Candidate column: James Houser

As I was driving home from May's Island on June 11, 2008, the water was up to the running boards of my Suburban. I was driving down Third Avenue against the usual traffic flow just to escape from the Island.

I had gone to May's Island earlier that morning to pump water out of the basement of the Linn County Courthouse in an attempt to save it from the flood. My wife thought that was crazy dedication, almost losing my life (and the Suburban!) over trying to help out as a county official. But that is what I felt obligated, and wanted, to do for my constituents.

I always took my Linn County supervisor's job seriously and worked hard at it. I was liaison to all Linn County departments at one time or another. One of my accomplishments in office includes implementing the first IP based interoperable public safety radio solution that allows all enforcement agencies to talk seamlessly together.

By the end of my term in 2010, I was involved in the design and contracting of all county buildings damaged by the flood. The Linn County Courthouse recently was dedicated as the final project completed since the flood of 2008.

As a native Cedar Rapidian, I have been an active member of the Linn County community. I am a member of St. Jude's Catholic Church, a past board member of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, past Jefferson band parent member, and a 41-year member of the Sheet Metal Local 263. I have also served as a Linn County reserve deputy for 35 years.

My goal in returning to the Linn County Board of Supervisors is to concentrate on two areas of great concern to me: the unraveling of services for people with disabilities and flood wall protection for May's Island. I will be dedicated to save Options of Linn County so that the clients and families can continue to receive much-needed services.

May's Island needs to be protected against future flooding to prevent the destruction of the estimated $150 million of county infrastructure there, including the jail.

As I think back to the flood of 2008 and the waters lapping at the running boards of my Suburban, I am reminded of how much I love Linn County and its people. I hope to use my previous 19 years of experience as a county supervisor to serve Linn County again.

' James Houser of Cedar Rapids is a Democratic candidate for Linn County supervisor District 1. Comments; jimhsecxos@aol.com