photo by: Contributed photo

Adam Rains

Douglas County’s deputy treasurer believes he’s ready to take over the top spot.

Adam Rains, 32, who has served as the deputy treasurer for about five years, said his experience in the office makes him a good fit to fill the position that will soon be left by longtime county treasurer Paula Gilchrist. He is one of two Democratic candidates running to fill the seat in the primary election on Aug. 4.

“I’ve been the No. 2 guy for the past five years, and I love it,” Rains said. “For me, it’s just stepping into that next position. I believe I have the right experience and right knowledge.”

The county treasurer’s office oversees residents’ motor vehicle registrations and property taxes. Rains told the Journal-World that he wanted to continue using technology to improve county residents’ tax-paying experience.

As technology continues to improve, that also means Rains wants to make sure that information is secure from data breaches. Although the treasurer’s office hasn’t had any such breaches, Rains said the office needs to make sure its possible business partners share those same values.

Additionally, with the dangers of the coronavirus pandemic, the office needs to focus on staff and client safety, he said. During the pandemic, the treasurer’s office has mostly been closed to walk-in business, but has been scheduling in-person appointments with residents and providing services through phone, mail and online avenues.

“If we get it, we shut down for two weeks,” he said, referring to a virus outbreak. “That cannot happen. We can’t have the treasurer’s office shut down because (then) people can’t get their tags and can’t pay their taxes.”

Rains is originally from Lakin, a small town about 20 miles west of Garden City. He began his public service career in 2011, previously working in the treasurer’s office for Kearny County, located in southwest Kansas, before moving into a role at Douglas County in 2013.

During his time in Douglas County, Rains completed the University of Kansas’ certified public manager program, then earned a bachelor’s degree in leadership and management from Ottawa University. He also recently earned his master’s degree in public administration from KU.

Rains and his wife, Calle, have lived in Douglas County for about four years. Their first child was born in March.