GUEST COLUMN: LISA GREEN-DOUGLASS

On June 3, the people of Johnson County have a very important decision to make. The people that serve on the Board of Supervisors shape the vision of this great county. The job of the supervisors is just that, supervising.

It entails long-term strategic planning, creating a path for the county departments and boards to follow, and working cooperatively with other governing bodies. I have the skills and experience needed to fulfill these job requirements. My years of participating in grass roots politics here in Johnson County have created a passion and respect for the local government of this diverse county of ours. It has been a longtime dream of mine to run for and serve on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors.

My strengths include my ability to examine all sides of a matter, do the necessary research, then take positive action to arrive at a decision. I pride myself in my ability to organize, prioritize and decide upon the steps to take to get a job done. I am also proud of my ability to cooperate with others to create something that was once just a vision.

I was able to do this in 2006 when I successfully worked with experts, community members and multiple governing bodies to pass a bond referendum to build two new schools in the Clear Creek Amana School District. This multitiered task involved many steps and overcoming resistance to bring our community together to an outcome that was best for our district. I can do the same for Johnson County.

My vision for the future of Johnson County includes creating positive working relationships between the municipal governments and the county, and responsible land use so that growth is contained and agricultural lands valued.

But my primary reason for running is to secure delivery of services to all - including our most vulnerable populations, whether those are our young children, elderly, mentally ill or disabled, or those with a language barrier.

I will bring to the board a willingness to communicate and collaborate. I believe that it's important to listen to all members of the community, not just the loudest.

I invite you to visit my website, www.green-douglassforsupervisor.com, to learn more about my stance on particular issues facing Johnson County. And I ask for your vote on June 3.

' Lisa Green-Douglass is a Democratic candidate for Johnson County supervisor. Comments: lgreen.douglass@gmail.com