County Judge
Rick Long
Name: Matt Brumley
Why did you pursue the position you are running for?
I have had interest in public service for over 20 years. I have been extremely engaged with local government but, knew I was not being called to run for office. During that time, I served in the ways I knew I could be a part of making a positive impact on people and our community. When Saline County Judge Jeff Arey approached me with the news of his retirement and suggested that I file as a candidate I knew it was time. I am certain that the time is right, and I am ready to serve as the County Judge
What prior experience do you have that is applicable to this position? How do you plan to use this experience?
As County Judge I will have oversite on multiple areas in which I have a great deal of experience:
Office Of Emergency Management – Over 20 years of Emergency Medical Services experience as a Paramedic and Director of EMS in Saline County.
Leadership and Fiscal Responsibility – Member of leadership team of local hospital/healthcare system for 23 years. Managing multiple budgets and capital expenditures along with leading employees in three departments.
Grant Funding – All grants land on the County Judges desk. I have been the director of Saline Health Foundation since 2015 and the administrator identifying and requesting all grant dollars.
What plans do you have to improve Saline County/ your district?
Listen to the needs & concerns of our citizens. Work tirelessly to improve upon an already amazing county. Push people to dream big and set visions that others may think are impossible i.e., completion of the Southwest
Trail. Utilize our greatest resource, the people of Saline County, to work together and set our county apart as the best place in the state to start a business and to call home. Set the example for every county employee, we are here to serve the people of Saline County and those who visit OUR County. Always do the right thing no matter how difficult.
Why should you get the people’s vote/ What makes you a better choice than your opponent?
I am passionate about this county and have a heart to serve people. I believe there is real evidence of this over the past 25 years of service and volunteer work in Saline County. I have poured myself out to ensure people are cared for no matter their financial disposition or social status. I have relationships, and trust of those at the local & state level of government and business leaders. I know and trust the men and women of the 24 Saline County Fire departments, municipal law enforcement agencies and Sheriffs Office. I have a record of caring.
Name: Rick Long
Why did you pursue the position you are running for?
I am running for
Saline County Judge at the behest of numerous citizens in Saline County. After several weeks of prayer, I feel led to pursue this office to return county government into the hands of the people of Saline Count. I am not seeking a new career for the next 20 years, but only want to do my duty to help stop government overreach & give our citizens a voice in county government.
What prior experience do you have that is applicable to this position? How do you plan to use this experience?
I have over 15 years of administrative experience as Director of Nursing at Birch Tree Communities, a statewide mental health organization, and as manager of the 6th floor at Saline Memorial Hospital. At Birch Tree, I was responsible for management of all nursing staff statewide as well all policy & procedure development. At Saline Memorial, I was responsible for managing 80+ employees as well as ensuring optimal patient care. I also ensured that my units operated safely and within budget. My administrative experience will be used to eliminate wasteful spending as well as implementing policies to benefit all areas of Saline County. I will also encourage citizens to become more active in our county government. My time will be spent out in the county identifying problem areas & meeting people.
What plans do you have to improve Saline County/ your district?
I plan to create an open door policy for the citizens of Saline County & bring transparency to county government. The county judge’s office will be fiscally responsible & work to reduce government overreach. I have learned a lot by creating an atmosphere for employees, co-workers, etc. to share ideas, concerns, & complaints. My office will always be open to others to make Saline County a better place to live.
Why should you get the people’s vote/ What makes you a better choice than your opponent?
I am running for the citizens of Saline County & no other reason. My administrative experience is vast & I have a proven track record of responsible leadership, fiscal responsibility, as well as service to my community. I am running this campaign on my own & am soliciting no donations.
I am not out having fund raisers & promoting a post office box for donations, but doing my best to reach the people of our county. I will owe no favors to anyone who has given donations to curry favors. My sole intent in being Saline County Judge is to serve the people of Saline County.