Gazette endorsements for Linn County Board of Supervisors

Two district seats are up for grabs on the Linn County Board of Supervisors:

District 1 (D):

Andrea Jackson

Democrat Lu Barron is leaving the Linn County Board of Supervisors after 18 years in office, and four candidates are vying to win the Democratic nomination. Although hopefuls Ian Cullis, Jim Houser and Kim Taylor bring considerable local government experience to the race, we think Andrea Jackson would bring a fresh perspective and voice to the county board.

Jackson is a teacher at Regis Middle School whose work with children and families gives her a good perspectives on the social services and mental health care challenges facing the supervisors. Jackson wants to have an impact on county decisions affecting stewardship of natural resources. And she favors a collaborative approach to issues such as regionalization and working with the City of Cedar Rapids.

'I do want to serve. And I do want to change people's lives and make them better,” Jackson told our editorial board. Democrats should give her the chance.

District 5 (R):

John Harris

Linn County Supervisor John Harris has been a moderate, levelheaded and consensus-building presence on the Board of Supervisors. And although we commend former Ely City Council member and small business owner Mark Banowetz for challenging Harris, we see no compelling reason for Republicans to make a change.

Harris has a deep understanding of county issues, including the effort to find funding for critical mental health programs. During his time on the board, county spending has been held in check and debt remains low even as progress has been made on repairing county roads and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities. At a time when partisan divisions often yield gridlock, Harris has worked closely with board members of both parties.

Harris recognizes the challenges ahead, protecting county facilities from future flooding, calibrating the county's role in economic development and the need for better public transit. 'There's unfinished work to do, things I'd like to be a part of,' Harris told the editorial board. Republicans should vote to keep him on the job.