Harney seeks re-election to Johnson County Board of Supervisors

All three members of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors whose terms end this year are seeking re-election.

Pat Harney made his official announcement this week, joining fellow supervisors Rod Sullivan and Terrence Neuzil in the campaign for three open seats on the five-member board.

The 69-year-old Harney, who is currently serving his third four-year term on the board, said among his priorities are fiscal responsibility in these tough economic times and finding ways to improve the county's deteriorating rural roads and bridges.

He also wants to enhance the lives of seniors, protect Johnson County's environment and farmland and address public safety needs, particularly overcrowding in the county jail and courthouse. The county is planning to ask voters to approve a bond issue for a new criminal justice center later this year.

Harney is a Democrat, as are the other supervisors. No Republican has served on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors since 1962, which puts particular importance on the Democratic primary election.

A primary is scheduled for June 5 for voters registered with political parties to nominate candidates for the Nov. 6 general election. No one other than the three incumbent supervisors has declared for the election so far.

Harney, who lives at 2771 Highway 1 NE in rural Johnson County, is a retired Iowa City police officer. He and his wife, Jean, have been married 46 years and have two adult children.