photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Democrat Gene Dorsey is pictured at the Douglas County election office, 711 W 23rd St., on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

Gene Dorsey will be representing the newly established District 4 seat on the Douglas County Commission after defeating two other candidates.

Dorsey received 5,849 votes to Republican Vice Mayor of Eudora Timothy Bruce’s 3,557 votes and Libertarian Steve Jacob’s 719 votes. District 4 includes a small portion of southeastern Lawrence, Eudora and Eudora Township and the small portion of Wakarusa Township located between Grant Township and the eastern edge of Lawrence.

“I’m just glad with the turnout,” Dorsey told the Journal-World. ” … I’m happy so many people are exercising their right to vote, and I’m happy with the advance vote that came in for me.”

Dorsey said that one of the first things he would like to change about the County Commission is when its agendas for the business meetings are published and available to the public.

“I would like to see that change come out on Friday, 10 days before the meeting (takes place),” Dorsey said. “That gives both the commissioners and the public a chance to actually look at things and research them. Right now, you have kind of two business days to look at it, and if it’s a complex issue, I don’t think that gives anybody enough time.”

He added that a big part of his campaign was about increasing transparency, and not only will this give people time to research, but also make public comment more meaningful. Dorsey also said he would look for additional ways to save money in the budget.

Dorsey earned his degree in advertising from the University of Kansas and has built a career as a corporate auditor and manager of planning and financial analysis. He currently holds the positions of secretary and treasurer on the governing board of Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center.

Dorsey said that whether people voted for him or not, he will continue to do outreach and represent all the people in his district.