Strong quality of life helps Linn County grow

It has been the highest of privileges to be entrusted by the citizens of Linn County to serve on their Board of Supervisors. I consider myself a dedicated, passionate public servant who is deeply involved in the community and committed to making Linn County a better place to work, live and grow.

During my time on the board, I have developed a strong advocacy for protecting and enhancing Iowa's natural resources and promoting outdoor recreation opportunities. Our initiatives have been quite successful in this area. For example, we recently passed a $40 million Water and Land Legacy Bond for water quality projects, park and trail improvements, and promoting outdoor conservation measures. Construction of Prospect Meadows, a regional youth baseball and softball complex in rural Marion, is underway. Our county parks and natural areas have seen significant improvements, with major additions of land at Morgan Creek and Squaw Creek parks. Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center has become a huge draw for children and school field trips with our continued investments.

Linn County has started a new initiative that turns miles of ditches into pollinator and native grass stands to help bees and butterflies, as well as do a better job of filtering and storing water. I could name scores of other projects, which goes to show Linn County is truly leading in the quality-of-life category of public policy.

If re-elected, I also will continue to advocate for the completion of Tower Terrace Road and the I-380 Tower Terrace Interchange, which would provide a transportation corridor through Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Robins and Marion. We must continue our aggressive development of Linn County's secondary road system, making sure our bridges are not impaired.

Finally, Linn County must be fiscally responsible and keep property taxes at a competitive and affordable rate. Linn County cut overall property taxes this year by over 5 percent in lowering its levy from $6.14 per thousand to $5.84. Linn County has maintained its Triple-A bond rating, and has a fiscally sound budget. We cannot be all things to all people, and we cannot spend money every time we are presented with a good-intentioned project.

It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Linn County, and I ask for your trust and vote on Nov. 6.

' Brent Oleson is a Democratic candidate for Linn County Supervisor, District 3

All candidate guest columns in the Linn County Supervisor, District 3 race:

' John Harris

' Brent Oleson