About David

It’s no accident McPherson is one of the best places in our region to live and work—it’s by design.

We’ve been blessed with many decades of strong leadership, and it has resulted in McPherson County being one of the most desirable places in Kansas—and in the Midwest—for living, working, setting up a business, or expanding an industrial company.

When I think about this, the word that comes to mind is “momentum”. As county commissioner, I want to keep it going. To do that, we need to continue to make smart decisions in key areas:

Financial Stability: Due to good leadership the county is in a good position. I plan to continue to be a good steward of finances yet, look to future growth.

Have not only been auditor (CPA) but also, been advisor to several government entities (cities, townships, rural water districts, etc.) as they prepared their annual budgets. This includes budget oversight.

Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and other infrastructure has been a priority of our county leaders for decades, and it shows. We have great infrastructure, and we need to continue to maintain it in an efficient way. It’s the bedrock of economic development.

Served over 20 years on board of South Central Kansas Economic Development District which has assisted as follows: Community Block Development Grants, Housing Assistance, Weatherization projects, Street improvement, etc.

Economic Development: Increase the tax base so that we can generate more revenue by taxing more entities rather than raising taxes.

Director of McPherson County Small Business Development Association – 325 projects. This includes over 1,000 jobs created and/or retained. Project funding totals over $46 million.
McPherson County E-Community – have funded 50 projects totaling $2 million.

Community Safety and Well-Being: Right now, there’s a lot of focus on both public health and law enforcement. I’m very proud of both of these areas and how they’ve handled recent situations. It’s even more clear to me that keeping our community safe and well is an important county leadership function. We need to be proactive to ensure they remain strong.

McPherson Hospital Board member for 15 years…having excellent medical services is crucial to our quality of life.
Certified ALICE (active shooter) trainer; training occurred with several law enforcement officers.

Community Services and Amenities: One reason McPherson County is a leader is the quality of life it offers such as education, recreation, etc. We MUST build on those areas.

Education- Our children and grandchildren need quality education. I have a unique perspective having not only been a college teacher for 40 years but also, have served on USD 418 School Board and a Church College Board of Directors.
Community Foundations and other charities are critical to ensure a good quality of life. I have served on McPherson County Community Foundation Board; have served in numerous capacities for church; been advisor to several other nonprofits.

Campaign Announcement Letter

I am pleased to inform you that after prayerful consideration, I have decided to announce my candidacy for re-election for District 3 County Commission seat in McPherson County.

These last three years have been challenging for the county and me (personally). It is my belief that continued strong leadership is needed as McPherson County moves past these present challenges, and, as I ask you for your support, I pledge to you that I will model these three C’s (concern, cooperation, and care for others) as I work with community and state leaders to ensure a prosperous future for McPherson County citizens of all ages.

A prosperous future requires fiscal responsibility. As your commissioner, I will pursue fiscal leadership as a top priority, bringing over 30 years of experience as a small business owner and CPA and 40 years of tenure as a professor of business at McPherson College. During these years I also worked hand-in-hand with rural water districts, townships, and area city governments as a consultant and/or board member. These experiences have honed my awareness of just how important local participation and grassroots efforts are in maintaining all that is vibrant and strong about our home—McPherson County.

Budget/Finances – With my background as a CPA I have the unique experience of being the auditor for several small cities and townships over the course of my career. In addition, I helped them with their budgets and acted as an advisor to their city councils. Some of cities include Windom, Lindsborg, Little River, Lincoln, and Sylvan Grove. I have been an advisor for some townships and Rural Water Districts, too.

Strategic Plan – I was very involved with the strategic plan developed in the 1990’s for the county. I am hopeful to move forward with developing another strategic planning process. Also, the McPherson County Comprehensive Plan needs updated. The results of the process will give us direction that the citizens so desire. This process is a chance for the citizens to have direct input. But, it is a chance for the county to communicate the constraints that the county must adhere.

As your county commissioner, my voting record has and will represent the wants and needs of constituents. I will listen to understand, and I will vote with wise discretion that comes from years of experience mentoring and counseling others, volunteering at the local level, serving on local, state, and national professional boards, and putting faith first.

McPherson County is my lifelong home. I consider it a great honor to serve and preserve this beautiful county, while voting to continue progressive education systems, infrastructure, and

job creation that our county has long been known for. McPherson County’s history is my history. My wife, Evy Boese O'Dell, and I look forward to participating in this county’s exciting future.

In service,
David O’Dell, CPA

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About David

Campaign Announcement Letter

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