where to vote in emmet county - estherville news · 2018-11-04 · monday, october 8, 2018...

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2018 estHeRViLLe neWs/ESTHERVILLE, IA 1b

emmet county supervisor

Cole Beardsley - D1. Please tell us a little

about yourself and yourreason for running.

I attended school inEstherville and graduatedfrom ELC high school in 2003.I earned an Associate of Artsand an Associate of Sciencein paramedic science fromIowa Lakes CommunityCollege.

I have worked at Avera Holy FamilyHospital in the ER for 13 years.

Sara and I have a 2-year-old daughter,Brielle. I am also lucky to be able to helpraise my 12-year-old stepchild, Blake. Myparents Bill and Mary Beardsley also residein Estherville.

I have chosen to remain in Emmet Countyto live, work, and raise my family. I feel it isimportant for younger voters to take a more

active role in shaping their future.2. What kind of relationship should the

board of supervisors have with salariedemployees?

The Board of Supervisors controls thecounty budget, which includes those salariedemployees and their respective departments.Therefore I feel open communicationbetween the board and county departmentheads and employees is important. It is theboards responsibility to make sure they haveproper funding for staff, and provide any sup-port necessary to enable them to do theirjobs in a proficient and fiscally responsibleway.

3. What is the role of county supervisorin economic development?

The supervisors should encourage, pro-mote, and support economic growth inEmmet County.

Emmet County also belongs to Iowa LakesCorridor Development Corporation. They payannual dues and have access to job postings

and other economic development informa-tion. It is in the best interest of the board tosupport and encourage opportunities for newor expanding economic development firstand foremost in Emmet County but also inthis corridor.

4. What is your take on a situation inwhich private companies may be pollut-ing the county environment and diminish-ing the quality of life for county resi-dents?

Well, the Board of Supervisors should bethe first line of defense in protecting the com-munities and people in Emmet County.Whether that is taking the initiative to enforcezoning rules and permits, advocating and fil-ing a complaint with Iowa DNR or EPA tohelp with environmental or pollution issuesand enforcement.

5. What is your approach to fiscalresponsibility in light of meeting thecounty's needs?

The Board of Supervisors controls budgets

for all county activities with the end resultbeing assessed through property taxes.Taxes assessed by the Board of Supervisorsinclude County (paid by the city and rural res-idents), Rural (rural only), Mental Health (cityand rural). I feel it is important to diligentlywork with all the departments charged withproviding services to the residents of EmmetCounty to spend those tax dollars wisely.

6. Please add anything else you'd likevoters to know about your interest in andqualifications for serving as a supervisor.

This would be my first elected position. Ifeel my youthful enthusiasm and ability todevote the time and energy necessary tomake informed decisions would be an assetfor the Emmet County Board of Supervisors.

I would be honored to represent the resi-dents of Emmet County in helping to shapethe future of this county for your family andmine!

Thank you for your consideration,Vote Cole Beardsley November 6th!

Jeff Quastad - I1. Please tell us a little

about yourself and your rea-son for running.

I have lived within 3 miles ofwhere I live now all my life.After I graduated from LincolnCentral School, I worked as amechanic at M&M FarmCenter in Dolliver, then start-ed a shop of my own. In 1988,I changed things up and start-ed a well drilling/service business that I stillrun. I come from a big family of 9 kids, 2 girlsand 7 boys.

I would love to be re-elected and continueto serve the people of Emmet County. In myfirst term, I have worked on many drainageissues that never cease to amaze me as tohow complicated they can be. After 100years, you would think that most drainageproblems would be ironed out, but they con-tinue to come to the surface at a steady rate.Along with the other issues that the boarddeals with, I enjoy working for the people ofthis county and would like to continue.

2. What kind of relationship should theboard of supervisors have with salariedemployees?

The Board of Supervisors are directly theboss of the county engineer. The engineer is

the boss of secondary roads employees.The auditor, treasure, recorder, sheriff andcounty attorney are all elected officials, andare the bosses of the people that work intheir offices. The only hold that supervisorsactually have on another elected official ortheir employees is that the supervisors havethe final say to the county's budget. Thatbeing said, I believe that the county is ateam, and should act and work as one.


Our county is always looking for improve-ments to the economy of our area. Thesupervisors should always be looking fornew opportunities and businesses for ourcommunity. We should always have ourminds open to development and ways toattract businesses to our county. Findingareas for expansion and infrastructure tosupport the expansion is a good startingpoint.

4. What is your take on a situation inwhich private companies may be pollutingthe county environment and diminishingthe quality of life for county residents?

As an example, Central Bi-Products ismost often the center of this topic as of late.It's hard as a county not to accept opportuni-ties for employment and adding revenue tothe community. Central Bi-Products startedfor a very good reason, to make something

useful out of unwanted waste from the porkkill on the Southeast part of town. Then, theyexpanded by rendering dead animals fromthe countryside, both very good ideas. But,off and on since the very beginning therehave been many problems that have notbeen handled in the best way. It is no one'sfault that the wind comes from the south andthe ridge west of town holds it in town, butthe rendering plant has to be able to dealwith that reality. While wanting businesses tocome and stay in Emmet County, they can-not come at the expense of others. Smellingup their air, chasing people and other busi-nesses away is not acceptable. I haveresponded to quite a few odor complaintseven though smells don't usually bother me.When I go to the area where the complaintcame from, I am appalled by how bad it canbe.

One thing I do want people to know is thatthe board is aggressively working on somecost effective legal solutions that I admit tome the pace is like watching paint dry, butwe are trying to make the rendering plantaccountable. I hope the plant representa-tives are being sincere with what they aresaying, and hope we are on the right path. Ifnot, we will have to go down another paththat will be much more expensive and com-plicated. The effect the plant is having on thetown has to change because some of the

things they have done this year have beenso much more than unacceptable, that it'shard to even describe.

The same approach would need to beused for any company that threatens thequality of life in Emmet County.

5. What is your approach to fiscalresponsibility in light of meeting the coun-ty's needs?

The question is the definition of a supervi-sor! The county supervisors are responsibleto meet the county's needs, and to assessthe taxes to the property of Emmet County tocover the costs of doing so. Wasteful spend-ing is not something anyone in this countyneeds, and the supervisors need to keep itout of the budget. At the same time, we don'twant to be so frugal that we get stuck andcan't grow our economy, or keep up with thewear to our infrastructure.

6. Please add anything else you'd likevoters to know about your interest in andqualifications for serving as a supervisor.

I would like to thank the people for the sup-port that got me elected last time, and wouldappreciate everyone's support again. I try todo what I believe is fair to everyone, even ifit is unpopular to the person that hasrequested action. To me, it is always moreimportant to be fair to all. THANKS! JeffQuastad

John Pluth - R1. Please tell us a little

about yourself and yourreason for running.

My name is John Pluth. Iwas born and raised inEmmet County, graduatedfrom Estherville High Schoolin 1982. After high school Imoved to California andworked construction, started afamily and have two daugh-ters, Kayla and Taylor. In 2006 I moved backto Iowa, started working at Emmet CountySecondary Roads and working on the familyfarm. In 2009, I married my wife Crystal andin 2014 I was elected to Emmet CountyBoard of Supervisors and that brings us tothis year’s re- election.

I would appreciate your vote for Supervisorso I can continue working on some issuesfacing Emmet County.

1. First is the odor issue that has affectedEstherville this summer. 2. Our aging anddecreasing population in rural America espe-cially in Emmet County. 3. Our aging infra-structure - roads, bridges, and drainage dis-

trict tiles. None of these issues have an easyfix but I would like to continue working onthem.

2. What kind of relationship should theboard of supervisors have with salariedemployees?

2. I’m not sure where this question is com-ing from. With 5 board members makingdecisions all employees are treated equally.


3. To answer this question, let’s look at whatbusinesses look for - Work force - Housing -Infrastructure - roads, utilities, property -Friendly business environment

All of these are tied together. One doesn’twork without the other - that’s what makes itdifficult and we don’t have unlimited funds tothrow at everything. So we have to pick andchoose where we can spend. Some of thethings we have done is the “Grow With Us”campaign. That plan was set up because ourcommunities older businesses thought wegave a lot to get new business opportunitiesand did nothing for them who had been herefor a long time. The plan had them make pro-posals to the board to expand their businessand we granted them a forgivable loan if

qualified.Another is we donated to the hospital for

Avera’s upgrades which is part of the infra-structure businesses look at when looking fora location.

To answer your question we need to bebusiness friendly, and help support the otherqualifiers where and when we can.

4. What is your take on a situation inwhich private companies may be pollut-ing the county environment and diminish-ing the quality of life for county resi-dents?

4. I assume you’re taking about Central BiProducts odor problems we have been deal-ing with. We had the meeting in July at thecollege when Central Bi Products CEO camedown and answered questions and admittedto break downs at the plant and dropping theball on how they had let the plant get out ofhand. At that meeting they explained howthey intended to fix the plant and clean upodor issues in town. These improvementsare supposed to be done by December. Theyinclude the new building that is set up andenclosed, and the new scrubber system,which is supposed to clean the air comingfrom the plant.

This last week we met with Central BiProducts again. They brought in a specialistfrom Iowa State University who specializes inodor and his is putting together a plan to pos-sibly put up equipment to monitor the odorsand also be able to identify where they comefrom. Now that I told you their plans I want tolet you know we have heard your complaintsand understand your quality of life has beenaffected and this cannot continue to affectour lives. This goes back to question three aswell - business friendly environment. Wewant to try to be friendly to CBI, but not at theexpense of citizens or other possible busi-ness opportunities.

We don’t have unlimited funds so I try tospend like I would spend my own money.What I feel is needed and what benefits mostof our tax paying residents is how I vote tospend your money.

5. What is your approach to fiscalresponsibility in light of meeting thecounty's needs?

5. I have enjoyed and learned a lot in thepast four years as supervisor. I hope you feelI have represented you well and have earnedyour vote for another four years.

Thank you for your vote. John Pluth

Where to vote in Emmet CountyResidents of: ...............Vote at:

PRecinct 1:.................ARmstRongCity of Armstrong ...........COMMUNITYArmstrong Grove ...........CENTERTownship and ................519 6th St., ArmstrongIowa Lake Township

PRecinct 2:.................gRUVeR citY HALLCity of Gruver .................201 1st Ave., GruverCenter TownshipSwan Lake Township

PRecinct 3:.................Ringsted LibRARYCity of Ringsted..............8 W. Maple St., RingstedDenmark TownshipJack Creek Township

PRecinct 4: ................doLLiVeR citY HALLCity of Dolliver ................5017 Shafter St., DolliverEllsworth TownshipLincoln Township

PRecinct 5:.................coURtHoUse boARd RoomEmmet Township............609 1st Ave. North, EsthervilleEstherville Township

PRecinct 6: ................RedeemeR LUtHeRAn Estherville Ward 1 ..........1215 N. 15th St., Estherville

PRecinct 7: ................FARm bUReAU oFFiceEstherville Ward 2 ..........421 1st Ave. N., Estherville

PRecinct 8:: ..............coURtHoUse ALL-PURPose Estherville Ward 3 ..........609 1st Ave., N., Estherville

PRecinct 9: ................estHeRViLLe FiRe HALLEstherville Ward 4 ..........27 S. 5th St., Estherville

PRecinct 10: .............mAsonic HALLEstherville Ward 5 ..........2003 E. Central Ave., Estherville

PRecinct 11: ..............WALLingFoRdCity of Wallingford ..........COMMUNITY CENTERHigh Lake Township .......42 St. James Ave., WallingfordTwelve Mile Lake Township

PRecinct 12: .............AUditoR’s oFFiceAbsentee Voting .............Courthouse, 609 1st Ave., N.,.......................................Estherville

You can return your votedabsentee ballot by mail.Absentee ballots receivedin the county auditor'soffice by the time the pollsclose on election day areeligible for counting.Absentee ballots received

after the polls close on elec-tion day must be post-marked by the Mondaybefore election day or earli-er and received in the coun-ty auditor's office no laterthan noon on the Mondayfollowing the election. For

school and some city andspecial elections, the returndeadline may be earlier.Read the instructions sentwith the ballot.

Voted absentee ballotscannot be delivered to thepolling place on election

day. If you have notreturned your absentee bal-lot on election day, youhave the following options:n Deliver your voted

absentee ballot to the coun-ty auditor's office beforethe polls close on election

day,n Surrender your voted

absentee ballot at the pollsand vote a regular ballot, orn Vote a provisional bal-

lot at the polls if you cannotsurrender your voted absen-tee ballot.

You can still vote absentee

Tedd Gassman - Roffice running for: District 7 State

Representative Family: Married to wife

Mary JoEll for 56 years. Wehave three grown childrenand 14 grandchildren. Addedto the list recently with agreat-grandson and will soonhave a great-granddaughter.

Political affiliationRepublicanPast and current employmentI have a varied background on past and

current employment. I taught school at thejunior and high school level for ten years. Ihave operated several businesses over theyears from service stations to insurance tofarming. I also delivered Winnebago motorhomes all over the USA and Canada. I cur-rently farm and serve as your 7th DistrictHouse member.

Have you run for office before? Yes, I was on the Thompson school board

for 14 years, served as president part of thattime. I have served as your state represen-tative since 2013.

Reason for runningI have been your state representative now

for six years. I believe we have made anumber of good changes to state law. Ourbudget has been balance every year, whichhasn’t always been an easy task. I will notspend more than we take in and I will notspend one-time money for ongoing expens-es. I believe the state has taken enough ofthe people’s money over the years. I see noreason to take even more.

K-12 schools have been a priority in ourbudget process no matter what you hear.There are a number of bogus issues beingpresented in the mail. Supplemental StateAid (SSA) is not the reason a school wouldgo on a budget guarantee. The collectivebargaining agreement that we changed leftbargaining for wages intact. IPERS will notchange. I will not vote for a change inIPERS. There is no way to switch fromIPERS to some other system.

Only four other states have given morenew money to K-12 schools in recent yearsthan Iowa. Teacher pay is eighth in thenation when adjusted for cost of living andthey have, if not the best, one of the bestretirement systems in the country. I’m abeliever in an education being the greatequalizer and I want all children to get thebest education possible.

We also made a change to help rural K-12schools deal with high transportation costs,

but there is more to do. Some schoolsspend as much as $1,000 per student peryear on transportation, while others spendas little as $100. This takes money out of theclassroom. During the previous session, wedid put an additional $11.4 million into K-12schools that have those higher costs. Iworked on that concept for four years and itdid come to fruition last year, but I would liketo see it done another way.

Community colleges are the best way totrain Iowans for the jobs and careers of thefuture. I want to support our community col-leges and other two-year programs as muchas possible to help ensure we have a skilledworkforce for Iowa employers. We mustalso help our four-year schools with theirfinances, but they in turn must help them-selves. I believe we need to bring studentloans back to the state. When the federalgovernment is in control of such funds thereis an unlimited amount. That can be takenadvantage of and the student is lesser forthe exchange.

I would also work on our current marriagelaws. I would like to see some changes interms of incentives to marry and stay mar-ried. Children do so much better living in ahousehold with mom and dad.

What are the top challenges facing thisoffice?

I would say the top two challenges facingthis office is health care and education.There are a number of vulnerable peoplewho need help paying for health care and itis our duty to help those people. The MCOconcept makes good sense in that fashion.If someone on Medicaid is using alcohol,drugs, or tobacco,or

Doing something that is unhealthy, theMCOs have an incentive to change thatbehavior; thus making that individual health-ier, and less money will be spent on medica-tion. Some people have disabilities beyondbeing managed and require special atten-tion that should be treated differently. As apart of this, mental health is also a problem.We have a number of children that havetroubled backgrounds. We made somechanges to help those children but need todo more.

Challenges remain in our education sys-tem also. We must continue to fund K-12schools as a priority and as our budgetallows. I believe changing the school trans-portation funding is of fundamental impor-tance. Some schools have reorganized ontop of reorganized. The land mass has con-tinually grown for many school districts,there are fewer and fewer children in therural districts thus raising the cost per pupil.I think more needs to be done with this

issue. I believe our community colleges andschools with two-year programs can beinstrumental in helping the growth of jobs inthis state and the education to prepare forthose jobs whether straight out of highschool or have been in the job market. I cansee further financial help for these entities.Our colleges and universities must also behelped. The growth in cost of tuition is notsustainable. A different model may be nec-essary.

If you are a successful candidate, howwould you expect to improve the district

We are doing very well as a state.Unemployment is at record lows, U.S. newsand world report states that Iowa is the bestplace in the nation to live. Wages haveincreased considerably with starting pay atmany jobs in the $14 area. That doesn’tmean we can rest on our laurels.

We are putting an additional $282,000,000into a water quality initiative that will help ourentire environmental system and I believewe are handling this initiative the right way.Some think that penalties should beimposed if certain guidelines are not met butI believe the people involved will step up tothe plate and make some necessarychanges through incentives rather than

penalties.I believe the MCOs are a good idea, but

some changes need to be made. Forty otherstates have a similar setup. I will be involvedin getting the Medicaid system working foreveryone. There have been some changesthat need to bemonitored and maybe otherchanges need tobe made toi mprove theentire system.

The cost of buying health insurance is outof reach for many families so I will continueto monitor this problem and seek solutions.Farm Bureau and Wellmark have a goodidea going. Their new policy will cut the costof a good health insurance policy in halffrom the ACA plans.

Just remember the state of Iowa wasselected as the number one state in thenation to live by US News and WorldReport; we were also noted to have the thirdhighest rising income level in the nation. Ihave been endorsed by Farm Bureau as afriend of Agriculture, AIB and NFIB with theirbusiness interests and the Iowa Corn Pac. Iwill also be included on a prolife registry withIowa Right to life. The NRA has given me an“A”. I’m also supported by the Iowa ethanolplants. Thank you for any past support. Iwould appreciate your vote on Nov. 6th.


district 7 state Representative

Debra Jensen - Doffice running for:State Representative for

Iowa House District 7Family:I’ve been married to Paul

Jensen, a retired educator andcoach, for 34 years. We havefour amazing children and sixincredible grandchildren.

Political affiliation:I am a proud Democrat. Past and current employment:My professional background includes work-

ing as a nurse for 35 years with extensiveexperiences in hospital, chemical dependen-cy, hospice, long-term care, and public healthnursing. I served in public health 23 years.Entering people’s homes to help them healhas helped me identify how mismanagementof government programs negatively impactsfamilies.

I also owned a successful bridal businessfor 11 years. This has given me insight intothe issues that face entrepreneurs and otherswho have to make balance sheets workbased on supply and demand.

Have you ever run for office before (listpositions if applicable)

I’ve never run for office before; however, mywork in public health has given me experi-ence as a public servant and keen insight intothe ways state budget appropriations impactlocal government spending.

What is your reason for running?I am running because too many bills and

laws passed by the Legislature this year donot express the will of the majority of the peo-ple in Iowa’s 7th District. Too many voices are

not being heard and too much of our taxpayerdollars have been mismanaged and misspentthrough privatization of government programsand the awarding of wasteful tax credits tocorporations. I am running to help Iowa makeits people more important than profits for out-of-state companies again.

What are the top two challenges facingthis office?

The number one challenge facing Iowanstoday is healthcare, in particular, a decline inaccess to adequate healthcare. More than600,000 Iowans–about one-quarter of thestate’s population–have been harmed by theprivatization of Medicaid. Quality of lifedepends on a person’s ability to enjoy dailylife. We must honor our commitment to spendtax dollars wisely when providing access toadequate healthcare for our state’s most vul-nerable citizens.

The other top challenge is the threat to edu-cation because of inadequate funding. Publicschools shape the identities of our rural com-munities. And, when we combine quality edu-cation with quality employment opportunities,education shapes our collective future. Wemust restore Iowa education to its former #1in the nation status, because the students inour public schools, community colleges, andRegent institutions deserve it.

How will you address those challenges?We need to reverse the privatization of

Medicaid by restoring local control for client-directed, quality care that puts people beforeprofits. In addition, we must re-build the men-tal health care system. Under privatization,too many people have been hurt and toomany medical providers have experiencedunnecessary delays in payments, reducedpayments, or have been denied payments

without a fair and just appeals process. Thestate of Iowa knows how to manage a pro-gram that sufficiently meets patient needsusing only 4-5 % for administrative costs.Today, the state is handing over taxpayermoney to three out-of-state companies whoare taking about 15% in administrative feesand costing us three times more than whatMedicaid did in 2016. We cannot afford priva-tization, and those who rely on Medicaid fortheir healthcare cannot afford to live with theinferior services supplied under this system.Medicaid needs to move from a fee-for-ser-vice model to paying for outcomes as a wayto save money.

As for education, we must fund our publicschools at levels sufficient for inflation andstudent needs. In addition, the state mustcommit to state aid increases far enough inadvance for administrators and school boardsto make wise decisions. I also will supportcurriculum development for job-ready gradu-ates that do not want to pursue collegedegrees and restoring collective bargainingrights, because quality benefits packagesattract quality teacher candidates. I will pro-tect our public education system from anymoves toward privatization in the future.

if you are the successful candidate, howwould you expect to improve conditionsfor your district?

The counties and cities of Iowa HouseDistrict 7 are rural communities shaped byagriculture and education. In addition tostrengthening our schools I will support andadvocate for bipartisan solutions to addressthe CAFO issues that affect water and airquality in our district by involving all stake-holders. This includes corporations, smallerbusiness operations, individual family farm-

ers, and experts from the school of publichealth at the University of Iowa and theSchool of Animal Health and VeterinaryMedicine at Iowa State. This is vital in order tosolve problems that are equitable for all peo-ple involved base on solid science. We allneed clean air, land, and water. Our policiesmust acknowledge that Iowa's farmers arethe backbone of our local economies. Theydeserve protection from unstable trade poli-cies that affect markets.

We can also improve conditions in HouseDistrict 7 by making certain tax credits don’tdivert too much money from city and countygovernments. When too much tax revenuedisappears out-of-state, our communities suf-fer by having to make up the difference. Thisresults in cuts to schools, libraries, parks, lawenforcement and public safety, and publichealth. We lose resources needed to repairroads and bridges. When tax credits leave thestate, our quality of life declines. Tax dollarsmust be reinvested in ways that protect ourrural economies and way of life.

Anything else you would like to add?I will never forget where I came from. As a

nurse, I’ve spent my career listening to peo-ple’s needs and responding in ways thatmake their lives better. I will listen to people inHouse District 7 and be faithful to their values.I would like to think I have the heart of a ser-vant and the voice of an advocate. I will edu-cate myself on all issues that impact my con-stituents and reach across the aisle to buildtrusting relationships. That foundation willhelp us work together on compromises thatbenefit the most Iowans. I will never forgetthat the most important considerations for meas I work on behalf of the people in HouseDistrict 7 are their best interests.


VOTERS’ GUIDE

vote on

tuesdaY,

nov. 6,

2018


VOTERS’ GUIDEgovernor of iowa

Fred Hubbell - DA fifth-generation Iowan, Fred Hubbell has

spent his life investing in Iowa and workingto better his community by putting his timeand resources behind expanding access tohealth care, improving mentalhealth services, and increas-ing access to higher educa-tion opportunities — all whileraising a family and runningsuccessful businesses.

A proven leader who knowshow to balance a budget,Fred holds vast experience inboth the public and privatesector. He successfully ranseveral large companies including Younkersin the 1980s during the farm crisis, andEquitable of Iowa. Fred was twice called topublic service. First, in 2007 to lead the IowaPower Fund, helping Iowa invest andbecome a leader in renewable energy.Then, in 2009, to help lead the IowaDepartment of Economic Development andclean up the disastrous film tax credit scan-dal.

Throughout his career, Fred has been atireless progressive. Alongside his wife,Charlotte, the Hubbell’s stepped up to helpaddress the mental health crisis by support-ing Broadlawns Medical Center in increas-ing mental health beds by 50 percent andadding two new psychiatrists after the stateslashed mental health funding. For over thir-ty years, Fred has worked to increaseaccess to quality, affordable health care forevery Iowan through his work with PlannedParenthood, and serving as chair of the Mid-Iowa organization in 1984, as well as on theboard of Mercy Medical Center. Fred hasserved on the Iowa College FoundationBoard, the Simpson College Board, andpersonally sponsors numerous scholarshipsto expand higher education opportunities to

more Iowans.Additionally, following the 2008 flood in

Eastern Iowa, Hubbell helped lead a disas-ter relief campaign, The Embrace Iowa –2008 Iowa Disaster Fund, donating $2 mil-lion for local organizations aiding flood vic-tims.

He currently resides in Des Moines, withhis wife Charlotte, and has three childrenand three grandchildren.

Kim Reynolds - RKim Reynolds understands the challenges

families face because she’s faced them her-self. A fifth-generation Iowan,she grew up in a working-class family in St. Charles,Iowa. A recognized leader instate and local issues, Kimserved as county treasurerand state senator beforebecoming LieutenantGovernor and Governor.

As Lt. Governor, she servedas the chairwoman of the National Lt.Governors Association. In this role, she lednationwide discussions on policy, economicdevelopment, and issues affecting statesacross the country.

Kim has made Iowa a national leader inSTEM education; and she’s led economicdevelopment trade missions to China,Germany, South Korea, Vietnam, thePhilippines and Thailand, working towardsincreased exports, more foreign directinvestment and new jobs for Iowa.

Throughout her entire life, Kim Reynoldshas never forgotten her working class roots.As a teenager she worked as a waitress atYounkers, and later as a checker at Hy-Veeall while raising a young family and gettingher college degree.

That’s why her top priorities as governorare creating good-paying jobs, cuttingtaxes, investing in public schools, and

increasing opportunity in every part of Iowa.Kim and her husband, “First Dude” Kevin,have been married 36 years, have threedaughters and nine grandchildren.

Jake Porter - L Jake Porter, 30, has experience as a small

business and marketing con-sultant, former employee ofYahoo and Apple, and formerretail store manager. He wasthe Executive Director of theLibertarian Party in Iowa in2017. He submitted thisstatement to the EsthervilleNews:

I am running for Governorbecause I want to take theskills I have learned and offer solutions toour problems. I am tired of the politicianstaking our freedoms away and charging usmore in taxes so they can benefit big busi-ness and enrich themselves.

My education, business background, andpersonality would make me a good choice.We have a budget and fiscal crisis. I knowhow to make a budget. I have modern tech-nological plans for the state government. Iam young and energetic. I work acrossparty lines and with those not affiliated withany party.

My belief is that you should make yourown decisions regarding your life. It isn’t thestate’s job to tell you what you are going todo with your body, how you are going toworship, what books you are going to read,or who you are going to marry. Some of themost horrific acts in history were committedby the government trying to dictate the willof the majority or a dictator on the individual.

My pledge to you is that I will work for you.I will be a Governor for all Iowans no matterparty affiliation, religion, gender, race. I willput your personal rights and economic free-

dom as the center of all my decisions.Ask not what the government can do for

you, but what you can freely do for your-selves, your family, your community, andyour fellow man.

Gary Siegwarth - I Gary Siegwarth of rural Clayton County in

northeast Iowa is running asan Independent Candidatefor Governor in the ClearWater Party of Iowa. Heworks at the Big Spring TroutHatchery along the TurkeyRiver near Elkader. He is pastpresident of the Iowa Chapterof the American FisheriesSociety, founding boardmember and past president of the ClaytonCounty Conservation Awareness Network,Chairman for 17 years of the Clayton CountyPheasants Forever Habitat, past coordinatorof Clayton County Farm BureauEnvironmental Resources, and co-founderof the Music & Monarch Festival conserva-tion awareness event. Siegwarth lists the topissues on his platform, and the root cause orsolution to every other issue as: 1) overcom-ing divisiveness between political parties; 2)breaking the big money and special interestinfluence of our political system; 3) overhaul-ing the legislative process; 4) putting naturalresources onto an even playing field with theother issues; 5) fiscal responsibility in gov-ernment; 6) giving all people a voice; 7)diversity in agriculture; 8) a holistic vision forland, water, and future generations; 10) giv-ing young people a voice and inviting themback to rural Iowa as part of diverse & cre-ative agriculture; 11) giving public employ-ees and workers a voice; 12) improvingmental health; 13) legalizing hemp andcannabis production to give farmers moreprofitable crop options, cure simple ailments,provide revenue to the state.

secretary of state: Paul D. Pate of Des Moines, Republican incumbent

Deidre DeJear of Des Moines, DemocratJules Offenbach of West Des Moines, Libertarian

Auditor of stateMary Mosiman of Ames, Republican incumbent

Rob Sand of Des Moines, DemocratFred Perryman of Cedar Falls, Libertarian

treasurer of state Jeremy N. Davis of Ames, Republican

Michael L. Fitzgerald of Waukee, Democrat incumbentTimothy Hird, Des Moines, Libertarian

secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig of Des Moines, Republican incumbent

Tim Gannon of Des Moines, DemocratRick Stewart of Cedar Rapids, Libertarian

Attorney general Tom Miller of Des Moines, Democrat incumbent

Marco Battaglia of Des Moines, Libertarian

other statewide contests in iowa


VOTERS’ GUIDEU.s. House of Representatives - iowa 4th district

Steve King - RPlease tell us something about yourself

and your reason for running.My family roots in Iowa go back to the Civil

War and beyond, and, unlike my opponent inthis race, I have happily lived and worked inour Fourth District my entire life. I am a fullspectrum, Christian, Constitutional,Conservative who founded a successfulconstruction business (KingConstruction) and who knowsfirsthand the challenges smallbusinesses face, and theimportance of these busi-nesses to our ruraleconomies. My positions andseniority on the HouseAgriculture, House Judiciary,and House Small BusinessCommittees uniquely allow me to advanceIowa’s interests, and I am fortunate to enjoya close working relationship, and often ashared agenda, with President Trump.

What do you feel are the major issuesfacing the people of iowa's Fourthdistrict?

The Fourth District is the premier agricul-tural district in the United States, and wealways have to maintain a focus on theimportance of expanding international anddomestic trade markets for our producersand our manufactures. I am pleased with therecent success I have had encouraging theTaiwanese to purchase more of our soy-beans, and that I was able to help convincePresident Trump to authorize the year-roundsale of E15. It is also why I have worked toadd language to the Farm Bill that preventsstates like California from unconstitutionallyregulating the means of agricultural produc-tion in our state. The new USMCA trade dealwill place the United States in a more com-petitive position, and we will soon reap thebenefits from it.

We also must remain vigilant. Today’s farleft Democratic Party doesn’t respect theSecond Amendment. They don’t respectunborn life. They have even decided that thetraditional American belief in “due process”and “innocent until proven guilty” are barriersto their rise to power and must be jettisoned.I disagree with them. We must elect leaderswho will restore the Rule of Law, and whowill protect our God-given rights. Iowansunderstand this. We’ve even made it ourstate motto: “Our liberties we prize and ourrights we will maintain.”

How will you be responsive to theneeds, struggles and progress of ruraliowa while in the House ofRepresentatives?

The people of the Fourth District know whoI am. They know where I stand, and theyknow that I keep my word. They have alwaysstood with me, and I will always stand withthem to advance their interests. My offices inWashington, Sioux City, Mason City, Ames,Spencer, and Fort Dodge are always readyto assist Fourth District residents, and wehave earned a well-deserved reputation forfriendly and effective constituent service. Forus, the Fourth District is home, you are ourneighbors, and we have never and will neverforget this fact.

What do you feel is the role of a legisla-tor in bringing funding to your district?

It is an important role that I take seriously,and you can look at my successes securingearmarked funding for the construction offour lane Highway 20 as one example ofthis. We need to act as guardians of the tax-payer’s money, and we need to look foropportunities to cut spending, cut taxes, andto let people keep more of what they earn.We also need to make sure that our regionof the state is not left behind the major pop-ulation centers of Eastern Iowa, somethingthat my Congressional seniority helps pro-tect against.

in what ways will you be part of thesolution to congressional showdownsand work across party lines?

One of the things that the Members of yourcurrent Iowa Congressional delegation havealways prided itself on is its willingness to

work with each other across party lines inmutual support of our state. In my time inCongress, Iowa has been represented byRepublican Senators and Representativesand Democratic Senators andRepresentatives. The Presidents in this timeperiod have come from both parties. Evenour Governors have come from both parties.When the chips were down, we cametogether for Iowa. Agriculture issues are by-and-large bipartisan in nature. I’ve workedand will continue to work with both parties toensure our farmers retain the ability to dowhat they do best – produce for the entireworld. Unfortunately, I fear the extreme par-tisanship of the current era means the newwave of far left Democratic candidates feelmore of an affinity for the San Francisco val-ues of Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi thanthey do for the traditional Iowa courtesiesthat have always transcended party lines.

J.D. Scholten - DPlease tell us something about yourself

and your reason for running.

A fifth-generation Iowan, I was born inAmes and spent most of my life in Sioux City.Following college, I played professionalbaseball in seven different countries andworked as a freelance paralegal. I've trav-eled all over the world, but always lived bythe Iowa values I was raised with. Two yearsago, I came home to visit my Grandma Fern.Before I left, she said, "Youneed to come home to takecare of the family farm." Thatended up being our last con-versation as she passedaway soon after. When Imoved back to Iowa I wasn'thappy with the opportunitiesmy home state had to offer,and decided it was time forchange. I realized that the best way I couldhonor my grandma's request was to fight forall of the family farms, and all of the peopleof the district I call home.

What do you feel are the major issuesfacing the people of iowa's Fourthdistrict?

Healthcare is the number one issue peopletalk to me about on the campaign trail. I'vebeen crisscrossing this district in our cam-paign RV, and we stop at a lot of gas sta-tions. Far too often, I see donation boxes-raising money for someone's surgery or doc-tor bills. This is the wealthiest nation onearth, we shouldn't have to beg for ourhealth care. There are so many issues I'mpassionate about: health care, the environ-ment, protecting family farms, enhancingSocial Security and Medicare, rebuilding ourrural economy, but we can't seem to get any-thing done in Washington. One of thebiggest reasons is because self-interestsand special interests have far too much influ-ence on our system. We absolutely needcampaign finance reform to get big moneyout of politics. I'm fighting for a healthcaresystem, an economy, and a government thatworks for ALL of us.


First of all, I'll listen to my constituents andwhat the people want. This is what's missingfrom our current Representative Steve King.I'm just finishing up my third 39-county tour,with a town hall meeting in every county. Wecall this tour, "You Can't Fake Showing Up,"because showing up for constituents shouldbe the first priority of a representative. Rep.King doesn't do town halls, he doesn't dopublicly scheduled appearances, hedeclined to meet with the editorial board ofthe largest newspaper in the state, and hewon't even hold a debate with me. How canyou have a government of the people, by thepeople, and for the people, if you don'tinclude the people?


Iowa is a leader in production of corn,hogs, eggs, biodiesel, ethanol, wind energy

and more. We have the best land, the bright-est minds, and the hardest working people inthe country. That's why I support trade poli-cies and trade agreements designed to ben-efit this district. I want to add advanced man-ufacturing jobs, and add technology jobs. Irecently attended my 20-year class reunionand it was great to hear about so manyclassmates doing well, but it was frustratingthat so many of them had left the district forbetter opportunities in places like Omaha,Minneapolis, or Des Moines. We need tobring higher paying jobs to the district tokeep our children here.


My campaign motto is "Standing Tall forAll," not just because I'm 6'6", but because Iwant to represent ALL of the people of thisdistrict, regardless of which party they sub-scribe to. My loyalty would be to my con-stituents first, and that means workingacross party lines to find solutions. I want tolisten and understand the other side of thepolitical spectrum rather than fight them. Weneed to unify and bring people together if wewant real change. This is another areawhere Rep. Steve King and I differ greatly.For 16 years, he's been one of the mostpolarizing and divisive members ofCongress. Playing party politics and dividingpeople might get headlines, but it does noth-ing to help the people of this district.

Please tell us something about yourselfand your reason for running.

Charles Aldrich - LIowa's Libertarian Candidate for US

Representative District 4.

some about meI was in the Marines for 4 years, and start-

ed skydiving in the Marines, currently haveover 400 skydives,

Went to college and got an Bachelor ofEngineering degree, while in college rodemy bicycle to 49 states,

Have a patent for a T-postplatform, listed with Searsand Walmart.

Father of three adults, twowomen and one man.

What i will work on whilein office.

I will work to get the first$350 earned each weekexempt from governmentconfiscation.

This would also apply to business, the first$350 paid to an employee would not incur atax liability.

Financial accounts could not be drainedbelow $2,000 by government agents.

Stop the drug war.Move the military from offensive to defen-

siveMy Facebook page is https://www.face-

book.com/Aldrichusrep/ What do you feel are the major issues

facing the people of iowa's Fourthdistrict?

Retaining people in small communities,income, healthcare, pollution, education,federal debt.


Stopping the government from confiscationfunds from poverty wages and drainingfinancial accounts below $2,000 will makeliving more affordable in small communities.Restricting tax liability of companies for thefirst $350 per week of pay to each employee,will let the companies be more profitable.

I would work to move heath care authorityaway from federal control and back to thestates, this would leave the health care deci-sions closer to patient and health careprovider.

Ending the drug war would be part of theprocess of making growing hemp leal; hempwhen growing cleans soil and runoff water,can also be a cash crop for farmers.

Education should also be moved back to

state control, the state can be more respon-sive to the community needs of education, ifstudents are educated for the needs of thecommunity, the student will more likely inte-grate into the community.

Moving the military from offensive to defen-sive will reduce the budget for the military,which will reduce or eliminate the nationaldebt over several years. Moving other pro-grams from federal control back to state con-trol will also reduce the debt.


My primary purpose will be to work onreducing the amount of funds taken out ofthe district. When people get to spend 100%of their own money without restrictions orgovernment incentives, the result will be aself-directed pursuit of happiness, whichleads to a better result than a governmentdirected pursuit of happiness.


As a Libertarian, I am not aligned witheither party and would be willing to work onbills and vote for bills which are in the bestinterest of the people I represent.

Edward Peterson - I

In response to your questions, I've spentthe past two decades as a handyman, a reg-ular joe whose job consists of solving prob-lems. I plan to bring that same problem solv-ing ability to Washington to contrast with themany lawyers, etc. who have been trained towin rather than solve.

The biggest issue we face as Americans isrepresentation focused moreon party opposition, on theirparty winning, than on listen-ing to the people and findingcommon ground and makingcommon sense decisions. Allother big issues, such asfarming assistance, health-care, mental health, taxes, orthe economy, are affected bythis one and solutions to the those issues willnever happen until we reduce the fighting inWashington.

Being a normal guy, I have experiencedmany of the same struggles that confront thepeople of this district and I plan to continuelistening to the people so that I don't forgetthose struggles. I hope that, if I were elected,the people of Iowa would feel that I am oneof them, and if I ever fail in connecting tothem, that they would vote me out.

Our nation's rural areas, especially in theMidwest, are its backbone. We need to buildup our rural communities, if we allow indus-try or small business to fail in the rural areas,we will lose services our neighbors in agri-culture need to stay profitable. To this end, Iwould support not only measures to supportfamily farms, but also measures that keeppeople and businesses, especially smalllocal businesses, in our rural areas.

As a No Party candidate, I would have nei-ther a reason to recognize party lines, nor toview other legislators as opponents andcould negotiate with them strictly on a basisof common sense, common ground, andwhat is best for the people I represent. Iwould be free to call out the partisanshipfrom both sides in any showdown and cut tothe details that are actually relevant.

Website: http://peterson4commonground.com/Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/Peterson4CommonGround-456292374881563/

n Republican candidate Melanie Summers Bauler is unopposedfor county attorney.

n Democrat Brenda Moore is unopposed for county treasurer. n Republican Diann Quastad Minion is unopposed for county

recorder.n Three candidates are seeking to fill a seat on the Soil and

Water Commission. Arden Kinnander and Don Valen are bothseeking full terms while Joan Eveleth is running to fill a vacancy

on the commission.n Five candidates are seeking five open seats on the county Ag

Extension Council—Nancy Rosburg, Beth Wycoff, ToddEisenbacher, Greg Deim and Crystal Clabaugh.

n No candidates file for the Armstrong Grove Township Clerk. n Jeff Felkey is seeking the Armstrong Grove Township Trustee

position.n Deb Tietje is running for Iowa Lake Township Clerk.

n There is no candidate for Iowa Lake Township Trustee.n Phyllis Martens is unopposed for Emmet Township Clerk.

n There is no candidate for Emmet Township Trustee.n John Klingbeil is on the ballot for Center Township Clerk. n Jerry Pluth is seeking the Center Township Trustee post.

n Jean Hoffman is running for Lincoln Township Clerk.n Dennis Hoffman is unopposed for Lincoln Township Trustee.

Uncontested races in emmet county

Vote on tuesday, nov. 6, 2018

where to vote in emmet county - estherville news · 2018-11-04 · monday, october 8, 2018...

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