Robert Soria is running for Shawnee County Commission. Here’s why.

Robert Soria, a longtime Topekan, has filed to run for the Shawnee County Commission District 2 seat currently held by Kevin Cook.

Soria, a Democrat, said he wants to bring new leadership to the commission.

“I did a lot of community work in District 2 and in Topeka and Shawnee County,” he said. “What I’m hearing from neighbors and people I work with is that it’s time for new, responsive leadership to represent District 2.”

Candidate wants to strengthen relationship between Topeka and Shawnee County

Soria said one area he would like to focus on is strengthening the relationship between the city and the county.

To strengthen the relationship between the two government bodies, Soria said: “Obviously we will have to start with conversations, but more details will be revealed as my campaign progresses.”

“Some of the things I’ve been hearing are, ‘We’re tired of tone-deaf politicians who overstay their welcome. Politicians who are self-serving and don’t have the best interests of the people who live in District 2 in mind,” he said.

In a press release, Soria said, “As Shawnee County District 2 Commissioner, I will prioritize attending community meetings on a regular basis rather than only attending at election time.”

More: Here’s who’s running for elected office in Shawnee County this year

What are Robert Soria’s qualifications?

Soria graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in statistics. He also earned his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas.

Soria has a nearly 30-year history of working in data analysis in various roles at the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Kansas Department of Aging, the Kansas Division of Workers’ Compensation, and the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library.

He has been involved in volunteering with the LULAC Senior Center Board of Directors, Community Action Board of Directors, Oakland Neighborhood Improvement Association, Heartland Vision Steering Committee and more.

The primary election will be on August 6th, with the general election on November 5th.

Keishera Lately is a business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.

This article originally appeared in the Topeka Capital-Journal: Robert Soria is running for the Shawnee County Commission District 2 seat