Where they stand
No sourced position or public action found for Abortion / life.
What they have done
No public action found for this issue.
NonpartisanCurrent official, not on 2026 ballot
Shaun Musil
Hays City Commissioner - current local official
This is a current-official accountability profile, not a 2026 ballot-candidate profile. The next expected election cycle for this local body is 2027, based on current local-cycle research.
Sources
25
linked public trail
Issues
8/14
with evidence
Records
25
documented items
Online
18
observations
Source mix
25 total
6 primary17 secondary2 social
Latest source access: May 20, 2026
Source TrailBackgroundWho They Are
Shaun Musil is profiled here for Hays City Commissioner as a nonpartisan incumbent/current official. The strongest recurring theme is water. In his 2025 candidate Q&A, Musil said he was running again because Hays had "unfinished business," mainly the water project, and said water should always be the city's No. 1 issue. At the 2025 forum, he said he believed... Musil also uses business-owner language. As co-owner of the former Paisley Pear, he described downtown as a welcoming place for students and families, saying FHSU students used the back room to study and relax and that he loved welcoming college students down... These biography/status records are descriptive background only; no policy position is inferred from identity, faith, family, or associations.
- Party
- Nonpartisan
- Office
- Hays City Commissioner
- Occupation
- Account representative for Nex-Tech; former Paisley Pear co-owner
Issue overviewWhere They Stand on Big Issues
Position summary
Shown first when sourced
Dated actions
25 items on file
Online signals
18 observed
Where they stand
No sourced position or public action found for LGBT / gender / parental rights.
What they have done
No public action found for this issue.
Where they stand
No sourced position or public action found for Education / curriculum / schools.
What they have done
No public action found for this issue.
Where they stand
No sourced position or public action found for Religious liberty / church / civic morality.
What they have done
No public action found for this issue.
Where they stand
Musil pairs that water message with a pro-growth, pro-retail view of Hays. He repeatedly says Hays needs more retail, more housing, and a stronger sales-tax base. In 2024, he said city-owned land north of I-70 showed Hays was serious about development and that retail was a priority. In 2026, after discussion of Chick-fil-A incentives, he credited Grow Hays and city staff and asked, "Chick-fil-A now; what's next?" So...
What they have done
2026 city minutes/agendas: April 2026 city materials show Musil present for meetings involving development incentives, housing fee waivers, and routine governance, but the minutes are mostly procedural rather than quote-rich. Source: City agenda packet, Apr. 16, 2026.
On budgets and taxes, Musil's message is cautious. He says he does not want to raise the mill levy in the next few years, but also says costs change and "you never want to say never." In 2023 budget coverage, he acknowledged that residents and business owners were feeling cost pressure and said he wanted efficiencies without putting future commissioners in a dire position. In 2026 budget discussions, his concern turned to outside nonprofit services: if agencies ask for more money and the city cannot provide it, he...
Musil pairs that water message with a pro-growth, pro-retail view of Hays. He repeatedly says Hays needs more retail, more housing, and a stronger sales-tax base. In 2024, he said city-owned land north of I-70 showed Hays was serious about development and that retail was a priority. In 2026, after discussion of Chick-fil-A incentives, he credited Grow Hays and city staff and asked, "Chick-fil-A now; what's next?" Sources: Hays Post, Dec. 7, 2024, Hays Post, Mar. 21, 2026.
Social/online observations
These observations show public activity tied to this issue. They are context, not confirmed positions.
HA
2023 budget: Musil said lowering the mill levy was easier said than done, acknowledged residents and business owners were feeling cost press…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
HA
2025 airport service: Musil said cutting Essential Air Service was not wasteful spending and argued that airport service keeps Hays relevant…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
HA
2025 candidate forum: Musil said he believed R9 would happen, that Hays had the state's lowest per-person water usage, that parks should be…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
HA
2025 Q&A: Musil said he was running because of unfinished business, mainly the water project; called water, housing, and retail the hardest…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
Where they stand
On budgets and taxes, Musil's message is cautious. He says he does not want to raise the mill levy in the next few years, but also says costs change and "you never want to say never." In 2023 budget coverage, he acknowledged that residents and business owners were feeling cost pressure and said he wanted efficiencies without putting future commissioners in a dire position. In 2026 budget discussions, his concern tur...
What they have done
Nex-Tech: Shaun profile
The strongest recurring theme is water. In his 2025 candidate Q&A, Musil said he was running again because Hays had "unfinished business," mainly the water project, and said water should always be the city's No. 1 issue. At the 2025 forum, he said he believed R9 would happen, defended Hays' conservation record, and argued that the city was not taking water from Kinsley. Earlier, after a favorable 2024 ruling, he called R9 a huge win for Hays, Russell, and the region, said conservation would continue, and stressed...
On budgets and taxes, Musil's message is cautious. He says he does not want to raise the mill levy in the next few years, but also says costs change and "you never want to say never." In 2023 budget coverage, he acknowledged that residents and business owners were feeling cost pressure and said he wanted efficiencies without putting future commissioners in a dire position. In 2026 budget discussions, his concern turned to outside nonprofit services: if agencies ask for more money and the city cannot provide it, he...
"I think we have some unfinished business. For me, mainly, it's our water project." Source: Hays Post, 2025-10-24, topic: campaign priorities.
Social/online observations
These observations show public activity tied to this issue. They are context, not confirmed positions.
HA
2023 budget: Musil said lowering the mill levy was easier said than done, acknowledged residents and business owners were feeling cost press…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
HA
2025 Q&A: Musil said he was running because of unfinished business, mainly the water project; called water, housing, and retail the hardest…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
HA
2021 re-election profile: Musil said the community cared even when it disagreed, described face-to-face constituent access at his business,…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
Where they stand
No sourced position or public action found for Guns / Second Amendment.
What they have done
No public action found for this issue.
Where they stand
No sourced position or public action found for Immigration / border.
What they have done
No public action found for this issue.
Where they stand
His COVID-era comments are the sharpest example of his governing style under pressure. As mayor in 2020, Musil backed mask rules and enforcement while saying his goal was to keep schools and businesses open. After his mayoral year ended, he said the commission disagreed, worked it out, and acted for the community, adding that he had been scared by some decisions but felt the commission did the right thing. The publi...
What they have done
His COVID-era comments are the sharpest example of his governing style under pressure. As mayor in 2020, Musil backed mask rules and enforcement while saying his goal was to keep schools and businesses open. After his mayoral year ended, he said the commission disagreed, worked it out, and acted for the community, adding that he had been scared by some decisions but felt the commission did the right thing. The public record also notes threats and vandalism against his family vehicles after mask-ordinance conflict....
Where they stand
The strongest recurring theme is water. In his 2025 candidate Q&A, Musil said he was running again because Hays had "unfinished business," mainly the water project, and said water should always be the city's No. 1 issue. At the 2025 forum, he said he believed R9 would happen, defended Hays' conservation record, and argued that the city was not taking water from Kinsley. Earlier, after a favorable 2024 ruling, he cal...
What they have done
Hays Post 2025 election story:
Ellis County 2025 official results PDF:
Ellis County 2025 candidate filings PDF:
The visible social footprint is limited. GoodParty lists Facebook, LinkedIn, and city links for Musil, but says the profile is unclaimed and issue fields are not filled out. The Facebook page at facebook.com/musilcomish was not publicly accessible during public-source review, and LinkedIn activity was visible only through public search previews. No clear X/Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, Substack, or candidate-controlled YouTube channel surfaced. The highest visible engagement signal found was electo...
The strongest recurring theme is water. In his 2025 candidate Q&A, Musil said he was running again because Hays had "unfinished business," mainly the water project, and said water should always be the city's No. 1 issue. At the 2025 forum, he said he believed R9 would happen, defended Hays' conservation record, and argued that the city was not taking water from Kinsley. Earlier, after a favorable 2024 ruling, he called R9 a huge win for Hays, Russell, and the region, said conservation would continue, and stressed...
Social/online observations
These observations show public activity tied to this issue. They are context, not confirmed positions.
BS
The visible social footprint is limited. GoodParty lists Facebook, LinkedIn, and city links for Musil, but says the profile is unclaimed and…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
HA
2021 re-election profile: Musil said the community cared even when it disagreed, described face-to-face constituent access at his business,…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
HA
2025 election result: Hays Post reported Musil won re-election with 1,772 votes, the top total among Hays City Commission candidates, with 2…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
HA
2025 election night: Musil said he felt blessed, said officials have to listen to people who do not like what they are doing, and said Hays…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
Where they stand
City Page: haysusa.com/273/Shaun-Musil
What they have done
Hays Post: Shaun Musil Q&A
City Page: haysusa.com/273/Shaun-Musil
Where they stand
Musil pairs that water message with a pro-growth, pro-retail view of Hays. He repeatedly says Hays needs more retail, more housing, and a stronger sales-tax base. In 2024, he said city-owned land north of I-70 showed Hays was serious about development and that retail was a priority. In 2026, after discussion of Chick-fil-A incentives, he credited Grow Hays and city staff and asked, "Chick-fil-A now; what's next?" So...
What they have done
The strongest recurring theme is water. In his 2025 candidate Q&A, Musil said he was running again because Hays had "unfinished business," mainly the water project, and said water should always be the city's No. 1 issue. At the 2025 forum, he said he believed R9 would happen, defended Hays' conservation record, and argued that the city was not taking water from Kinsley. Earlier, after a favorable 2024 ruling, he called R9 a huge win for Hays, Russell, and the region, said conservation would continue, and stressed...
Musil pairs that water message with a pro-growth, pro-retail view of Hays. He repeatedly says Hays needs more retail, more housing, and a stronger sales-tax base. In 2024, he said city-owned land north of I-70 showed Hays was serious about development and that retail was a priority. In 2026, after discussion of Chick-fil-A incentives, he credited Grow Hays and city staff and asked, "Chick-fil-A now; what's next?" Sources: Hays Post, Dec. 7, 2024, Hays Post, Mar. 21, 2026.
"I think we have some unfinished business. For me, mainly, it's our water project." Source: Hays Post, 2025-10-24, topic: campaign priorities.
Social/online observations
These observations show public activity tied to this issue. They are context, not confirmed positions.
HA
2025 candidate forum: Musil said he believed R9 would happen, that Hays had the state's lowest per-person water usage, that parks should be…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
HA
2025 Q&A: Musil said he was running because of unfinished business, mainly the water project; called water, housing, and retail the hardest…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
HA
2024 R9 ruling: As mayor, Musil called the favorable R9 water-transfer ruling a huge win for Hays, Russell, and the region, said conservatio…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
Where they stand
Musil pairs that water message with a pro-growth, pro-retail view of Hays. He repeatedly says Hays needs more retail, more housing, and a stronger sales-tax base. In 2024, he said city-owned land north of I-70 showed Hays was serious about development and that retail was a priority. In 2026, after discussion of Chick-fil-A incentives, he credited Grow Hays and city staff and asked, "Chick-fil-A now; what's next?" So...
What they have done
The visible social footprint is limited. GoodParty lists Facebook, LinkedIn, and city links for Musil, but says the profile is unclaimed and issue fields are not filled out. The Facebook page at facebook.com/musilcomish was not publicly accessible during public-source review, and LinkedIn activity was visible only through public search previews. No clear X/Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, Substack, or candidate-controlled YouTube channel surfaced. The highest visible engagement signal found was electo...
The strongest recurring theme is water. In his 2025 candidate Q&A, Musil said he was running again because Hays had "unfinished business," mainly the water project, and said water should always be the city's No. 1 issue. At the 2025 forum, he said he believed R9 would happen, defended Hays' conservation record, and argued that the city was not taking water from Kinsley. Earlier, after a favorable 2024 ruling, he called R9 a huge win for Hays, Russell, and the region, said conservation would continue, and stressed...
On budgets and taxes, Musil's message is cautious. He says he does not want to raise the mill levy in the next few years, but also says costs change and "you never want to say never." In 2023 budget coverage, he acknowledged that residents and business owners were feeling cost pressure and said he wanted efficiencies without putting future commissioners in a dire position. In 2026 budget discussions, his concern turned to outside nonprofit services: if agencies ask for more money and the city cannot provide it, he...
Housing is a constant companion issue, but his language is practical rather than slogan-driven. He credits relaxed RHID policy with getting more houses built, says the city has supported low-income housing grant applications, and argues that simply giving land away does not overcome the cost of building low-cost homes. His 2025 forum answer framed the goal as building more houses so that some existing housing becomes more affordable, while acknowledging that the work is harder than it looks. Sources: Hays Post, Oc...
Musil pairs that water message with a pro-growth, pro-retail view of Hays. He repeatedly says Hays needs more retail, more housing, and a stronger sales-tax base. In 2024, he said city-owned land north of I-70 showed Hays was serious about development and that retail was a priority. In 2026, after discussion of Chick-fil-A incentives, he credited Grow Hays and city staff and asked, "Chick-fil-A now; what's next?" Sources: Hays Post, Dec. 7, 2024, Hays Post, Mar. 21, 2026.
City of Hays, City Commission, accessed 2026-05-19:
Social/online observations
These observations show public activity tied to this issue. They are context, not confirmed positions.
BS
The visible social footprint is limited. GoodParty lists Facebook, LinkedIn, and city links for Musil, but says the profile is unclaimed and…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
HA
2026 budget/nonprofits: During 2027 budget preparation, Musil worried that outside nonprofit agencies would ask for more money and asked wha…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
Where they stand
The visible social footprint is limited. GoodParty lists Facebook, LinkedIn, and city links for Musil, but says the profile is unclaimed and issue fields are not filled out. The Facebook page at facebook.com/musilcomish was not publicly accessible during public-source review, and LinkedIn activity was visible only through public search previews. No clear X/Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, Substack, or c...
What they have done
The visible social footprint is limited. GoodParty lists Facebook, LinkedIn, and city links for Musil, but says the profile is unclaimed and issue fields are not filled out. The Facebook page at facebook.com/musilcomish was not publicly accessible during public-source review, and LinkedIn activity was visible only through public search previews. No clear X/Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, Substack, or candidate-controlled YouTube channel surfaced. The highest visible engagement signal found was electo...
Social/online observations
These observations show public activity tied to this issue. They are context, not confirmed positions.
BS
The visible social footprint is limited. GoodParty lists Facebook, LinkedIn, and city links for Musil, but says the profile is unclaimed and…
Public activity only; not a policy position.
FB
Facebook: no reliable visible engagement because direct access to facebook.com/musilcomish was blocked during public-source review.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
Actions and source trailActions and Decisions
This profile links 25 public items across 8 of the 14 issue areas. Examples include: Taxes / spending / debt: Musil pairs that water message with a pro-growth, pro-retail view of Hays. He repeatedly says Hays needs more retail, more housing, and a stronger sales-tax base. In 2024, he said city-owned land north of I-70 show... Taxes / spending / debt: On budgets and taxes, Musil's message is cautious. He says he does not want to raise the mill levy in the next few years, but also says costs change and "you never want to say never." In 2023 budget coverage, he ac... Taxes / spending / debt: 2026 city minutes/agendas: April 2026 city materials show Musil present for meetings involving development incentives, housing fee waivers, and routine governance, but the minutes are mostly procedural rather than... Economy / jobs / labor: On budgets and taxes, Musil's message is cautious. He says he does not want to raise the mill levy in the next few years, but also says costs change and "you never want to say never." In 2023 budget coverage, he ack... Public online activity is listed separately as context.
How to read this section
Dated actions appear here when a linked source supports them. Candidate statements, reporting, and public online activity are labeled where they appear.
- Abortion / life0 documented items
- LGBT / gender / parental rights0 documented items
- Education / curriculum / schools0 documented items
- Religious liberty / church / civic morality0 documented items
- Taxes / spending / debt3 documented items, 4 online observations
- Economy / jobs / labor4 documented items, 3 online observations
- Guns / Second Amendment0 documented items
- Immigration / border0 documented items
- Health care / insurance / Medicaid1 documented item
- Election integrity / voting / courts5 documented items, 4 online observations
- Public safety / law enforcement / criminal justice2 documented items
- Agriculture / rural economy / water3 documented items, 3 online observations
- Local governance / transparency / ethics6 documented items, 2 online observations
- Environment / energy / land use1 documented item, 2 online observations
Faith affiliationWhere They Worship
No public faith statement by Musil found in accessible campaign/city/news materials reviewed here. The Hays City Commission (excluding the mayor) has ZERO confirmed church affiliations. This is the most striking finding. Four of the five elected commissioners (Cunningham, Musil, Jacobs, Vilaysing) have no public faith identity whatsoever. This is unusual f... Church affiliations for Cunningham, Musil, Jacobs, Vilaysing, Dougherty -- Only Ruder (Catholic) is confirmed. This faith/worship note is descriptive only and is not used to infer any policy position.
Campaign financeDonor/Funding Information
Finance snapshot
Not itemized in reviewed public records
Reporting period
Reviewed public filings as of 2026-05-20
Source: Fec (https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6KS03258/)
KPDC campaign finance guidance: https://kpdc.kansas.gov/campaign-finance/. FEC Filing: FEC Candidate H6KS03258. The record is dominated by water security, especially the R9 Ranch project; pro-growth economic development and retail recruitment; housing supply; careful budget language; pandemic-era public-health conflict; and airport/infrastructure concerns. No current c... Campaign Finance / Donor Information. Finance figures are shown only when the reporting period/source is available; otherwise this remains a research caveat.
No donor-by-donor list is shown unless the donor name, amount, and reporting source were all identified clearly.
Research trailSources
25 linked public sources
Open the complete source trail with every public URL used for this profile.
Is Something Wrong or Missing?
If you are Shaun Musil or represent their campaign, or if you have a correction or additional information, let us know. We want to get this right.
Social/online observationsPublic Online Activity
18 public online items are tied to issue areas. Additional online activity is treated as context, not a policy position.
2023 budget: Musil said lowering the mill levy was easier said than done, acknowledged residents and business owners were feeling cost pressure, and said he wanted efficiencies without putting a future commission in dire need. Source: Hays Post, Sep. 16, 2023.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2025 airport service: Musil said cutting Essential Air Service was not wasteful spending and argued that airport service keeps Hays relevant for doctors, FHSU international students, and regional access. Source: Hays Post, May 24, 2025.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2025 candidate forum: Musil said he believed R9 would happen, that Hays had the state's lowest per-person water usage, that parks should be reprioritized, that more housing should open up affordability, and that funding nonprofits more would probably require a mill levy increase. Source: Hays Post, Oct. 8, 2025.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2025 Q&A: Musil said he was running because of unfinished business, mainly the water project; called water, housing, and retail the hardest issues he had handled; said he had no thought of raising the mill levy in the next few years; and closed by saying he would listen and represent the whole community. Source: Hays Post, Oct. 24, 2025.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2023 budget: Musil said lowering the mill levy was easier said than done, acknowledged residents and business owners were feeling cost pressure, and said he wanted efficiencies without putting a future commission in dire need. Source: Hays Post, Sep. 16, 2023.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2025 Q&A: Musil said he was running because of unfinished business, mainly the water project; called water, housing, and retail the hardest issues he had handled; said he had no thought of raising the mill levy in the next few years; and closed by saying he would listen and represent the whole community. Source: Hays Post, Oct. 24, 2025.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2021 re-election profile: Musil said the community cared even when it disagreed, described face-to-face constituent access at his business, defended North Vine roundabouts as safer for future growth, and said Hays must keep growing. Source: Hays Post, Oct. 31, 2021.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
The visible social footprint is limited. GoodParty lists Facebook, LinkedIn, and city links for Musil, but says the profile is unclaimed and issue fields are not filled out. The Facebook page at facebook.com/musilcomish was not publicly accessible during public-source review, and LinkedIn activity was visible only through public search previews. No clear X/Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, Substack, or c...
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2021 re-election profile: Musil said the community cared even when it disagreed, described face-to-face constituent access at his business, defended North Vine roundabouts as safer for future growth, and said Hays must keep growing. Source: Hays Post, Oct. 31, 2021.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2025 election result: Hays Post reported Musil won re-election with 1,772 votes, the top total among Hays City Commission candidates, with 22.56% voter turnout. Source: Hays Post, Nov. 6, 2025.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2025 election night: Musil said he felt blessed, said officials have to listen to people who do not like what they are doing, and said Hays was on the right path. Source: Hays Post, Nov. 6, 2025.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2025 candidate forum: Musil said he believed R9 would happen, that Hays had the state's lowest per-person water usage, that parks should be reprioritized, that more housing should open up affordability, and that funding nonprofits more would probably require a mill levy increase. Source: Hays Post, Oct. 8, 2025.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2025 Q&A: Musil said he was running because of unfinished business, mainly the water project; called water, housing, and retail the hardest issues he had handled; said he had no thought of raising the mill levy in the next few years; and closed by saying he would listen and represent the whole community. Source: Hays Post, Oct. 24, 2025.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2024 R9 ruling: As mayor, Musil called the favorable R9 water-transfer ruling a huge win for Hays, Russell, and the region, said conservation would continue, and emphasized being good neighbors to Kinsley. Source: Hays Post, Feb. 8, 2024.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
The visible social footprint is limited. GoodParty lists Facebook, LinkedIn, and city links for Musil, but says the profile is unclaimed and issue fields are not filled out. The Facebook page at facebook.com/musilcomish was not publicly accessible during public-source review, and LinkedIn activity was visible only through public search previews. No clear X/Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, Substack, or c...
Public activity only; not a policy position.
2026 budget/nonprofits: During 2027 budget preparation, Musil worried that outside nonprofit agencies would ask for more money and asked what would happen if city funding fell and those services disappeared. Source: Hays Post, Apr. 6, 2026.
Public activity only; not a policy position.
The visible social footprint is limited. GoodParty lists Facebook, LinkedIn, and city links for Musil, but says the profile is unclaimed and issue fields are not filled out. The Facebook page at facebook.com/musilcomish was not publicly accessible during public-source review, and LinkedIn activity was visible only through public search previews. No clear X/Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, Substack, or c...
Public activity only; not a policy position.
Facebook: no reliable visible engagement because direct access to facebook.com/musilcomish was blocked during public-source review.
Public activity only; not a policy position.