Q&A with Linn County Supervisor District 1 candidate Kirsten Running-Marquardt

Kirsten Running-Marquardt, 45, of Cedar Rapids, is looking to join the Linn County Board of Supervisors. A Democrat, Running-Marquardt is looking to fill the seat held by Stacey Walker, who opted not to seek re-election. Running-Marquardt has been in the state legislature for several years. She faces Mark Banowetz in the District 1 race in the Nov. 8 general election.

We posed a set of questions about the office to all of the Supervisor candidates. Below is the transcript of Running-Marquardt’s answers. Polls will be open on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What do you think are the three most important issues the county is facing? What would you do to address them?

Running-Marquardt: 1. Access to mental health services - continue to build upon the success of the current adult mental health access site and find ways to provide services for children while working collaboratively with our schools and area providers. 2. Workforce/economic development - build partnerships with trade unions, businesses and area colleges to address shortfalls we have in workforce needs. Insure economic development is fair and equitable for all areas of our county. 3. Collaboration with other government entities - I have been and will continue to work with various government entities (federal, state, county, cities, and schools) to bring people together in bi-partisan ways, break down barriers, and get results for the residents of Linn County.

Do you support the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines? Why or why not?

Running-Marquardt: I do not support the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines. Eminent domain should not be used by private companies for profit. I am also very concerned about the proposed pipeline that is planned for areas very close to College Community Schools and the city of Ely. As the federal government is still working on regulations for CO2 pipelines, we should proceed with caution and make the safety of our communities our top priority.

If you’re forced to cut the county’s budget, where do you look for savings? Why?

Running-Marquardt: I would look at areas that will not cut direct services to our citizens and instead look at how to improve efficiencies and areas of sustainability that would save the county money.

How well does the county work with other government entities within the county today (i.e. City of Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids Schools). Would joint meetings between governing bodies help or do you have other ideas to improve the working relationship?

Running-Marquardt: This is an area where the county has room for improvement. Joint meetings are a starting point, however, collaboration requires dedication by all parties and the development of trust. Collaborating with others who have different viewpoints is one of my strongest traits. I plan to put that trait to work so county government works together for all citizens of Linn County. One great example of high-quality collaboration was the joint county and City of Cedar Rapids work on the recent application and distribution of ARPA funds. We should move forward in this direction together on other areas where duplication exists as well as working with our other communities including Fairfax, Ely, and Walford.

How would you assess the long-term planning and vision of the county? Are there areas that you think should be planned for?

Running-Marquardt: The vision of our county should be a living document that is regularly revisited and revised. We should insure all areas of our county are involved in that vision and long-term planning and ensure our residents have valued input into the vision. One idea for long-term planning could be a senior center that would also include a multi-generational component to help address needs of families in areas of childcare and early childhood education. Mental health for adults and children should be a part of our long-term planning as well as workforce initiatives and economic development.

There's been conversation about the number of Supervisors (5 members or 3 members). How many Supervisors are necessary and why?

Running-Marquardt: The citizens of Linn County voted to make the Board of Supervisors a 3 person board. I welcome input and conversation about moving to 5 supervisors again but would proceed with caution when expanding government administration. I believe that the voters of Linn County should decide.

When it comes to mental health, what do you see as major needs for Linn County? What does the county need in mental health resources and what should it do to encourage people to seek those services?

Running-Marquardt: Continued commitment to the success of the adult mental health access center and emergency mental health services for children. The county should collaborate with schools, parents, other non-profits and area providers to improve children's mental health access. There are gaping holes in how children’s mental services are provided. If the county took a leadership role here it could take some pressure off of our school districts who deal with this crisis daily.

What should the county's role be when it comes to affordable housing programs? Should there be partnerships with cities and other organizations? What other programs could the county implement to assist residents in need?

Running-Marquardt: The county should work collaboratively with other government entities, area organizations and non-profits to expand affordable housing not only in Cedar Rapids but all areas of Linn County including our other cities. An example of this would be accessing and partnering with initiatives like the US Department of Agriculture’s rural affordable housing programs for our rural areas.

County supervisors have recently approved two large solar energy projects. Do you agree with this approval? Why or why not? How would you weigh the nearby property owners rights against larger benefit if asked to vote on a future development?

Running-Marquardt: I agree with the approval of the latest solar projects. Renewable energy is important for our future. Eminent domain was not used for these projects. Companies should be good neighbors and community partners and projects of this magnitude should take into account the impact the project has on values of neighboring properties as part of the entire cost of project.

Should Linn County financially support the City of Cedar Rapids flood control system? Why or why not?

Running-Marquardt: This is an area where the county and City of Cedar Rapids can begin to work more collaboratively. Flood protection affects all residents of Linn County. The impact is far reaching for the county, from county buildings to the entire economy of the county. Both sides of the river need flood protection.