SE Kansas News

Cole Proehl, incumbent member of the Labette County Board of Commissioners, is seeking the Republican nomination to represent District 3 for a four-year term. The primary election will be held on August 6.

Per the Labette County 2024 Primary Candidate List, Proehl is running for re-election in the GOP primary against Tom Barrett.

According to his biography on the Labette County Board of Commissioners' website, Proehl was initially elected to serve on the Board beginning in January 2021 but was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to fill a Board vacancy beginning in October 2020.

"Over the past four years, I have been committed to improve our community by focusing on economic development, enhancing public safety, advocating for continued investment in our infrastructure and protecting your property rights," Proehl said in a June 28 post on Facebook. "As your commissioner, my commitment remains strong in ensuring that Labette County continues to thrive and grow." 

Proehl grew up in southeast Kansas and graduated from the University of Kansas. After graduating, he spent time in Georgia and Florida working in corporate finance and consumer lending before eventually returning to Parsons in 2011. Currently, he is the owner and operator of a real estate management company that owns and manages property all over Labette County.

In a press release, R.E.D. PAC — a political action committee focused on rural economic development — presented Proehl as a candidate who "has demonstrated a robust understanding of the issues" in his district and has "a clear commitment to principles that ensure economic stability, promote transparency and accountability in governance, and safeguard the community."

R.E.D. PAC Chief Strategist Charlie Kolean endorsed Proehl, praising his "unparalleled dedication to protecting private property rights and implementing practical solutions to enhance community living" and predicting that his "leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that Kansas communities thrive in an environment where freedom, security, and prosperity are the top priorities."

The Labette County Board of Commissioners comprises three members, each representing one district.

According to the Kansas County Commissioners Association, commissioners' responsibilities include overseeing the county personnel system, maintaining county property, managing county business, reviewing, adjusting, and adopting the annual county budget, and authorizing the levy and collection of property taxes. Commissioners are elected to staggered four-year terms.