Prioritizing people over politics

Kirsten Running-Marquardt | Linn County Supervisor District 1

The residents of Linn County deserve a government that will work for them and that is my plan if elected as your Linn County Supervisor representing the west side of Cedar Rapids, Fairfax, Ely and southwest Linn County.

As a state representative on the west side of Cedar Rapids for the past 13 years, I have always placed my priorities in people and not politics. I have a strong record of bipartisan work while successfully bringing multiple levels of government together for the betterment of our community. I have championed multiple laws in the Legislature such as: saving Ellis Boat Harbor, recovery dollars for local infrastructure projects like the amphitheater, NewBo and Czech Village, support for cancer patients, ending school lunch debt-shaming, supporting women’s and workers’ rights along with other pieces of legislation focused on our community.

I have listened to my constituents and delivered results. I plan to bring those same ideals and can-do attitude to the Board of Supervisors. While I embrace progressive ideas, I am also aware of how government needs to be fiscally responsible. I will work to efficiently budget our Linn County resources and keep property taxes low.

Supporting the current mental health access center for adults is critical. The next step is to bring together governments, schools, parents, and providers to address mental health care access for children.

I will work to support hardworking families and attract families to Linn County. Smart workforce development should include partnering with trade unions, area colleges including Kirkwood, organizations, and businesses. We should partner with all to attract and retain high-quality jobs that support our families.

As many have shared with me, another priority is support for our senior citizens. The isolation caused from COVID-19 hit our seniors hard. I plan to work to create a multigenerational center that includes a senior center and an affordable child care site to address the needs of our seniors and working families.

In the past few years, politics has become frustrating. I have a record of working above that fray and getting results while proudly standing up for the rights of women, workers and citizens of this great country. As someone who grew up on the west side of Cedar Rapids and choose to live here with my family, I will continue to work for the people and for what is fair and not for headlines. I am asking for your vote on Nov. 8.

Kirsten Running-Marquardt is the Democratic candidate in Linn County supervisor District 1.