Rettig for Johnson County supervisor

Voters will have their say Tuesday on whether Janelle Rettig keeps her seat on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors until November. We think she's the right choice.

The special election was scheduled after some turbulence erupted over Rettig's appointment to the board. Although this election is appropriate, the preceding events that require voters to now decide should not detract from her qualifications.

Rettig, a Democrat, was appointed in late October to fill the unexpired term of Larry Meyers, who died in September. She was culled from a group of 16 applicants. However, conflict-of-interest questions surfaced because two of the three elected officials who made the appointment, the county auditor and recorder, had previously expressed support of Rettig when she declared herself a supervisor candidate for the November 2010 election.

As it turned out, a petition drive in November forced the special election. One of the petition leaders, Lori Cardella, was nominated by county Republicans to run for the seat. Soon after, independent Jim Knapp joined the race.

Rettig rises above this unfortunate fray. Her commitment and varied experience at the local, county and state level is impressive. The onetime teacher's two-decade resume since relocating in Iowa City includes small business owner, business liaison to the city council, chair of the county trails advisory committee, member of former Congressman Jim Leach's staff and volunteer for more than a dozen community organizations and events. Currently, she is development director for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition and serves as a commissioner for the Municipal Airport as well as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

During an interview, Rettig impressed us with her understanding of how government works, her balanced approach to land-use issues in the county, her sense of fiscal accountability and her direct, responsive style. Her call for “going back to the drawing board” on the proposed new county jail and justice center because of its high cost is one we respect.

Rettig is engaged and has vision. She could well serve the county's residents long after this abbreviated term ends.

Cardella, admirably, is eager to challenge the status quo, especially on spending. She has been active in Solon school and recreation activities. However, she offered mostly vague, ideologic statements in response to our questions.

Knapp points to his background in construction and accounting as skills that would benefit the county. Agreed. But we think someone with a broader perspective is needed.

Rettig is that someone. She's has been a student of government since age 14. Now she's a well-versed adult who deserves the opportunity to serve as an elected official.