Hogan running for Linn County supervisor seat

CEDAR RAPIDS - Dick Hogan says he hopes to translate his years of covering Linn County government into firsthand experience.

Hogan, who covered the Linn County Board of Supervisors for 15 years as a Gazette reporter, is a Democratic candidate for the board's District 2 seat.

Hogan, 75, said his knowledge of local government would allow him to pick up duties immediately.

One of Hogan's campaign priorities for the board is make for more civil discussions between the board. the public and other county officials.

'I would like to make the public's experience with the supervisors more welcoming,” he said in a news release. 'There is far too much friction between the board and some county elected officials. I would like to try to negotiate a more amicable working relationship among all county officials, employees and the public.”

Hogan said goals for the county include fiscal responsibility, more discussion on waste management and recycling, addressing the county's lack of a senior citizen center and enhanced communication between the county and other municipalities.

'I am not being manipulated by any party or person. I will listen to all and make decisions based on facts and the role of government to help people who need it. I know it's impossible to please everyone, especially in leadership positions, but I pledge that my decisions will be based on the greater good,” Hogan said in the release.

Hogan is slated to face fellow Democrat Stacey Walker, a former chief of staff for a hotel company and Cedar Rapids community leader, in the June 7 primary.

The District 2 seat will be vacant later this week with Supervisor Linda Langston's decision to resign early, rather than finish out her term, which runs to the end of the year.

A special county committee has decided to appoint a supervisor for the remainder of Langston's term.

As of noon Wednesday, neither Hogan nor Walker had applied for the appointment.

County officials said they had received 17 total application - six from residents from within District 2, eight more from within Linn County and three from outside the county.

The committee, which includes County Auditor Joel Miller, County Recorder Joan McCalmant and County Treasurer Sharon Gonzalez, will place first priority on candidates residing in the district.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. April 18.