2 announce commission write-in campaigns

Attorney cites business credentials

Lori Lalouette-Crawford of Hillsboro announced Tuesday morning that she will run a write-in campaign for county commission in the District 1 Republican primary Aug. 5.

District 1 Commissioner Roger Fleming decided not to run for re-election after one term, and the deadline to file to appear on the ballot passed on June 2.

To win the primary, Lalouette-Crawford would need the most write-in votes with at least 5 percent of registered Republicans, which would be about 136 votes currently.

Lalouette-Crawford was raised on a farm east of Florence and graduated from Marion High School in 1989. She received two bachelor’s degrees from Wichita State University in 1995 and studied law at Washburn University, completing her juris doctor.

She practices law, operating Lalouette Law LLC in Hillsboro, and owns Marion Wellness Center.

In her announcement, Lalouette-Crawford emphasized her knowledge of agriculture and small and large businesses as strengths that she said would help her as a commissioner. She also noted that she is familiar with road and bridge operations — she is married to county road and bridge superintendent Randy Crawford.

Sporting goods store owner used to management

By JOEL WRIGHT

Staff writer

Craig Dodd said he was running a write-in campaign for the county commission District 1 Republican primary Aug. 5 because District 1 Commissioner Roger Fleming decided not to file for re-election.

“I told Roger actually two years ago that if he didn’t want to run to let me know,” Dodd said. “I would be tickled to death to run.”

Growing up around the military, Dodd joined the U.S. Navy after graduating high school in St. Louis, Missouri, serving in the submarine service in Vietnam.

Dodd retired after 22 years in the Navy, taking on different managerial positions for companies such as Nissan Motors, Kawasaki, Bass Pro, and various auto dealerships. He totaled 30 years in the business field.

Dodd and his wife, Diana, moved to Hillsboro upon his retirement. Diana Dodd is originally from Hillsboro.

Dodd opened Chisholm Trail Outfitters in 2012, selling guns, ammo, fishing and hunting equipment, saddles and tack, and ATVs.

Dodd has an associate’s degree in science from the University of New York, a bachelor’s of science in industrial engineering from the University of Illinois, and a nuclear engineering degree from the U.S. Navy. He also has worked as a deputy sheriff in Memphis, Tennessee.

“I’d like to continue what Roger Fleming has done — he’s done an excellent job — and continue the programs that he established or was involved with,” Dodd said. “I like the people in Marion County. They’re friendly and they’re organized.”

To win the primary, Dodd would need the most write-in votes with at least 5 percent of registered Republicans, which would be about 136 votes currently.