Two outgoing Riley County commissioners and the outgoing Register of Deeds were recognized for their years of service on Monday.
Commissioners Ron Wells and Marvin Rodriguez will end their terms next week after serving a combined 12 years on the commission. Rodriguez presented Wells with a plaque recognizing his years of service and remembered their time together fondly.
“I’ve known [Wells] for a long, long time when I worked for the utility company. You’ve been a great help to me all of those years and you’ve been a great help to me here,” says Rodriguez.
Wells thanked Rodriguez for his words and says he enjoyed his time on the commission. He added he worked really hard for the accomplishments made during his time. He is proud of the Casement Outfall projects and introducing two house bills to the Kansas Legislature.
Wells also apologized to those who voted for him saying he didn’t feel like he could handle another four years, which is why he didn’t conduct as much campaigning.
‘When I filed to run for the the third time, nobody had filed. Fortunately, we had two more people file for this position,” says Wells.
Rodriguez was next to receive his plaque, which was presented to him by Commissioner John Ford. Ford thanked both Rodriguez and Wells for their patience and wisdom.
“It is a little bittersweet; very, very rewarding, but at the same time when it ends, it ends,” says Ford.
Rodriguez boasted about the County’s success of being a leader for other counties in the state. He says he is proud to have worked for County, which has been praised by the Kansas Association of Counties.
Wells will be replaced by Commissioner Elect Kathryn Focke and Commissioner Elect Greg McKinley will take over Rodriguez’s seat next week when they are sworn in.
Register of Deeds Debbie Regester was also recognized for her 20 years of service. Regester is retiring from her position after choosing not to run again for the office. Rodriguez presented her with a plaque and gave a few words on working with her.
“I know you’ve made a difference in what we do because I’ve watched what you have done and how you have done it. You have done great work for the people of Riley County,” says Rodriguez.
Regester says it has been an honor and a pleasure to work for the County and leaving is bittersweet. She thanked her staff and husband for their support over the past two decades.
Amy Manges, who is an employee in the Deeds Office, will be taking over the position after winning the office seat in 2020.
