John T. Bird

John T. Bird is a life-long resident of Hays. After graduating from Hays High School, John went on to graduate from Washburn Law School in 1974 and returned to Hays to begin practice with his friend, Bob Glassman (deceased). The firm is now called Glassman, Bird, Braun and Schwartz.

John served as Ellis County Democratic Chair from 1976 to 1994 (except for one term) and Kansas Democratic Chair from 1991 to 1993. He has served as City Attorney since 1987.

When asked of his political upbringing, John said, "I grew up in a family where politics were part of every day discourse. I learned early what the difference is between Democrats and Republicans; being that Democrats know that people's rights are more important than property, while Republicans think that ownership of more property entitles them to more rights. I decided that I liked people more than I liked property."

He continued, "When I got old enough to actively participate in politics, the Democratic Party welcomed me and I decided to stay involved and hope that someday other young people would feel the same way because of the things I did in politics. It is especially gratifying to see high school and college kids coming into the Party today and I believe that they, and the Democratic Party, are going to be the salvation of our nation, society and environment."

John was honored in 2007 for his contributions to the Kansas Democratic Party with the John D. Montgomery Distinguished Service Award. The only other Ellis Countian to receive the award was Norbert Dreiling. The award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a non-publicly elected Kansas Democrat.

John has always been my political mentor. He has been a longtime personal, family and business friend. Being selected by John to follow him as Chair was the single, greatest honor that I've ever been afforded in politics. Not one statewide candidate or officeholder visited Hays during my Chairmanship who didn't visit with John; including a state representative who would win two terms as State Insurance Commissioner and is now serving her second term as Governor.

John is so generous with his time and financial contributions at the local, state and national level. I'm sure his political mentor, Norbert Dreiling, looks down from the heavens and is quite proud of his protege. John Bird has followed Norbert as the Dean of Ellis County Democratic politics.

John married Carolyn Bradford in 1971. They have four grown children, Amy, Jessica, John, Jr., and Patrick, and three grandchildren.

Robert E. "Bob" Schmidt

Robert E. Schmidt was born and raised in LaCrosse, Kansas. After graduating from LaCrosse HIgh School, he attended and graduated from Fort Hays State University. He also is a graduate of the National Association of Broadcaster's Executive Development Program and Advanced General Management Seminar; both programs of Harvard University.

During World War II, Bob served in the Navy and was stationed in the Philippines. He married Patricia Everton of Kingsley, Kansas, in 1949.

Bob started his broadcasting career as a sportscaster while attending college. Upon graduation in 1950, he was appointed General Manager of KAYS Radio. Under Bob's leadership, KAYS grew into Eagle Communications and experienced tremendous success.

Bob declared, early, at the age of five, to be a Democrat. He said, "My mother had FDR's picture prominently displayed in our dining room. After looking at it daily, I figured I wanted to be like him." He mentions Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy as other national Democrats that earned his respect and admiration. Locally, Bob said he had great respect for local attorney Norman Jeter and felt his association with Norman helped him become a stronger Democrat.

Bob recalls an unusual position he held, "I believe I was the first Democrat to be elected as President and Chairman of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. Its policies have always been dictated by rather avid Republicans. Bob Docking was Governor at the time and that may have had something to do with my being elected to that position. It was an interesting experience."

Former Ellis County and Kansas Democratic chair, John Bird, said this about Bob, "I have always thought that Bob Schmidt epitomized the concept of a member of the community. He is someone who is hardworking and fortunate enough to be able to live anywhere in the world but chooses to remain with his people. He is a democrat with a small "d" as well as a Democrat."

Bob has been an invaluable asset and friend to me during my 14 years as chair; whether it be a well-timed phone call or note. He is generous with his time and his contributions to our local and state party and candidates. This Lifetime Achievement recognition is certainly well-deserved.

Bob is the Chairman of Eagle Communications and also serves on the board of the Bank of Hays. He and his wife, Pat, own Sweetwater Ranch. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.