For Linn County Supervisor District 5: Houser

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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In Linn County supervisor District 5, Democratic incumbent James Houser, a 19-year board veteran, is being challenged by Palo Mayor John Harris, a Republican.

Unfortunate circumstances complicated our efforts to make a choice in this race. Harris has been unable to meet with The Gazette Editorial Board because of a sudden cancer diagnosis that forced him to suspend campaign activity. His resume, including experience in business and as a city council member and mayor, would seem to make him a good candidate. But we did not get to hear his views on county issues.

Houser, who did meet with the board, has a good command of county issues, particularly the condition and needs of the county's road system. Houser says the county is doing more than ever to address road needs, thanks to local-option sales tax dollars. He has expertise in ongoing, critical county building projects and insists he's open to more collaboration with the city of Cedar Rapids.

We sympathize with Harris' situation. But our choice is Houser. Given his experience and understanding of the county's challenges, we'd expect even more leadership next term.