Patrick Hoffman envisions an Ellsworth County that offers a good quality of life for his parents and grandparents — and also opportunities for his three young children to settle in their hometown as adults.

To that end, Hoffman, a 36-year-old second generation Ellsworth attorney, this past week announced he plans to seek a seat on the Ellsworth County Commission. The seat is currently filled by Kermit Rush, who plans to retire when his term ends in January.

For Hoffman, his journey to the election ballot has been a progression of jobs, education and experiences. Almost every Monday for the past

Almost every Monday for the past year, he has driven to Great Bend, where he offers legal advice to Barton County commissioners as county counselor. He also serves as Ellsworth city attorney.

Both jobs, he said, have given him a “first hand, up front” look at county and city governments.

One of the trends he has seen in economic development is an uptick in the importance of grants. As a result, competition is more intense and the Kansas Department of Transportation and other state and federal agencies expect their dollars to be used in the most beneficial way possible.

It’s all about expanding the tax base to ease the burden on existing property owners.

“Costs go up every year so we have to find out who can help pay for them,” Hoffman said.

Ellsworth County probably isn’t big enough to hire a full-time grant coordinator; however, it’s possible to ask department heads to look for opportunities, he said. Or coordinate with other counties.

Hoffman said he is not critical of the status quo, but public officials must adjust to existing conditions.

If Ellsworth County can maintain its population — having the same population in 2030 as it has in 2020 — “that would be a huge win,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman said Ellsworth County has advantages over other rural communities — its location near state parks and federal lakes, access to broadband, good roads.

“That’s a story we need to tell,” he said.

Hoffman has lived here with the exception of seven years when he was at school.

If he wins the commission seat, Hoffman said he plans to resign as Barton County counselor. He also has introduced his firm’s new attorney, Melissa Miller, to Ellsworth City Council meetings. She also has started attending Marquette City Council meetings, another Hoffman client.

Meanwhile, Hoffman said his professional experiences with wind energy, economic development and other projects will be an asset if he joins the commission.

Hoffman and his wife, Virginia “Gin”, have three children.