Our choice for Linn Supervisor, District 1

Three candidates are seeking an open seat on the Linn County Board of Supervisors that represents much of the north and northwest side of the city of Cedar Rapids. Current Supervisor Lu Barron is stepping down from the board.

Democrat Jim Houser, who served 19 years on the board before losing his seat in 2010, Republican Dennis Petersen and former City Council member Tom Podzimek, who was nominated by petition, are seeking the seat.

We think Podzimek made the most impressive case, and he earns our endorsement.

Podzimek struck us as energetic and enthusiastic for the chance to return to public service. He served as an at-large City Council member from 2006 to 2011, when the owner of a small construction firm took a break from elected office.

It's Podzimek's experience on the city council that, we believe, makes him a compelling choice for supervisor. We've been dismayed in recent years by the persistent inability of Linn County and the city of Cedar Rapids to better cooperate. We're convinced that city and county residents would benefit from a healthier city-county relationship, and the efficiencies, innovations and cost savings that could result. But too often, council members and supervisors have found more reasons to go it alone than join forces.

And there will be plenty of opportunities in the next four years for city-county cooperation, from flood protection and economic development to the development of new green space and recreational trails.

Podzimek repeatedly said he's committed to help foster that cooperation, and we think he has the experience needed to build bridges. 'They operate in their own silos. There's not a lot of cooperation, and there should be,” Podzimek said.

Podzimek says he's open to discussing changes in the structure of county government, including the way elected officials are compensated. He's interested in encouraging energy efficiency in the design of county projects and in considering transportation needs beyond traditional road spending. We feel that Linn County government could benefit from new ideas and a fresh viewpoint.

We appreciate Houser and Petersen's perspectives, and were impressed by Houser's long record of public service. But we think Podzimek's experience and independence would be welcome and valuable.

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