There are three local residents who have filed for the Leavenworth County Commission race for the Fifth District.

Cody Reynolds, David Todd and Tim Kates will be running in the race. Commissioner Mike Stieben recently announced that he would not be seeking re-election. He was named commission chair earlier this month.

Both Todd and Reynolds are longtime residents of the area.

Reynolds said his decision to run is rooted in his strong connection to Tonganoxie and his commitment to providing steady, responsible leadership focused on the long-term success of Leavenworth County.

Reynolds emphasized that growing up in Tonganoxie shaped his values and his understanding of the challenges facing local families, rural communities and taxpayers.

“Tonganoxie is where I was raised, where my family is, and where I learned the importance of hard work, respect, and looking out for others,” Reynolds said. “I’m running because I care deeply about our community and want to make sure the county government is focused on responsible decision-making, transparency, and serving the people.”

Reynolds said he has spent the past several years closely following county issues, regularly attending public meetings, and engaging with residents throughout Leavenworth County. He says his campaign is focused on listening, learning and bringing practical solutions to the county level.

Reynolds’ priorities include:

• Lowering property taxes and easing the financial burden on homeowners, families, farmers, and retirees.

• Improving roads and infrastructure through smart, efficient, and forward-thinking planning.

• Supporting rural communities while protecting quality of life.

• Being responsible with taxpayer dollars and preventing unnecessary spending.

• Keeping communication open, transparent, and accessible between county government and residents.

• Ensuring public input is part of every major decision

“I believe county government works best when leaders are accessible, prepared and accountable,” Reynolds said. “I want to be someone residents can trust to listen, ask the right questions, and make decisions that are in the best interest of our communities now and into the future.”

Reynolds is a former college basketball coach and describes himself as a dedicated community advocate.

Todd is a fourth-generation resident of Leavenworth County.

Todd brings more than 30 years of leadership and public service experience to the commission. Todd served 33 years of federal civil service, retiring from Fort Leavenworth as Chief of Material Maintenance. He served on various county boards, primarily the Leavenworth County Extension Council and the Leavenworth County Fair Association.

He has served as a 4-H leader for many years and is a founding member of the Leavenworth County 4-H Foundation.

Todd, of Rural Leavenworth, said in a press release that he is running for county commission to provide sensible and common sense oversight of all county issues. He believes the most critical issues are property taxes and county development.

“We must try to balance the use of incentives to draw business and home development to the county versus the long term gains and impacts to county services.” Todd said. “I would be honored to represent the citizens of the 5th District and their concerns and issues on the Leavenworth County Commission.”

Tim Kates, rural Leavenworth, also is running for the Fifth District seat. Kates will be profiled in a later edition of The Mirror.

All three candidates will square off in the primaries, as all are running as Republicans.

The Fifth District includes the cities of Tonganoxie and Linwood and Alexandria, Tonganoxie, Reno and Sherman townships.

Candidates also have filed for the First District race. Republicans Janet Klasinski and Robert Owens have filed so far in that race.