The Wilton-Durant Advocate News sent political questionnaires to all county-level candidates in contested races running in Muscatine and Cedar counties.
Forms were sent to the following candidates: in Cedar County, board of supervisor candidates Jon Bell, Larry Hodgden, Steve Agne and Jeff Kaufmann. In Muscatine County, auditor candidates Tibe Vander Linden, Mary Mason-Wheeler and Brandy Harfst; sheriff candidates Michael Channon and Quinn Riess; board of supervisor District 3 candidates Scott Sauer and Ed Askew; board of supervisor District 4 candidates Michelle Servadio Elias and Nathan Mather; and county attorney candidates James Barry and Bill Tharp.
Of those, all were responded to except one. Questionnaires were also sent to Iowa House District 73 candidates Bobby Kaufmann and Lonny Pulkrabek, but neither were returned by the deadline.
Please note: Candidates running unopposed for county office were not sent questionnaires.
Early in-person voting began Oct. 5, and will continue until the election. Election Day is Nov. 3. Voters may also cast their ballots via absentee. Check with both Cedar and Muscatine county auditor offices for polling places and other information.
Muscatine County
Tibe Vander Linden
Muscatine County Auditor
Tibe Vander Linden, 57, of Muscatine is running on the Republican ticket for Muscatine County Auditor. She currently works as a licensed health and life insurance agent with Beckey Insurance, and Financial Services, Inc.
She’s a graduate of Muscatine High School and Muscatine Community College, earning an A.A. Degree. She’s been a licensed insurance professional for 24-plus years.
Tibe and her husband Doug have two sons. Her memberships include — board member of: GLC Ministry of Literacy, Grace Lutheran Church Grace Life Board, T.T.T. Chapter GH, MHS Alumni Chair, Sunday School Music Leader, After School Reading Volunteer. Past Board Member of: MHS Drama and Choral Boosters, YWCA, Grace Council, Social Ministries and Christian Education, Past President and Vice-President of T.T.T. Chapter GH.
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
Our voters and citizens need confidence with an auditor that will continue to run safe and secure elections. I intend to offer adequate training for poll workers and watchers to insure voter integrity. This will ensure that our citizens trust the voting system with absentee ballots, early voting and voting at the polls. It is also important to retain the trained staff and volunteers already in place.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I want to increase voter registration and awareness. The freedom to vote is one of America’s most important political rights. As auditor, I want to ensure high voter turnout, which results in greater access to our elected offices. I also want to expand and offer voter education forums to generate discussions and awareness of the voting process for students and all citizens.
The auditor’s office will be instructed to learn a new voter registration program in the next few years, so training of all workers will be necessary. The office will also be going through redistricting in the next year due to the 2020 census, which could require possible polling location changes due to redrawn precinct lines. These changes are also why having confidence in your auditor and retaining trained staff and poll workers are important.
Why are you seeking public office?
Our current auditor, Leslie Soule, is retiring and I believe my business background and personal skills are assets I bring to manage the office. I am aware of the operations of the office, willing to work hard and committed to upholding the safety and security of all elections. I am proud to be from Muscatine, and ready to serve the citizens of Muscatine County. For the past 24 years, I have been a licensed insurance agent where I have gained valuable experience with insurance benefits, customer service, research of laws and products for business and individual accounts. My past experience as a law librarian and administrative assistant are also valuable skills I have. I believe my honesty, integrity, commitment and leadership skills will proudly serve Muscatine County.
Brandy Harfst
Muscatine County Auditor
Brandy Harfst, 40, of Muscatine is running on the Democratic ticket for Muscatine County Auditor. She currently works as a legal assistant, head researcher, and operations manager.
She graduated from Muscatine High School and Muscatine Community College with an Associate’s degree, majoring in Administrative and Office Support. She’s been pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science with emphasis in Justice Studies and Human Relations. She’s also been attending the Iowa Land Title Association Certified Land Title Professional Program at the University of Northern Iowa.
Brandy and her husband Steve have two daughters. Her memberships include — former member of Business Professionals of America, member of Saints Mary and Mathias Church, Notary Public for the State of Iowa.
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
Election integrity and security. I will work hard to make sure our elections are secure by following all electronic safety measures, making sure poll workers and staff are adequately trained, and following all legislation and recommendations set forth by the Iowa Secretary of State and Iowa Association of County Auditors.
COVID-19 Safety. By following all safety guidance and practicing social distance recommendations, we can help keep our polling places safe for voters, poll workers, volunteers, and office staff.
Mental health awareness and services. We need to help increase funds designated to mental health services for the residents of Muscatine County. This issue has always been in the forefront of society and the situations that have come about this year have only increased the need for these essential services.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
If elected, I would like to establish more voter education by establishing outreach programs for our voters including the youth population regarding elections, the voting process, and ways of casting their votes. Additionally, I would like to make information more easily accessible to voters online regarding the elections, voting process and candidacy information for those interested in running for office. Moreover, I would like to help Muscatine County residents avoid unnecessary expenses that could arise in property transfers by making sure correct legal descriptions are listed on transfer records.
Why are you seeking public office?
When I was informed that our current auditor would be retiring, I was concerned because I know that the duties of the auditor’s office are very unique and complex. Like most voters, I wanted to be sure whomever was elected to the position is qualified and experienced with the duties of the position. It was this concern that prompted my decision to run for the auditor position. While I am new to campaigning, I am not new to the administrative profession. I have held a variety of positions including legal secretary and administrative assistant. Since 2014, I have served as a legal assistant and in 2018 I took on the role of head researcher and operations manager of Legal Abstract Company. I am familiar with the duties of the auditor’s office as I have worked with the staff on many work related issues pertaining to legal descriptions, plats of survey, and other property records. I will bring my education, work experience, and up-to-date information with me to the auditor’s office and I will work diligently to uphold the integrity of our election system and continue to keep our elections safe and secure.
Mary Mason-Wheeler
Muscatine County Auditor
Mary Mason-Wheeler, 41, of Muscatine is running for Muscatine County Auditor. She is running as an Independent.
She graduated from Muscatine Community College with an Associate’s degree. She’s pursuing a double major Bachelor’s degree in graphic design and communications.
Brandy and her husband Todd have four children. Her memberships include — advisory board, Rebuilding Together, Muscatine County, Board Secretary, Assistant Volunteer Coordinator.
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
Community participation: Local elections impact every aspect of our lives, from the roads that we drive on to the schools that our children attend. Many voters become involved during the presidential election season and are not aware of the impact the local elections can have.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I would like to work with local organizations and schools to help increase voter knowledge and turn out. I would also like to partner with local county media to help provide consistent communication about the daily workings of the office, increasing public awareness.
Why are you seeking public office?
I have been serving as a precinct official for over eight years, with six of those servicing as the precinct captain. I first became involved in serving at elections when I was still a full-time stay-at-home mother to my four children, now all teenagers and young adults. Serving at the election as a precinct official was a great opportunity to become more involved in the local community. I would like the opportunity to continue that service at the next level.
Michael Channon
Muscatine County Sheriff
Michael Channon, 48, of Wilton is running for Muscatine County Sheriff. He is running on the Democratic ticket.
According to Channon, "I am married (wife Krissy) and have three children. I have 22 years of law enforcement experience from patrol to detective. I have investigated all crimes in my 22 years, and worked undercover narcotics and worked undercover in numerous human trafficking operations within the state of Iowa. I also organized and led the human trafficking operation that was conducted in Muscatine. I am a Field Training Officer, an Evidence Technician and a Union Steward, and formerly a Crisis Negotiator and a member of the Special Response Team. I am a Strong Supporter of the Second Amendment, and Iowa’s concealed carry."
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
I believe there are many issues concerning my constituents that we as a sheriff’s office and as a county need to combat as a team.
Mental health: We need to address the mental health issues in our communities. I think we could do more to support individuals suffering from mental illness. When we handle a committal, we take them to a hospital and they are either transferred or stay at our local hospital for approximately three days then they are out, a majority of the time with no solution. Some of these times, these individuals are taken to jail, which also provides no help or solution to take control of their mental health. The cycle just continues to repeat itself and if we do not try to combat this situation, it’s just going to continue to get worse.
Illegal narcotics: Our community has a huge illegal narcotics issue. Narcotics are flowing into our communities from outside areas at a very high rate. We must continue to get funding for our drug task force and give them the help and the tools they need to combat the problems. Mental health and illegal narcotic use go hand-in-hand with each other and if we don’t fight both head on we will continue to struggle with both.
Building morale back up: In the last year and a half, the sheriff’s office has had two votes of No-Confidence, A Prohibited Acts Charge, and a lawsuit filed against the current administration, with a payout of almost $90,000. The sheriff’s office has also had an alarming employee turnover rate the last four years, with both correctional officers and deputies, as well as unfair and inconsistent disciplinary procedures. I believe all of this is from poor leadership.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
There are many things I hope to accomplish. Immediately, I will work on changing the morale within the department with the jail staff and deputies. Morale is important no matter where you work, but I believe this is especially important in law enforcement. I truly believe that when you treat your employees like they deserve to be treated, they will enjoy coming to work again and will become less likely to leave for other employment; you will also get more productivity from them. The deputies and jail staff need to know the administration will have their back and will discipline IF needed, teach WHEN needed and to know when each is appropriate. Most importantly, they need to know that it is the same across the board. I will lead by example, I will work the road alongside the deputies, take shifts to help with overtime and just be present. I will be a leader employees are comfortable expressing their opinions, concerns, ideas and criticisms to; we are all in this together and everyone’s voices will be heard. A leader needs to be a source of inspiration, empowerment and motivation, and I will be that leader. I will work hard to bring the department back to a law enforcement family where everyone is included, even in times of differences. Law enforcement is being criticized for every little thing they do these days, a lot are afraid of even doing their jobs. Leadership and unity within our department is crucial now, more than ever.
Fiscal responsibility: We have to continue to generate more revenue from the jail and continue to have a positive relationship with the federal government to ensure that we continue to house federal inmates. We also need to seek inmates from other agencies to house in our facility. The high turnover rate that I spoke about earlier is fiscally irresponsible, costing taxpayers a huge sum of money due to hiring new officers and training them. By boosting morale, the turnover rate will reduce considerably. I will also not be purchasing brand new unmarked vehicles like the current administration has and purchase every few years. Those vehicles are not driven as much or as hard as the squad cars; squads and other needed equipment and training should come first. My administration will drive the oldest vehicles in the fleet and supply ALL deputies with the best equipment available. During the first year, I will closely look at the budget and other monies available to determine what the needs of the department are and continue to follow this through the rest of the term, adjusting as needed. I also believe we will see some budgetary setbacks due to COVID-19 which we will need to mindfully be aware of.
Being involved in the community: We will have community meetings throughout the county to discuss concerns citizens have, talk about what has been going on in these communities as far as crime (so long as it doesn’t impede an investigation), work with other agencies to coordinate community-minded trainings that citizens would like to have such as defensive tactics, installing car seats, bicycle safety, etc. Citizens should at least have the opportunity to express their concerns, have them addressed and be able to put a face with names of deputies. We will also create a hiring panel to include members of the community to be a part of that panel as well as others. We will also promote gun safety for citizens wanting to learn more about firearms.
Transparency: With everything going on around the country and all the hostility toward law enforcement we will have 100 percent transparency within the department. I ran for office four years ago and one of the items I had on my platform were body cameras for each and every deputy. We still do not have those cameras even though the sheriff stated four years ago that he was also going to purchase them. Now as the election draws closer and I am again raising the issue of body cameras for all deputies, the administration just purchased 19 cameras. Although they will not be here until weeks after the election, we can count that as a win for the deputies as well as the citizens of Muscatine County.
Other items that I intend on accomplishing are more training for the deputies and correctional staff that will be available to all and help them succeed and advance their careers. To establish a coalition of professionals to combat the mental health crisis to include minor drug offenses and veterans who fall into this category.
Why are you seeking public office?
I am a firm believer that if you want something to change, you need to do your very best to be that change. I sought office in 2016 and I’m seeking office again in 2020 because I have seen, first-hand and through other staff/deputies just how much this office needs to be changed. My entire adult life has been serving others. I served in the Army to protect our rights and defend our country. I’ve served 22 years in law enforcement to protect our community. I became a union steward to protect my fellow employees' rights and hold the administration accountable. I am running to continue to defend, protect and be the change instead of sitting back. I do not want to see this department continue on it’s same path. The citizens and employees deserve better and it’s going to be a lot of work, but I am eager to tackle the job. I know what I have been through and witnessed and I can assure my fellow employees and constituents that I will not forget where I came from once I am in office. Not only will I hold myself accountable, I expect citizens and staff to do the same. I humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 3.
Quinn Riess
Muscatine County Sheriff
Quinn Riess, 43, of Muscatine is running for Muscatine County Sheriff. He is running on the Republican ticket.
Riess is currently a captain in the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office. He’s a graduate of Williamsburg High School, and Indian Hills Community College, with an Associate’s in criminal justice.
He and his wife Becky have two daughters. Memberships include — member of Muscatine County Republicans, Assistant Commander of the Muscatine Special Operations Response Team, Dive and Rescue Team, long-time supporter of the Special Olympics of Muscatine, Senior Resources, and the Salvation Army.
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
1. Drug abuse and trafficking as a route causation to property and personal crimes. 2. Training and education of staff to better equip them for the changing environment that is affecting all of us across the county. 3. Accountability, responsibility, and professionalism within the workplace.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I hope to institute regularly scheduled in-service trainings for both patrol and jail divisions. These trainings will cover all aspects of assigned duties within those divisions, therefore equipping staff to do their jobs while ensuring safety of the staff and citizens. A better trained and equipped staff promotes safety and decreases liability.
In-service trainings will be administered by certified, in-house staff, limiting cost to taxpayers.
In addition to training issues, communication across divisions must also be addressed. This will be accomplished by holding regular staff meetings of both first-line and supervisory staff.
The bottom line is: better communication promotes cohesiveness.
All of these proposals are easily attainable, fiscally responsible, and ACTUALLY ATTAINABLE by the office of sheriff.
Why are you seeking public office?
From the day that I started at this department, it has been my aspiration to obtain this position. I have spent my entire career working to achieve this goal. From working through the ranks to eventually becoming head of a division, I have gained the knowledge and experience required to fill the role of sheriff of Muscatine County.
Scott Sauer
County Supervisor District 3
Scott Sauer, 64, of Muscatine is running for Muscatine County Supervisor in District 3. He is an incumbent running on the Republican ticket.
Sauer has served as a long-time business owner in Muscatine. He and wife Jane have a daughter and two grandchildren. Memberships include — Farm Bureau member.
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
The COVID-19 pandemic, mental health services, age and conditions of county bridges.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I would like to continue working toward moving our county forward in a growing and well positioned future for all residents.
Why are you seeking public office?
I am running for re-election to use my diversified management experience to keep Muscatine County with a fiscally sound budget, and to continue working at making Muscatine County a strong community and a great place to call home.
Ed Askew
County Supervisor District 3
Ed Askew, 66, of Muscatine is running for Muscatine County Supervisor in District 3. He is running on the Democratic ticket.
Askew is a chemist with a BS in chemistry and BS in secondary education (chemistry and physics) from Northwest Missouri State University. He also has a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Arkansas.
Askew resides in Muscatine with his wife Pam. Memberships include — American Chemical Society, Water Environment Federation, American Water Works Association, AOAC International.
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing and no vaccine available for many months to come, the economy of the county and state will suffer enough that the revenue provided by property and sales taxes will drop to levels not seen since the economic crisis of 1930. As such, even though a budget has been approved by the current supervisors, there will not be the funds available to disburse. This means that the supervisors elected will have to tighten the county’s belt and decide what services need to be provided and what will have to wait. The current supervisors, Nathan Mather and Scott Sauer, lack the leadership abilities to meet this pending dilemma. This is why I am running for District 3 Supervisor, and why I am endorsing Kas Kelly for write-in District 4 Supervisor.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
With the economic impact of COVID-19, I want to provide the needed county services that are required by the statutes and those other services that the county residents need and the county budget can support. I want to repair and upgrade our county gravel roads to meet the needs of the residents that use them to travel to and from their homes and farms with available funds, but I will never use slag on these roads. I want to develop economic goals to increase jobs and pay for county residents. This would include the development of a Port Authority to provide economic growth and increased agricultural product prices. Finally, I want to have an open accessible county government with supervisor meetings in the evenings in Muscatine, Wilton and West Liberty, only county government emails for supervisors, and never charge a county resident for open record requests.
Why are you seeking public office?
Three years ago, I helped a group of farmers who were trying to get the county to stop using slag on the gravel roads. When Doug Hoag and Daryl Sywassink presented a petition with over 700 signatures on it to Scott Sauer at a supervisor meeting, Scott ignored it. Later Nathan Mather called the autistic children who would be poisoned by slag rock eaters. Their arrogant behavior toward the residents of Muscatine County angered me enough that I became a candidate running against Scott Sauer, and I talked Kas Kelly into becoming the best qualified candidate to run against Nathan Mather. I need her in office with me to address the needs of all of our county residents — Democrat, Republican, Independent or other.
Nathan Mather
County Supervisor District 4
Nathan Mather, 41, of Muscatine is running for Muscatine County Supervisor in District 4. He is an incumbent running on the Republican ticket.
An attorney at Stanley, Lande & Hunter, Mather is a graduate of Muscatine High School, Northwestern University with a BA in philosophy, and New York School of Law with a J.D.
Nathan and his wife Jill have three children. Memberships include — Muscatine County Board Of Supervisors 2017-2020 (Vice Chair 2018, Chair 2019); Muscatine Community School Board 2011-2019 (President 2013-2015); Eastern Iowa Mental Health Region; 2017-2020 (Secretary 2018, Vice-Chair 2019); Muscatine County Veterans Affairs Commission; Board of Directors 2019-2020; 7th Judicial District Department Of Corrections Board of Directors 2017-2020; Muscatine Community Health Association Board of Directors 2017-2020; Bi-State Drug And Alcohol Testing Consortium Board of Directors 2017-2020; Muscatine County Hunger Task Force Board of Directors 2020; Bi-State Regional Commission Board of Directors 2018-2019; Muscatine Area Geographic Information Consortium (Magic) Board of Directors, Vice Chair 2020; Muscatine County Public Health Lean Leadership Board of Directors 2019-2020; Muscatine County Decategorization Board of Directors 2017-2020.
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
1. Beating COVID-19. We must work together to protect the public’s physical and mental health. As the pandemic continues to dominate our everyday lives, our physical and mental health are suffering. Depression, alcoholism, domestic abuse, and even suicide rates are climbing steadily. Behind the coronavirus is another public health crisis — one we must recognize and address it before it’s too late. We must continue expanding public health services to the most vulnerable, especially using tele-health and other newly available services. The county must team up with city officials, schools, businesses and community leaders so we are all using the same playbook. We will encourage recovery while keeping people safe.
2. Lack of affordable housing. Good homes are getting more expensive and harder to find. Rents increase faster than wages. Families can’t find decent places to live. Thousands of people work here but don’t live here. We must do everything possible to reduce housing costs and increase the supply of quality homes. We can improve access to affordable housing by (1) cutting through red tape to make building and restoring homes simpler and quicker, (2) expanding incentives for creating and maintaining affordable homes, and (3) partnering with local and regional groups to explore what has worked in other communities.
3. Restoring public trust and unity. Sadly, America has become obsessed with what divides us, and our nation is tearing itself apart. I lived in New York City on 9/11. Despite the terror and tragedy, we were all united that day. The outpouring of love, compassion and human kindness was unlike anything before or since. I believe our elected officials can restore that kind of unity if they lead by example. We must work together regardless of differing religion, color or party. We must pursue peace. We must oppose violence. We must recognize each other as fellow humans and not assume the worst of one another. We must remember how to give and receive grace.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
If re-elected, I will continue addressing the main issues facing our county and make sure county government works for you. We will protect our most vulnerable residents from coronavirus while rebooting our lives and livelihoods. We will help working people put food on the table and provide their families with a quality place to live. We will keep expanding access to quality mental health care. We will support our law enforcement and first responders, and not disgrace their daily sacrifices that keep us safe. In short, we will make this county the best possible place to live, work, and play.
Why are you seeking public office?
I’m running because I want to help enrich the lives of our families, friends and neighbors. The board of supervisors isn’t about glamour or glory; it’s about working together with all kinds of people to provide effective, efficient and empathetic government. I want to do my part.
Editor’s note: A political questionnaire was sent to Democratic candidate Michelle Servadio Elias, also on the ballot for Muscatine County Supervisor District 4. No response was given.
James Barry
Muscatine County Attorney
James Barry, 59, is running for Muscatine County Attorney on the Republican ticket. He’s been serving in the role since being appointed May 11.
He is a Muscatine High School graduate, and a graduate of Drury College and the Washington University School of Law.
James and his wife Diana have three children. Memberships include — Mulford Church and the Iowa State Bar Association.
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
Public trust in our criminal justice system has been a challenge for some, and COVID-19 has many more skeptical. The county attorney needs to lead the office and assemble the best team possible to address the large caseload. This includes protection of victims and coordination of witnesses. The backlog of cases due to the pandemic will require particular attention to process and overcome. The county attorney needs to support law enforcement and work well with all governmental entities at local and state levels.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
Continue the previous efforts to protect our community and bolster confidence in our government and criminal justice system. The county attorney’s office handles many types of cases and it is important to have a good staff and team in place to process the caseload. People need to have confidence in the county attorney’s office, and I plan to be here every day working hard to achieve that goal.
Why are you seeking public office?
I have always wanted to serve my community and others and as county attorney, I have the opportunity to help protect the community and serve those who are in the system by making sure that they are given an opportunity for rehabilitation. The county attorney can also have an immense impact on juveniles, mental health and substance abuse.
William Tharp
Muscatine County Attorney
William (Bill) Tharp, 44, is running for Muscatine County Attorney on the Democratic ticket. Tharp works as a general practice attorney.
Educational/Background: 1994, West Liberty High School; 1999, University of Iowa, B.A., Literature Science & the Arts; 2002, Drake Law School, J.D.; Admitted to Practice Law in Iowa, 2002; Admitted to Practice in United States District Court in and for the Southern District of Iowa, 2003; Admitted to Practice in United States District Court in and for the Northern District of Iowa, 2006; Attorney, Wetsch & Abbott, P.L.C, Des Moines, Iowa, 2002; Attorney, Webber, Gaumer, & Emanuel, P.C., Ottumwa, Iowa, 2002-2004; Attorney, Allbee & Barclay, 2004-2008; Attorney, Tharp Law Office, West Liberty, Iowa, 2008-present.
Bill and his wife Marciana reside in West Liberty and have three children. Memberships include — I have served and advised numerous community boards, most pro bono, and all at reduced rate, member and past president of West Liberty Chamber of Commerce, member and past president of West Liberty Rotary Club, and member of Muscatine County Zoning Board of Adjustment, 2010-2020;
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
Working families want a safe community and a better life. First, people need to know that criminal conduct will not be widespread in their community, making them fear for their safety. Also, we need to prevent crime before it occurs. Many commit crimes or take actions they normally would not due to desperation. Right now, many people are desperate for a multitude of reasons. Some are desperate for equal justice under the law. Some are desperate for safety. Many are desperate because of their economic situation in Iowa and ability to make it. People are desperate because of social unrest. I will work tirelessly to use community outreach to support people and entities that are working to improve our community, give people purpose, and help people obtain skills so that they can attain their goals without turning to crime. Also, I plan on being a ready resource for all agencies and offices in the county to give advice that will reduce the likelihood of being sued for conduct and actions wrongfully taken by the county. We need a steady hand during these changing and challenging times and I have taken it upon myself to use my knowledge and experience to help the entire county to give back to our community.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
First, I will work to make certain that there is equal justice under the law for everyone, whether they are rich or poor, have political clout or are anonymous, and work to make certain a fair result is obtained whether a person has any perceived advantage over others or if they do not.
I will also be much more of a fixture at county meetings to provide necessary advice. In the past, the county attorney has not been readily available to give advice to the board of supervisors or other offices. In addition, I have experience in the private sector regarding the civil side of the law, providing advice to prevent us from getting sued. I will use that experience to make certain that our leaders are properly advised before taking action.
I want to make inroads into preventing crime before it happens. This happens by working with different agencies and supporting community groups so that people in the community will know that there is another way to live and survive in our county other than by exploiting or stealing from others. I want to find just how much I can possibly do to prevent crime before it occurs.
I will be fair and always seek justice in whatever context I am called upon to help.
Why are you seeking public office?
We need responsible leadership and Muscatine County needs a good attorney to do the work of the people. Early in 2018, few thought our campaign could come close to winning against the incumbent Alan Ostergren. But things changed as the election got closer. We found our vision of what we want in our county attorney is shared by people in all parties. We came within 139 votes of winning out of around 15,000, less than 1 percent of the vote. I found that half of the people shared a common vision of how our county attorney should be. Honest, trustworthy, and most of all – fair. Fair for everyone, not just those with money, are connected, or have any other advantage. We’ll build on that one-half.
I grew up here and live here, learning the values of people here, but most importantly, I will focus on what people in the community want the office to be. We can’t change the whole country, but we can make sure good decisions are made and that there is justice and fairness in our corner of the world. I have been called to improve lives and make Muscatine County a safer place.
I look forward to ending the soap opera in Muscatine County by not entering unnecessary conflicts, being sued, and ending any mismanagement, corruption or questionable actions. I seek to be the candidate for all Muscatine County residents.
This will be a challenging time. We are seeing rapid social change and new federal and state mandates will be coming. We need someone with a steady hand on the wheel when changes come. I look forward to being YOUR County Attorney.
Cedar County
Jeff Kaufmann
County Board of Supervisors
Jeff Kaufmann, 57, of Wilton is running for Cedar County Supervisor. He is an incumbent running on the Republican ticket.
Kaufmann serves as a professor at Muscatine Community College and is also the chair of the Iowa Republican Party. He’s a Wilton High School graduate, and received BA, MA and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Iowa.
Kaufmann and his wife Vicki have three sons. Memberships include — Cedar County Historical Society, Cedar County Soldiers Monument Association, Cedar County Solid Waste Commission, Community Action Board, Durant Sons of the American Legion, Wilton Historical Society.
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
Maintenance and enhancement of our secondary road system, delivery and expansion of mental health services, election integrity, public safety in Cedar County, and a public health program, proactive in addressing COVID-19.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
1. Continue county services while budgeting in a way to maximize efficiency and not raise property taxes. 2. Expansion and reliability in mental health services in our region. 3. Programs and policies to safely guide our county services and economy through the pandemic. 4. Policies to facilitate the expansion of I-80 and maintenance of our secondary road system. 5. Continued emphasis on our veterans office, and access to local, state and federal resources/benefits.
Why are you seeking public office?
The job of county supervisor is not a partisan one. With my extensive experience and network in local, state and federal government, I can bring that experience to the table in solving county problems. As a 7th generation Cedar County citizen, my dedication to the county is not words but decades of action and results.
Jon Bell
County Board of Supervisors
Jon Bell, 60, of Tipton is running for Cedar County Supervisor. He is an incumbent running on the Republican ticket.
Bell is a farmer and part-time adjuster with an AAS in farm management degree from Muscatine Community College.
Bell and his wife Harriette have one son. Memberships include — Farm Bureau member, Calvary Church member, Limestone Bluffs RC&D Chair, EMA Chair, Cedar County Economic Development and Foundation Chair, Lower Cedar Watershed Chair, Crimestoppers Chair, 911 board, East Central Iowa Workforce Development CEO Board.
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
The next year will be a challenge providing services because the COVID-19 and derecho events affected funding sources. Mental health funding continues to be a challenge. Our EMS radio system for law, fire and ambulance needs updating. In mentioning all of these, I want to continue to keep our property taxes in check while providing the necessary services to you as tax payers.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I am working on securing the home based Iowa designation for our county, which will provide incentives to bring veterans back to Cedar County. They’ve served us, so it’s our time to support them. I will also continue to use my experience to keep Cedar County strong, fight consolidation of counties, make government more efficient and make Cedar County a better place to live.
Why are you seeking public office?
I feel my experience can add value to our county. I’ve been involved in bringing the county through natural disasters, pandemics and hard economic times. Through this, I’ve fought for our taxpayers, and want to continue in that fight. I feel honored to have served for 24 years and want to see projects and goals completed.
Steve Agne
County Board of Supervisors
Steve Agne, 70, of Tipton is running for Cedar County Supervisor. He is an incumbent running on the Republican ticket.
Agne is retired. His educational background includes Tipton Community School, Northwest Missouri State, Vietnam, and the University of Iowa.
He and his wife Mary have two children and five grandchildren. Memberships include — Veterans of Foreign Wars, Heritage Area Agency on Aging board member, St. Mary’s Church, Community Partnership for Protecting Children, and Wilton Development Council.
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
Nobody is sure what the financial impact will be on Cedar County due to COVID-19 and the derecho. We need to have due diligence to make sure the money is spent on needs and not wants. Mental health is a concern, the state’s funding is in question and we need to lobby for our county.
Bridges and roads are very important to keep up the high standard of Cedar County. We need to stay on top of the Highway 30 expansion and the Interstate 80 expansion, and stay close to DOT plans.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
Obviously keep tax levies stable, fund our roads, public health and continue the growth of our new Information Technology department.
Why are you seeking public office?
My family has been in Cedar County for over 150 years. We were very lucky to raise our kids in this county. I want to protect that legacy and keep Cedar County a great place to live. I am very proud of Cedar County.
Larry Hodgden
County Board of Supervisors
Larry Hodgden, 75, of Tipton is running for Cedar County Supervisor. He is running on the Democratic ticket.
Hodgden is a graduate of Tipton High School and spent two years in college, at Kirkwood Community College and others.
He and his wife Sharon have three children and seven grandchildren. Memberships include — Member and Elder 1st UCC church in Tipton for 60 years, served on Tipton school board from 1978-86, member of Tipton Lions, member Tipton Education Boosters board, founded Cedar County Bicycle Coalition, served on Freedom Rock committee, Served as Cedar County Democratic Party chair from 1978-84, 2012-16, and 2018-current.
What do you feel are the main issues concerning your constituents?
Health care and the disruption caused by Kim Reynolds’ failure to enforce masks and keep bars closed. Mental health care and shortage of beds caused by Republicans closing mental health facilities and chaos caused by going to regional groups. Water quality from nitrates and confined animal feedlots, which also affect the quality of life for rural residents. Increasing costs of staffing for county government.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I want each department to look for ways to automate their services and provide more online services to hold down and reduce staffing. I will speak out against CAFOs and changes made in Des Moines, which affect the quality of service and the tax burden on our residents. I will advocate for increased funding for veteran and senior services and work to provide better care for the mentally and physically challenged. I would follow public health guidelines to protect the public.
Why are you seeking public office?
I have the experience as a farmer, business owner, and community activist to represent and speak up for our county’s residents regardless of party. The board needs more balance, eight years of partisan Republican control of the board needs to end. I believe elected department heads and their employees deserve more support from the board.
