116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
As a lifelong resident of rural Coggon and a proud fifth-generation Linn County resident, this community is more than just my home; it’s where my husband and I are raising our two sons, Zachary (3) and Weston (2), and building our businesses. My educational journey began at North Linn High School, and I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. During my time at BVU, I discovered my passion for community service through my involvement with AmeriCorps, where I supported vulnerable youth at The Bridge of Storm Lake, and by coaching high school basketball. My commitment to service has continued as a past Associate member of the Linn County Fair and, for the past four years, as a member of the Linn County Board of Adjustment, where I have served as Chair and currently as Vice-Chair. As a small business owner, I am aware of the needs and concerns of working families in Linn County. Balancing the demands of running a business with the responsibilities of raising a family has given me a unique perspective on the challenges we face, including rising daycare costs and grocery bills. These experiences shape my approach to examining the Linn County budget, always prioritizing the hard-working constituents and their families. If elected as your next Supervisor, I will advocate for all voices of our community, regardless of political affiliation. I aim to represent business owners, farmers, parents, and small town and rural residents because I understand their challenges firsthand. It’s important to me that Linn County has a board that reflects its entire population. With a background in non-profit fundraising, marketing, and agriculture, I thrive on building relationships and making a positive impact on others. My vision for service can be summed up in one word: collaboration. I am committed to maintaining fiscal responsibility while fostering a bipartisan Board of Supervisors that works together for the benefit of all residents. I am eager to encourage economic development and affordable housing construction that will make Linn County a place people of all ages will want to call home.
When considering the most important issues facing our County, it’s essential to recognize that priorities can vary significantly among residents. My primary focus is to ensure that all voices are heard and represented, as each person’s needs and concerns are unique. We need to continue to make sure Linn County is a place people want to live and raise their families by making sure our property taxes reflect the services people in the county want and need.
If we must make budget cuts, my first priority will be to protect departments mandated by statute. Each budget year presents unique challenges, so our approach will depend on the specific circumstances behind any shortfall. To identify potential savings, I would focus on enhancing efficiencies within our current budget and exploring collaborative partnerships with cities, the state, and other entities to share costs without sacrificing quality. Additionally, I would seek to reduce wasteful spending and explore alternative funding sources to support functions that could operate outside of county government. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure we maintain essential services while responsibly managing our financial resources.
Government agencies can always improve collaboration. I believe regular meetings between the Board of Supervisors and representatives from other taxing jurisdictions are essential. These meetings would facilitate ongoing reviews of programs to prevent duplication of efforts and ensure that services delivered are both efficient and effective. Throughout my campaign, I have prioritized building relationships with city mayors, including Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell, and have attended council meetings across District 3. I’ve also met with city managers and key players in economic development within the district. It’s crucial that our cities maintain strong relationships with the county; after all, county taxpayers deserve Supervisors committed to working with them to ensure our communities are vibrant places to live, work, and raise a family.
Assessing the county's long-term planning and vision requires a thorough evaluation of current initiatives alongside an awareness of emerging challenges. Here are key areas that need focused planning: - Landfill Closure in 2044: As we approach the landfill’s closing date, it’s essential to develop a comprehensive waste management and recycling strategy. Ongoing planning is critical to identify next steps. - Homelessness: Addressing homelessness remains a priority. The recent hiring of J’nae Peterman as the Homelessness Systems Manager, a collaborative effort between the county and Cedar Rapids, is a significant step forward. This role will focus on reducing homelessness and supporting those at risk, but we need to continually enhance our strategies to create lasting solutions. - Future Land Use: Our land use plans must be thoughtfully designed and sustainable, taking into account community needs, environmental impacts, and long-term growth. - Parks and Roads: Maintaining and developing parks and roads is crucial for our community. We should create plans that look ahead 3 to 10 years to make sure we meet the needs of residents.
The question of whether Linn County should have three or five Supervisors has been a topic of discussion for many years. The county has shifted from three to five and back to three Supervisors over the past two decades. The voters of Linn County have not been shy about weighing in on this issue. I believe the decision should ultimately rest with the electorate, and I fully support whatever choice the voters make. Their input is vital in determining the governance structure that best serves our county.
Over the past decade, the state has decided that in order to make mental health services available to more people across the state, it was necessary to redesign the way that mental health services are delivered. This effort culminated this year with the state enacting HF 2673, the mental health reorganization bill. This means that counties' role in funding, providing, or overseeing the delivery of mental health services has been declining since 2013. Now, counties are no longer allowed to levy funds for mental health services, and the participation of Supervisors on regional governance boards has been decreasing, so that even the ability to provide oversight has been reduced. Effectively, counties now have virtually no role in mental health services other than limited participation on advisory boards for the new mental health districts. This does not mean that counties can or should do nothing. Counties still have a vital role in making sure that no matter what form the mental health system takes, that those who need services, know where to get them. I want to make sure that the Linn County General Services Department works closely with the new mental health district to make sure that residents of Linn County have the information on who to contact to access these services for themselves or their families, should the need arise.
Linn County does have a role in helping to create affordable housing. That role must include cooperation and partnerships with other municipal entities as well as the private and non profit sectors.
Cedar Rapids is a vital part of our county, home to about two-thirds of Linn County’s residents. Even for those of us who don’t live in the city of Cedar Rapids, it remains an essential hub for employment and recreation. Additionally, Linn County has two significant assets that require protection, the Courthouse and the Jail. For those reasons, I feel it makes sense that, within the limits of the budget, that Linn County participates in some manner with flood protection.
I believe that alternative energy needs to be a part of any balanced energy portfolio. However, it’s crucial to respect the rights of landowners and neighboring property owners. Eminent domain should be used sparingly, if at all, to ensure that individual rights are prioritized. I also support requiring companies that propose wind and solar projects to post a performance bond. This bond would guarantee that the land is restored to its original value after the project is completed. Personally, we have found that solar systems work well on our family farm, significantly reducing our electrical costs. While I believe privately owned solar is the most beneficial for individuals, I would also advocate for a change in Iowa Code to support Community Solar initiatives. This could broaden access to solar energy for more residents. While I am pleased with the recent updates to the wind ordinances, there is always room for improvement. It’s important to continuously review and strengthen these regulations to ensure that all property rights are addressed and that solar projects are implemented in a way that benefits everyone in the community.
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