Etheredge touts efficiencies, effective government

Johnson County has tremendous potential and I want to continue to bring a unique perspective to the Board of Supervisors. My philosophy and focus has always been, and will always be, to unite people and serve the residents of Johnson County.

I am working to make government more efficient and effective for the citizens of Johnson County.

Since my special election last spring, I have been working hard to maximize efficiencies throughout the county. I have worked with the state legislature to pass House File 2366, which allows digital retention of voter registrations. I am also working with the County's Planning and Zoning Department to instigate electronic permitting. In addition, I am working with all county offices and departments to plan and implement an electronic financial and claims process for the county, which will save Johnson County massive amounts of storage space for paper and create a very efficient claims process for users.

I am determined that the $100,000 that was spent to increase the paper storage capacity of Johnson County at the new Secondary Roads facility is the last time Johnson County spends money on storage facilities for paper.

I also personally installed a mowed trail at the County Poor Farm, which links it to Iowa City and keeps all residents in touch with our rural heritage as Iowans.

All of this was accomplished by working collaboratively with local and state entities and authorities, applying common sense and contributing to the well-being of Johnson County.

In my next term, I will focus on preserving the integrity of our Secondary Road System to ensure safe and short commuting, helping foster organic growth for small businesses and farmers, and removing roadblocks in order to promote growth for small businesses and local foods. Accomplishing these goals will make Johnson County more attractive, and will create more jobs and competition to spur the local economy.

Finally, I will always promote sustainable spending of county funds and save tax dollars wherever possible. Thank you for your vote!

' John Etheredge is a Republican candidate for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. Comments: john_etheredge@yahoo.com.