Jon Green cruises to victory in Johnson County Board of Supervisors special election

Jun. 8, 2021 9:02 pm, Updated: Jun. 7, 2022 9:52 pm

Jon Green, Democratic candidate for Johnson County supervisor (Contributed photo/Sherry Pardee)

IOWA CITY — Former Lone Tree Mayor Jon Green, a Democrat, ran away with Tuesday’s special election for a seat on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, garnering 9,718 of the total 14,711 votes cast — about 66 percent.

He easily bested his two challengers, Republican Phil Hemingway and independent Brian Campbell, according to the unofficial results.

"It feels good,“ Green said of his victory. ”But it’s also a challenge to me to get out there and actually do the work I’ve been talking about the last 47 days.“

Green, 38, is an information technology systems analyst who has identified responding to the COVID-19 pandemic as one of his goals. He said he wants to ensure that funds received through federal coronavirus relief packages go to the county residents most in need. Green also prioritized establishing broadband internet throughout the county in order to connect residents. Green previously served as Lone Tree mayor and sought to have the mayor position eliminated in favor of a city manager position.

“I’m happy to have won, but I know this is just the beginning of the hard work,” Green said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Green said he looks forward to “getting up to speed on everything” once he joins the board and determining how he fits in with his four fellow Democrats. While he knows there will be disagreements, Green said he looks forward to working collaboratively with the other supervisors.

Green will fill the seat vacated in April by former supervisor Janelle Rettig. Rettig resigned suddenly to focus on her health. Later that month, three county officials opted to host a special election to fill out the remainder of her term, which expires Dec. 31, 2022. Johnson County supervisors are paid $84,836 a year.

“I really do want to underline my appreciation for everyone who has helped out on this campaign,” said Green. “This has been a team effort … Everyone came together.”

Comments: (319) 339-3155; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com