Candidate column: Andrea Jackson

Running for public office wasn't something I thought about while growing up in Cedar Rapids, but my family strongly encouraged community service. So my decision to run for Linn County supervisor was an extension of the values imparted by my parents.

I am excited about this race and possibilities ahead for our county. We need to focus on several issues: mental health, sustainability, and parks and trails.

I have been a middle school teacher for 14 years. In the past few years, I've seen first-hand an increase in the number of children who struggle with mental health issues. Our county is going through a redesign - from providing mental health services as a county to services being provided as a region. It's exciting to see its possibilities but we need to make sure we have the right services available at the right time for those in crisis.

We need to make sure recycling education of our citizens continues. Six years ago, I visited Haiti twice during the process of adopting my youngest two children. One of my first impressions was how Haitians lived among large amounts of trash. The trash was piled up in the streets, similar to the way we pile up our snow in the center of the street, but having no system to remove the trash. We have a fantastic recycling center in Linn County but we need to continue the work and be aware of innovations that might make our system better.

We should continue to develop and care for our parks and trails - they are one of Linn County's assets. I believe our parks and trails contribute to our quality of life and also make our county attractive to families and companies who are considering relocating in Linn County.

I am used to hard work, working two jobs, raising three children and, now, campaigning. I don't do it on my own; I have friends and family who support me and my children. It's the same philosophy I have about life and this position: We can't do it all but, we can work together to make our community a wonderful place where we support each other.

I believe the success of our community comes from the success of our members. I intend to make the job of Linn County supervisor my full-time job. I am ready to serve and work hard to make a difference in Linn County.

' Andrea Jackson of Cedar Rapids is a Democratic candidate for Linn County supervisor District 1. Comments: andrealjackson1@gmail.com