It took the 2016 presidential election to stir up Ashley Varners political juices.
My friends really got me interested in politics then, Varner said. A lot of people were advocating running for local offices and making changes closer to home.
Thats when Varner questioned her personal responsibility to sustaining a democracy.
Varner, 33, took the issue to heart, and filed for a seat on the Iola City Council.
Voters in Iolas third ward will vote Tuesday in a primary election to choose between Varner, Josiah DAlbini, Kyle King and incumbent Kim Peterson.
The top two vote-getters will face off in the November general election.
VARNER works for the Resource Center for Independent Living as a specialist who works one-on-one with clients who cope with various disabilities.
The focus it help them meet their goals, she said, anything from helping to fill out paperwork to losing weight. Its a wide range of things.
Its also a highly fulfilling job, she said.
The paperwork can get a little repetitive, but I love working with people, she said.
Varner, a single mother of a 5-year-old daughter, also takes online classes at Washburn University, where shes pursuing a degree in human services.
On top of that, she also serves on the board of directors of Humanity House.
Its through that lens that Varner has grown to appreciate Iola and what it has to offer.
We have a giving community, she said. Ive been involved in lots of different fundraisers and charity events, and people always show up to help people. Im amazed to see how much local businesses do to support these groups.
One of her goals, Varner said, is to see those groups pursue ways to collaborate on different projects.
All of these organizations have similar goals, she said, to make our community grow and be healthy.
Varner confesses that before filing, her busy schedule prevented her from focusing on specific city issues.