Our picks for Johnson Co. Supervisors

Residents of Johnson County can rest assured that three outstanding individuals are on the ballot to fill two seats on the Board of Supervisors. Deciding among them has not been an easy task, but we feel the two incumbents have earned repeat tenure.

Frankly, we are excited to see what they'll accomplish next.

JOHN ETHEREDGE

The lone Republican on the board earned his spot as part of a special election, a time when Johnson County Democrats didn't line up to cast party-line votes. We are hopeful those previously hesitant about his service and strengths have been appeased and are willing to break tradition again this November.

John offers a well-considered, measured voice that would be sorely missed if he is not returned to his seat. He has acquired the knowledge able to address concerns with solid understanding of long-term implications and his constituents.

We are especially impressed with his work to digitize county records and his ability to successfully elevate a local issue to the state level. Although John understands the magnitude of what he has already accomplished in this area, he is far from content to relax. There is more work to be done, he says, and we have every confidence he'll accomplish it.

While we lament the situation that led to John using his own equipment to establish a walking trail at the County Poor Farm, we praise the tenacity of a supervisor determined to make a difference - by his own hands, if necessary. When so many public servants appear content to do the bare minimum an office requires, it is refreshing to meet someone who isn't concerned or afraid to give 100 percent.

The people of Johnson County would be hard-pressed to find a better supervisor or a better person.

JANELLE RETTIG

As Janelle will quickly tell you, she is a numbers person. This blessing (or affliction, depending on your point of view) has well served residents of Johnson County.

It is thanks to her leadership that the county has established a reserve policy and can provide a detailed budget presentation. The latest push toward greater financial transparency, the Transparency Portal, provides checkbook-level detail by service area and county department.

Citizens with a better understanding of county finances have Janelle to thank.

We admire that Janelle is always on the side of realistic sustainability, cautiously weighing the expense of 'green” efforts against the potential taxpayer rewards. We appreciate the county's sustainability planning, as well as the creation of wind energy facilities and outdoor lighting ordinances.

We also applaud Janelle's work on behalf of numerous social service agencies throughout the region. It is rare for her not to be spotted at a multitude of various community events and celebrations, and very evident that Johnson County is her home. She respects her constituents, and makes herself available to them at every opportunity.

GOING FORWARD

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is comprised of many strong personalities, and disagreements are sometimes not left behind at meetings. We encourage all supervisors to rise above what has at times appeared from the cheap seats to be little more than petty sniping.

Supporters, who have been incredibly vocal and negative on social media before and during this campaign season, would also benefit from listening more and commenting less. What is being said not only reflects on the posters, but on the candidates and county as well.

' Comments: editorial@thegazette.com or (319) 398-8262.