Erica Anderson, left, and Nicholas Matthews, right

In a newly created County Commission district that covers the southern parts of the county, two Democrats are competing for a spot in this fall’s general election.

The Democratic primary candidates in District 5 are Erica Anderson, whose background is in health care and public affairs, and Nicholas Matthews, a tutor with a political science background. The winner will face off against Libertarian Kirsten Kuhn and Republican Rich Lorenzo in the general election.

District 5 includes a small portion of south Lawrence, southern Wakarusa Township, Baldwin City and Palmyra Township.

Erica Anderson

Anderson currently works as a regulatory consultant on health equity and improving the Medicaid health care delivery system. She has also been an advocate for people who have experienced sexual assault and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Harvesters Food Bank and the HeadQuarters Kansas suicide hotline.

Anderson said her background in public policy and community health would be beneficial to the commission, and that she hopes to bring her skills as a listener to the commission as well.

In terms of renewable energy, Anderson said the county has gone too long without proper representation of rural voices, and that it’s time for these residents to have a seat at the table. She said she supports the use of solar panels, especially since she has solar panels on her roof, but thinks the community deserves a say in these projects.

“As a county and a community we have to work to be inclusive of all voices across the county …” Anderson told the Journal-World.

In response to a Journal-World questionnaire, Anderson said an issue Douglas County needs to focus on is lowering property taxes.

“Through addressing property tax concerns in the district and annual valuation, one can also address affordable housing if the solutions are developed in concert with community input,” Anderson said.

Nicholas Matthews

Matthews grew up in Lawrence and returned to the city as an adult after working for the governor’s constituent service office in Montpelier, Vermont. He graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in political science and currently works as a tutor, helping students prepare for standardized tests and tutoring them in other subjects.

As a commissioner, Matthews said it’s important to have an open mind and be willing to compromise, listen and work together. He said he will make it a priority to consider all points of view and options for addressing issues.

Regarding renewable energy, Matthews told the Journal-World that the issue of wind and solar energy in Douglas County has been a contentious one. He said the county has a responsibility to ensure that property owners are not confronted with developments that will impact their health and their property. At the same time, he said the county needs to support clean energy and accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewables.

In response to a Journal-World questionnaire, Matthews said an issue Douglas County needs to focus on is strengthening its Open Space Plan to preserve prairies, historic sites, trails and more.

“Douglas County is home to beautiful forest and prairie lands, but these are at risk of being depleted if we don’t make public land conservation a priority,” Matthews told the Journal-World. “Having areas for recreation is vital for the health of our communities and for the health of our natural ecosystems.”