Board of Supervisors Candidates Prepare For Primary Vote

 

On Tuesday, June 3, a primary race will determine who will run for a place on the Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors.

     With District 2 Supervisor Bob Amosson not seeking re-election this year, three Democrats and three Republicans will compete with one another in a primary challenge before the fall election.

     Michael Grandon of Clear Lake, John Drury of Swaledale, Adam Wedmore of Rockwell, and Doug Nelson of Clear Lake will compete for the Democratic nomination. The four candidates have responded to a series of questions so that the voters can get to know them better.

 

John Drury

Provide information on your background-how long you’ve lived in the community, family, current job, etc.

     I’m a Cerro Gordo County native and live in Swaledale, the town where I was born and raised. An account executive for the telecommunications firm Windstream, I am married to Cathy Drury and we have two daughters, Hannah, 16, and Whitney, 14.

     My hobbies include hunting, bicycling, photography, and traveling between Hannah and Whitney’s sporting events.

     I graduated from Rockwell-Swaledale High in 1982, studied photography at the Rhode Island School of Design, moved back to Swaledale in 2000 and was elected Mayor.

 

     Have you ever held elected office or been involved with any type of committee or board? If so, please list them and include your tenure.

     Swaledale Mayor 2000-2003; 2005-present

     North Iowa Area Council of Governments Board of Directors, 2010-present

     Small City Finance Task Force, Iowa League of Cities 2014

     Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management Commission, 2000-2003; 2005-present Cerro Gordo/ Worth County Short-Term and Long-Term Ambulance Committees, 2003 Education Committee, Iowa League of Cities, 2003

     Cerro Gordo County Community Emergency Response Training, May 2002

     State and Local Governments Relations Panel, Iowa League of Cities, 2002

     Cerro Gordo County Citizens Police Academy, July 2001

     Municipal Leadership Academy, Iowa League of Cities, September 2000

 

      In your opinion, what are the main issues facing Cerro Gordo County?

     We need to ensure that we are maintaining solid infrastructure, roads and bridges that are critical to the future of North Iowa. We need to work hand in hand with agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism to encourage the creation of good jobs countywide.

     We need to protect our land and water as part of our responsibility to current and future generations. We also need to control the growth of spending and make the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars. We need to realize the importance of the North Iowa Events Center and not sell any additional frontage property.

 

 

     What attributes or skills do you bring to the board of supervisors?

     As a long-time resident and Mayor of Swaledale I understand very well the issues facing our farm communities, chief among them the maintenance of infrastructure; roads, bridges, and water supplies. In my business I have traveled to many Iowa cities, providing schools, hospitals and manufacturers with the tools necessary to increase productivity via effective communication. This professional experience has made me very familiar with the challenges facing our cities, and I think you need that kind of broad understanding. A successful County Supervisor has to be able to see the big picture.

 

 

      Are there any projects you’d like to see completed or started within Cerro Gordo County?

     Cerro Gordo County needs to focus on the county’s infrastructure, roads, bridges, drainage, to ensure we can grow as a county and so that our residents and businesses have the best shot at success. As a county supervisor, I’d start to hold listening posts in each community so that residents knew who they could turn to in terms of finding resources at the county level.

 

      Why are you running?

     I'm running because the district needs someone who understands local governments, listens to the people, and has the ability to solve problems. The district needs someone with executive experience and a successful track record of taking on controversial issues and finding solutions. I am the only candidate with the right combination of experience for the position.

 

      Is there anything you’d like to add?

     As Mayor, one of the achievements that gives me the most satisfaction is Swaledale’s successful drive to save the town’s United States Post Office from closure this past year. Since then, I have advised several other communities about successful strategies to keep their post offices as a vital center of community life.

     What drives my participation in all of the leadership groups I’ve been in and am currently involved with is a strong belief that we can and must maintain the economic strength and quality of life in Iowa’s cities and towns, not just for ourselves but for future generations.

 

Michael Grandon

     Provide information on your background-how long you've lived in the community, family, current job, etc.

     I've lived in the community since 1946, I was three years old when my family moved here.

     I was the Cerro Gordo Treasurer for thirty-six years and lobbied on behalf of the County Treasurer's Association.

     When I was treasurer, I implemented computers. There was not a single computer in Cerro Gordo County when I got here.

     I implemented tax bills. We sent out tax statements and that was huge. Now it's state law, but at the time it wasn't.

 

     Have you ever held elected office or been involved with any type of committee or board? If so, please list them and include your tenure.

     I was the past president of United Way of Cerro Gordo County. I'm past president of the Clear Lake Noon Lions. I was the first president of the NIACC Alumni Association.

     I am currently on the Clear Lake Board of Adjustment. I'm on the Clear Lake Scholarship Foundation Committee, the Clear Lake Library Foundation, and the Clear Lake Historical Society.

     That's what I'm doing right now with my time.

 

     In your opinion, what are the main issues facing Cerro Gordo County?

     My issue is to determine that the $24,000 level of expenditure is correct.

     I will scrutinize the various departments. I have contacts with a lot of other counties and I'll particularly look at other counties of comparable size and see how our expenditures compare to their expenditures.

     There's also significant concerns about drainage ditches and there's also concerns about road ditches. What I will do is compare our situation to other counties and look for good ideas.

     Because of my past as president of the treasurers and lobbying, I know a lot of people in a lot of counties.

 

      What attributes or skills do you bring to the board of supervisors?

     I perceive myself to be an articulator and communicator.

     I also have an in-depth knowledge of county government. I know how county government works and what it is supposed to do.

     I think I have a reasonably good record as Cerro Gordo County Treasurer. I think I did good service and compared to other counties we had a maximum of service and a minimum of staff.

 

      Are there any projects you'd like to see completed or started within Cerro Gordo County?

     There are some things I want to evaluate before I talk about, but I want to make sure that we get a dollar return for a dollar investment and that we are not extravagant.

     I know how I ran the treasurer’s office and I will make sure that other offices are run in a similar manner.

 

      Why are you running?

     I have a significant passion for county government and I wanted to have the responsibility and the work. I miss that.

     I think I probably bring more county government knowledge to the race than anybody else.

 

      Is there anything you’d like to add?

     I have an in-depth knowledge of how county government works, not just in Cerro Gordo County but statewide because I was involved with not just the Cerro Gordo County Treasurers, but was also a lobbiest.

     I know my way around the legislature. I've been gone for a while, but I know where to go and what to look for.

 

Doug Nelson

     Provide information on your background-how long you've lived in the community, family, current job, etc.

     As someone who grew up on the family farm of Jim and Shirley Nelson of Thornton, which I now operate, I've lived in Cerro Gordo county for my entire life excepting when I was attending Iowa State University to study mechanical engineering.

     My wife, Maria, and I live in the rural part of the county, south of Clear Lake but north of Thornton, west of the Interstate but I can see Swaledale and Rockwell from my deck. We have 4 adult children and one granddaughter. I now only grain farm, having raised livestock in the past including ten years of confinement nursery pigs for Pleasant Valley Pork of Swaledale. I've held many other jobs over the years and do volunteer mediation and mentoring for Toastmasters International here in Iowa.

 

     Have you ever held elected office or been involved with any type of committee or board? If so, please list them and include your tenure.

     I've never held a public office before, there aren't as many opportunities to run when you are from the rural areas. I have been elected to many positions within Toastmasters International, a volunteer-based leadership and public speaking organization. The highest position was District Governor in 2009-2010.

     The District Governor is the chief executive officer for the state of Iowa Toastmasters. I've prepared and executed the budget for the state organization three times, training and mentoring its officers, and meeting the goals put forward by the International administration. I still serve on the committee that oversees the procedures and gives advice to current administration teams. In total, I have thousands of hours of meeting/procedure experience.

     Other committees and boards include serving on the committee that created the Bike Link, the path between Clear Lake and Mason City, the group of citizens who opposed the Spareboe chicken facility near Union Hills, and some small business corporations. I've served on the Democratic Central committee for 8 years and have chaired several committees and aspects of our caucuses and conventions.

 

     In your opinion, what are the main issues facing Cerro Gordo County?

     I feel the main issue facing Cerro Gordo county is a crisis of quality of life. We are living in a time where people feel less secure about their future and the future of their children. There has been a loss of trust with government on many levels, a loss of trust that things will get better. People want to believe that their tax dollars are being invested wisely, but truly believe that they are being kept out of the loop and are seeing their taxes continuing to increase while their standard of living may not be increasing.

     The times are changing and jobs are changing with them, leaving us with fewer manufacturing jobs. Medical expenses and insurance costs are up and our trust in others continues to decrease. The first step towards increasing our quality of life involves coming back together as a community, feeling you are connected and that your voice is heard. Our small town way of life has become disconnected and people are falling through the cracks.

     That is ultimately the biggest issue facing Cerro Gordo county and one we can repair.

 

      What attributes or skills do you bring to the board of supervisors?

     The first attribute that I think makes me a strong candidate is my desire to understand how things work and then use that understanding to help others understand. I've been learning the role of county supervisor for eight years, attending regular meetings and board/staff discussions for preparing budgets.

     During my 11 years of Toastmasters leadership, I've developed many skills which would benefit the Board of Supervisors. Like Bob Amosson, I am a trained mediator. Not only can I lead meetings and coordinate sub-committees, delegating where appropriate, I'm trained to listen and give constructive feedback using critical thinking skills and diplomatic methods.

     Because Toastmasters is a volunteer organization, I've learned how to motivate people effectively without financial incentive. I am optimistic and good-humored, patient but determined.

 

      Are there any projects you'd like to see completed or started within Cerro Gordo County?

     The first project I would start within Cerro Gordo county would be to increase the access to the Board of Supervisors. Since they meet during the work day, their meetings are difficult for many to attend. There is no public forum on the agenda and meetings are over quickly, leaving guests uncertain if they can address the board. During my candidacy, I've been visiting city council meetings of the cities in our district and I've seen how valuable it can be to attend these meetings and to build a bridge of understanding between the communities through sharing concerns and best practices. I propose that this model be built into something similar to a listening post where regular city council meetings could include scheduled visits by the supervisor to be more easily available to the public. Going back to the quality of life crisis that I discussed earlier, I would also start a project that encouraged volunteerism within our communities as a way to bring down our tax burden while engaging more people. This could help reinforce that connectedness that we are losing and give new purpose and pride to each town as we revitalize things as a team. Another project would be to initiate an Internet job corps for this county, helping people become aware of the possibilities for work from home for those so inclined to add to their income, possibly freeing up more traditional employment as entrepreneurs emerge from this new technology opportunity.

 

 

     Why are you running?

     I'm running because I believe in a better way of life for our future here in Cerro Gordo county, a better value for our tax dollars. Ever since my first caucus in Swaledale, a Republican caucus led by Roger Broers, I've believed in the power of an engaged electorate and have seen first hand the importance of our citizens voicing their opinion and then being heard.

     I believe the citizens should be given the chance to ask questions and be given straight, understandable answers. As our district is the most rural of the three in the county, I believe that someone who understands and lives the rural lifestyle should represent those paying the rural levy on their tax bill.

     As a grain farmer who has studied engineering, one who has worked in factories and repair shops, in retail and even as an airport refueling jockey, I can represent everyone with respect and understanding. I have the skills and the time to do a great job and I have the desire to be a terrific supervisor.

 

     Is There Anything Else You'd Like To Add?

     I'd like to add that I believe the supervisors pay needs to be adjusted to reflect the population of our county. We currently pay our supervisors the 5th highest salary in the state, though our population size is 13th. This is not as easy to change as some might think as the salaries have been tied to the pay levels of other county employees. I propose that we decouple that salary requirement and hold steady the pay of the supervisors until they are in line with our county size. This gives incentive to increasing our population and retention of our children rather than incentive to higher salaries for government representatives.

 

 

 

Adam Wedmore

     Provide information on your background—how long you've lived in the community, family, current job, etc.

     I am a life-long resident of Rockwell where I live with my wife Kristen, five year old son Owen, and we are expecting our second child this September. I attended Rockwell-Swaledale High School and after graduation I completed Paramedic training at the University of Iowa. I earned an Associate’s degree from NIACC, a Bachelor’s degree from Waldorf College, and am currently enrolled in a graduate program in pursuit of a Master’s degree.

     I am employed at NIACC where I manage the Emergency Medical Services and Fire Science programs. I was previously employed as a Firefighter/Paramedic for seven years with the Mason City Fire Department and have also worked part time as a Flight Paramedic for Mercy Air Life as well as served as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

 

     Have you ever held elected office or been involved with any type of committee or board? If so, please list them and include your tenure.

     I recently served two terms on the Rockwell City Council where I fulfilled the duties of Mayor Pro-Tem and chaired both the Finance Committee and the Public Safety Committee.

     I am currently the Service Director for Rockwell-Swaledale EMS and volunteer as a Captain on the Rockwell Fire Department and Assistant Chief for the Swaledale Fire Department. Additionally, I volunteer on several boards and committees including the Cerro Gordo County E911 Board, Cerro Gordo County Fire/EMS Association, North Central Iowa EMS Association, Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation, and others.

 

     In your opinion, what are the main issues facing Cerro Gordo County?

     I feel that our County must become proactive versus reactive towards population growth, economic development, business expansion, and infrastructure maintenance. We have seen a steady decline in population over recent years and must work regionally to maintain our current population as well as attract new residents. The second issue of economic development works hand in hand with population growth by ensuring that we are able to provide potential and current residents with affordable housing, good paying jobs, and a safe place to raise a family. As a county we must work to foster economic development and growth in order to be competitive, enticing, and sustaining.

One common problem we face across the nation is an aging infrastructure. The roads, bridges, and utilities that serve our County require constant upkeep, repair, and replacement. In order to provide safe roads, plowed streets, and usable bridges we must ensure adequate funds are allocated towards them which is difficult in the face of stagnant road use tax funds and compiled by rising costs. As Supervisor I would work closely with the Engineer and Secondary Roads Department to establish priorities and create a comprehensive plan for infrastructure upgrades.

     My goal is to work to ensure that a family can find a safe community to call home, afford to raise a family by limiting taxes, find a good paying job, and have their essential services met.

 

     What attributes or skills do you bring to the board of supervisors?

     My entire life has been lived in Cerro Gordo County and as such I am intimately connected with the communities across the county. I have driven nearly every mile in the county, walked countless acres in search of pheasants and deer, and enjoyed each community’s unique offerings. Simply by being involved in the community, growing up in the county, and raising a family here I have interacted with people, organizations, and businesses across North Iowa which has allowed me to understand the complexities of Cerro Gordo County.

     Additionally, having been active in emergency services, education, and local government I have had the opportunity to interact with numerous individuals across the county. As such I have had the pleasure to see firsthand the unique challenges faced by populated incorporated areas as well as unincorporated parts of the county. This personal knowledge of the issues, challenges, and uniqueness of the various communities serves me well by allowing me to truly understand the individual concerns of all people, not a select few. This combined with my working knowledge of government procedure, operations, and best practices serve me well to meet the demands of this position.

 

     Are there any projects you'd like to see completed or started within Cerro Gordo County?

     As Supervisor I would work with the various department heads and elected officials to create an updated comprehensive plan focused on sustainability and growth of the County. Before we as a County can begin to implement new or expanded projects we must ensure that we are meeting the current demands and expectations of the residents. As such, I would first personally conduct a thorough review of each department to ensure that the services provided are of the quality expected.

 

     Why are you running?

     I am running for this position to see our County continue to succeed and grow. I fear that without proper leadership and oversight we risk a decline in the quality of services provided, potential tax increases, and a continued decline in population. I want to see our County attract new residents and businesses while retaining our current ones. I feel that my experience of budgeting taxpayer monies, managing large scale projects, and attracting new residents as well as businesses could benefit the entire county.

 

     Is there anything else you’d like to add?

     I ask that our community recognize the need for a leader who not only understands the issues facing our County but are capable of solving problems. My past experience with public service, elected office, and committee leadership have proven me capable to serve as County Supervisor. Cerro Gordo County, especially the residents of District 2, deserve a person who can appreciate the concerns of each individual and work to better the County.

 

     On the Republican side, Ivan Good, Scott Kennedy, and Casey Callanan, all of Clear Lake, will be competing for the Republican nomination.

     Scott Kennedy did not respond to the questionnaire.

 

Casey Callanan

     Provide information on your background-how long you've lived in the community, family, current job, etc.

     Casey Callanan, age 34. I'm a sixth-generation Cerro Gordo resident, graduate of CLHS, class of 1998 and a 2002 graduate of Iowa State. I interned in the Iowa Legislature and worked for the Congressional Budget committee in D.C. My wife is Hunter Callanan, who works at CL Tel. My father, Mike Callanan, taught at CLHS for 28 years, and is currently a member of the Clear Lake City Council. My mother, Cathy Callanan, worked as a nurse at Opportunity Village fro 30 years. I'm a partner at First Insurance, Inc., in Mason City.

 

     Have you ever held elected office or been involved with any type of committee or board? If so, please list them and include your tenure.

     I have not been elected to office, however I have been extensively involved in Cerro Gordo county community betterment efforts. Among these are, Past President of the Clear Lake area Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Cerro Gordo County Independent Insurance Agents Association, co-Chair of the Clear Lake fireworks endowment campaign, and current Chair of the Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation.

 

     In your opinion, what are the main issues facing Cerro Gordo County?

     Spending, taxes, economic development, and a decaying infrastructure. The first two I have addressed in detail in other portions of the questionnaire. Iowa has some of the most rural roads and bridges then any other state in our Nation and they are in rough shape. We need to prioritize in what we spend taxpayer dollars on and I think roads and bridges should be carefully looked at as rural areas contribute to the lifeblood of our local economy, agriculture. We need a solid infrastructure to support farmers getting in and our of fields as well as their ability to get their product to market.

 

     What attributes or skills do you bring to the board of supervisors?

     As a self-employed candidate in the race who regularly meets payroll, controls expenses, I must either turn a profit, or go broke. Government cannot expect to be exempted from having to live within its means; this is standard procedure for the private sector, as well as for citizens and their families, who must operate prudently, under a workable, self-imposed budget. Being an owner of a successful commercial enterprise has it's advantages as I can bring private sector initiatives to help resolve many problems.

 

     Are there any projects you'd like to see completed or started within Cerro Gordo County?

     Economic development is the lifeblood of any county or city in America. If publicly elected officials are unwilling to provide a positive climate for business and industry to operate then katy bar the door! Enhancing CG county's attractiveness to prospective employers who will bring good, well-paying jobs here means understanding how businesses operate. As a self-employed business owner, the concerns and objectives of commercial enterprises are my confers, too!

     Jobs, jobs, jobs becomes the key phrase in economic development. I support tax increment financing (TIF), forgivable loans, as well as anything else available to make Cerro Gordo county more competitive when recruiting new industry. TIF is primarily used in context of future tax revenue rebates, which only captures new revenues the city or county is not currently enjoying.

 

     Why are you running?

Spending and Taxes. Since announcing my candidacy, voters have repeatedly told me that they want to see spending cut, and something done about property assessments or what they call "Back Door Tax Increases". The lower the tax obligations are on residences, the more attractive we are to home buyers. Lowering tax rates may well actually increase overall county revenue, as we'd be able to attract more property owners, thus enlarging our revenue base. Over a four year term, the Supervisors will approve over $130 million in expenditure of taxpayer money. That should be more than enough money to cover essential services and then some.

 

     Is there anything else you’d like to add?

     I seek this office to serve my fellow citizens to make our county a better place for all to live.

 

Ivan Good

     Provide information on your background-how long you've lived in the community, family, current job, etc.

     I moved to Cerro Gordo County (Union Township) as a teenager. I am a Clear Lake High School graduate. Graduate of Faith Baptist Bible College of Ankeny, Iowa. Thirty-six years working experience in the tire business. Presently Assistant Manager at Glen’s Tire for nearly 20 years.

     I'm married to my wife Brenda for over 23 years. Brenda works at Clear Lake Schools. Our daughter Kaylee graduated from Clear Lake High School and will be a junior in the fall at Lee University, Cleveland, TN majoring in Music Education.

     I am a property owner and taxpayer for over 20 years in Clear Lake. Active and volunteering in my church where I hold leadership positions as a Deacon Trustee for 15 years and Treasurer for 20 years.

     I am active in my community elected as a Trustee at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp located in Ventura serving on the Finance Committee for nine years.

     Over the past 30 years I have been active in the Republican Party attending county, district, and state events. My Cerro Gordo County Central Committee activities include Chairman, Co-Chairman, Central Committee member, and participation on the county and district platform committees.

 

     Have you ever held elected office or been involved with any type of committee or board? If so, please list them and include your tenure.

     I have not held any public office, sat on any public boards or committees, but I am currently serving as a Deacon Trustee of my Church and Trustee at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp.

 

     In your opinion, what are the main issues facing Cerro Gordo County?

     Residents in our community and I have a common concern relating to the increases of property taxes in our County. One of my goals would be that property taxes are used wisely within our County.

 

     What attributes or skills do you bring to the board of supervisors?

     Each day I work with, listen to and solve customer needs. It will be my goal to use those same skills to listen to the concerns and issues of Cerro Gordo County residents and have the determination to follow through.

     Serving as Church Treasurer and Trustee as well as serving on the Finance Committee at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp has given me the opportunity to set a budget and work within a budget. These experiences give me some basic understanding as to how a budget works.

 

     Are there any projects you'd like to see completed or started within Cerro Gordo County?

     Not at this time.

 

     Why are you running?

     A few years back I approached a Supervisor with a problem I was having with a County Department. After hearing my concern, I felt like I was brushed aside. My goal is to not let this happen under my watch.

     Residents in our community along with myself, have a common concern relating to the increases of property taxes in our County. One of my goals would be that property taxes are used wisely within our County.