Former USD 383 School Board Member Aaron Estabrook has announced his intention to seek the office of Riley County Commissioner as an Independent candidate.

“Riley County is going through a transformative period of growth. We face new challenges and have yet to solve old problems,” he said in a press release. “I’m a listener and a problem solver. As an Independent, I’ll work for everyone to find the best solutions.”

Estabrook is the Executive Director of the Save Kansas Coalition, a non-partisan group dedicated to fostering “civil discourse and civic engagement” in Kansas government.

As a former case-manager for homeless veterans and former Chairman of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Veterans and Military Council, Estabrook said improving access to mental health services in Riley County will be a top priority as a County Commissioner.

“We believe in family and taking care of our neighbors. Area suicide rates are high and nearly everyone knows someone that will suffer from a mental health crisis in their lifetime. We must reform the way we address mental health regionally and become leaders locally,” he said. “The current system is both inefficient with tax dollars and ineffective at providing adequate crisis stabilization.”

Estabrook said improving government transparency and long-term regional planning especially around NBAF are also his priorities for the County Commission.

To be placed on the ballot, Estabrook said he will need to collect over 500 signatures of registered voters in the 1st Commission District.

That seat is currently held by Republican Ben Wilson.

Estabrook is a Post 9/11 Combat Veteran of Afghanistan. A native of Dodge City and 2008 K-State alumni, he finished his enlistment in the Army in 2012 and returned to Riley County. He served on the USD 383 School Board from 2013-2018.

Estabrook lives in Manhattan with his two daughters, Sophia and Kennedy.