GUEST COLUMN: DIANE DUNLAP

I would like to share with you why I have chosen to run for a seat on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors.

I worked in the private sector for almost 30 years, most of which was spent working for a large corporation as an Account Manager. For the past 11 years, I have been employed in the Johnson County Recorder's Office. For years, I have enjoyed discussing and debating the challenges that we face. This is one of the reasons that I decided to be a candidate for the Board of Supervisors.

Johnson County is a great place to live and work. I would like to give back to the county and contribute to the process of ensuring that it continues to be a great place to live and work for a long time to come.

My main issues of concern are regarding the courthouse/jail, the budget, mental health and disability services, and elderly services.

Regarding the courthouse and jail, it is obvious that there needs to be physical upgrades to the building and better security. We should look at reducing the size (of the proposal), but not sacrificing the safety of the employees and visitors, and have a plan that provides for immediate needs and flexibility for future expansion.

I think that we need to find creative ways in the budget to recapture the $5 million in lost revenue due to (other entities') tax increment financing projects and (the state's) commercial property tax reform, and find ways to fund repairs of roads and bridges.

Access to and quality of services for mental health and disability services cannot be compromised for our citizens as we implement the new regional program developed by the state. We must ensure that our seniors continue to have access to services and good nutrition.

We need to make sure that development takes place in a responsible and sustainable way.

I will assure you that given the opportunity to serve, I will embrace working with people from all backgrounds - Democrats, Republicans and independents. I will set aside party politics and look at issues without bias to find solutions to meet all of our needs.

By working together, we can solve the issues facing us today and those of tomorrow. As a new person on the political scene, I can bring to you a fresh view, new ideas and a new voice.

' Diane Dunlap is a Democratic candidate for Johnson County supervisor. Comments: dunlapforsupervisor@gmail.com