Partnerships key to solving important issues facing county

Serving as your Linn County supervisor is both a privilege and a true honor, and I am running for re-election for three key reasons:

' Continue to advocate for individuals with mental health, disabilities and substance abuse issues.

' Continue my proven record of reducing taxes and fiscal discipline.

' Working to make Linn County government more efficient and effective with your hard-earned tax dollars.

Linn County is responsible for providing critical mental health and disability services, which I call the 'safety net for the safety net.”

I have been leading an effort to create one of Iowa's first Behavioral Health Access Centers, which will divert individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues away from the two most costly services: hospital emergency rooms and jail.

This Access Center will be a partnership between Linn County, law enforcement, area hospitals and health professionals to provide cost- effective settings more appropriate for treating individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues.

Since becoming your supervisor in 2009, your Linn County taxes are lower today than when I took office. I'm very proud of this accomplishment, which I helped achieve through scrutinizing each line item of every department, making operations more efficient, opting for smart and strategic spending decisions, and always being mindful of how your hard-earned tax dollars are spent.

Linn County is one of the only counties in Iowa, and one of the only counties of our size in the nation, with a Triple-A bond rating, the highest possible bond rating. I will continue to provide sound fiscal oversight of Linn County's $120 million budget.

I also have led the initiative to improve government by implementing business principles and practices to make Linn County operations more efficient and effective. We have implemented new processes and initiatives that have reduced costs, produced better outcomes and saved taxpayers both dollars and time when doing business with Linn County.

Linn County's Customer Centered Culture initiative is improving your experience and expectations of county government and places our customers - the residents of Linn County - at the center of everything we do.

With your support, I will continue to find opportunities to work together in collaboration and partnership to help solve and address important issues in our community. It is an honor serving as your supervisor and I ask for your vote on Nov. 6.

Please visit my website, benrogers.org, for more information.

' Ben Rogers is a Democratic candidate for Linn County Supervisor, District 2

All candidate guest columns in the Linn County Supervisor, District 2 race:

' Joel Miller

' Ben Rogers