With a promise to bring common sense to the office, Allen County cattle farmer Gene Weatherbie has tossed his hat in the race to become the next Allen County commissioner.
Weatherbie, rural LaHarpe, filed last week to represent District 2, which covers most of the northern portions of Allen County.
Bill King, who was appointed to the seat in 2018, has announced he will not seek re-election. Iola farmer Craig Mentzer filed earlier this month.
“I just want to get the word out, let people know I’m looking for the health, welfare and future of our community,” he said. “Sometimes common sense is lacking when it comes to government.”
Weatherbie said he’s tossed around the idea of running for elective office for more than 20 years, “and the time seemed right.”
Weatherbie is a lifelong Allen Countian. He and wife Teresa live on a farm about five miles north of LaHarpe. She works at Gates Corporation.
The couple have two grown sons — one of whom is married, while the other is engaged to be so — and have two grandchildren.
