A vision for Linn County’s future

Ben Rogers | Linn County Supervisor District 2

Since 2009, you have trusted me with the privilege and responsibility of serving as your Linn County Supervisor to help rebuild our community after natural disasters, make high-impact investments in critical community infrastructure, and improve and streamline county government business.

My commitment to this community runs deep. I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, chose to move back after graduating from The University of Iowa, and later earned a master's degree in Strategic Leadership from Mount Mercy University. This is home, where my wife Andrea and I are raising our two children, Kieran (10) and Penelope (6).

I am running for re-election to the Linn County Board of Supervisors to continue the vision for Linn County’s future: expanding mental health care services, investing in quality-of-life initiatives, and exercising sound fiscal responsibility and oversight.

Mental health is personal to me. That is why I led the charge to create Linn County’s Mental Health Access Center in less than four years. The Mental Health Access Center provides on-demand care for adults experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis in a safe and welcoming environment that provides evidence-based services and connects them with community-based supports. This critical service has helped to save lives, reduce the burden on hospital emergency room beds, and gives law enforcement a safe place to take someone instead of jail. Reducing instances of unnecessary hospitalizations and arrests leads to better outcomes and a healthier community.

Investing in quality-of-life initiatives and making Linn County a great place to live, work, start a business and raise a family is a win-win. That is why I have invested in expanding Linn County parks and trails, dedicated millions in federal one-time dollars toward affordable housing, supported local nonprofits and approved two utility-solar farms to make Linn County a leader in renewable energy generation and help attract new businesses to our community.

Lastly, fiscal responsibility should be the benchmark on which an elected official running for re-election should be judged. Your county taxes are lower today than when I started in 2009. Linn County has a balanced budget and maintains an Aaa bond rating from Moody’s Investors Service and I will continue to ensure your hard-earned tax dollars are used strategically, efficiently, and judiciously.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Supervisor and I ask for your vote on Nov. 8 (www.benrogers.org).

Ben Rogers is the Democratic candidate for Linn County supervisor District 2.