Category Archives: County government

You don’t say

“The economic development program exists, I’m tempted to say, to irritate Commissioner Ranzau.”

— Sedgwick County CFO Chris Chronis joking at a budget hearing about Commissioner Richard Ranzau, who doesn’t believe it’s government’s job to help private businesses succeed

You don’t say

“You know, if I could build a mountain out here, I’d do it. So I’ll get busy working on that after lunch.”

Sedgwick County Commission Chairman Jim Skelton speaking at the chamber’s Chairman’s Lunch about how to boost tourism and economic development

You don’t say

“Where does the apocalypse fit into this?”

– Sedgwick County Commissioner Jim Skelton on Gov. Sam Brownback’s weight-loss challenge and the county forming teams to participate

You don’t say

“Try going bald at 20.”

– Sedgwick County Commissioner Richard Ranzau reacting to colleague Tim Norton Tuesday when he complained about his hair turning white at age 31

You don’t say

“I’m sporting the Tim Norton starter kit.”

Brad Fitts, this year’s Wichita Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff “Chili Dipper,” joking with Sedgwick County commissioners about a beard he’s growing for the Sept. 29 event.

You don’t say

“I have so many things; it’s not even worth starting.”

– Sedgwick County Commissioner Richard Ranzau when it was his turn to speak about any issues of concern at today’s meeting with staff, which drew laughs

You don’t say

“It’s been literally years since I gave a five-minute presentation.”

– Sedgwick County chief financial officer Chris Chronis’ remark today at a county budget retreat when county Manager Bill Buchanan gave him a 5-minute limit

You don’t say

“Maybe we can have a hot dog-eating contest.”

– Sedgwick County Commissioner Jim Skelton, joking about possible events this year at Intrust Bank Arena

You don’t say

“We’ve had severe budget cuts.”

– Sedgwick County public works director David Spears, joking Wednesday after Commissioner Jim Skelton complained about getting only a fun-size bag of m&m’s during Spears’ annual slideshow of work on county roads and bridges

You don’t say

“Now, I wouldn’t say you’ll get a faster response or a slower response, but why take that chance?”

Bob Lamkey, who emceed the Arts Council annual dinner Thursday and asked for donations to the group while reminding audience members he’s in charge of 911 services for the county