad fewer, but more than the three who make decisions for Allen County, ones that have far-reaching consequences.
Increasing the number of county commissioners to five would be appropriate, large enough to give a better reading on any number of issues, yet small enough not to be cumbersome.
As is, the three in office Chairman Tom Williams, Jerry Daniels and John Brocker represent specific districts, with Williams and Brocker having some rural areas as well as each speaking on behalf of parts of Iola. Daniels constituents live in Humboldt, Moran, Elsmore, Savonburg and rural areas generally between and near those communities. With five, two might be elected at-large or districts may be redrawn, a process that likely will occur regardless following the 2020 federal census.
Larry Walden, who takes keen interest in what local governors discuss and decide, proposed expanding the county commission to five members. His wasnt the first time such a suggestion has surfaced.
Commissioners were receptive, and suggested a petition effort, at Waldens behest, would be the best route to accomplish a change in countywide leadership. Such a campaign isnt likely until after the primary election flurry.
Daniels and Brocker, who is filling a few months term of Jim Talkington who resigned earlier this year, will be on the primary ballot. Whether they will be opposed will be decided in two and half weeks when the filing deadline is reached at noon on June 1.
In any event, if the commission were expanded to five members, the change wouldnt come about immediately.
Why should it?
The primary reason: Five minds engaged in solving problems in most instances would be better than three, not only from the perspective of thoughtful consideration but also because of better opportunities for public discourse.
Everyone has a circle of friends and acquaintances, and it is a given those so disposed would be different. The result should be a more meditative approach to any issue that arises, including those to do with how to spend or not substantial reserves that have accrued, and continue to, from the assessed valuation spike from Enbridges pipeline and pumping station.
Commissioners have resolved to provide all, or at least the lions share, of an annual $250,000 payment in lieu of taxes from construction of EDP Renewables wind farm to the three school districts in the county. However, over the course of 10 years that may become excessive and beg attention elsewhere.
A multitude of other decisions await commissioners, all of which would be enhanced by more input from the public and by commissioners themselves.
Going to five is a good idea waiting in the wings.
Bob Johnson
