Greene County voters will elect county supervisors in Districts 2 and 3 in the general election Nov. 4.
In District 2, which is primarily the northwest portion of the county, there is a three way race. Incumbent Republican Dawn Rudolph is being challenged by Democrat Kevin Fitzpatrick Sr and Independent Shane Olson.
In District 3, which primarily the southwest portion of the county, incumbent Republican Tom Contner is challenged by Democrat Randy Monthei.
While there are residency requirements for county supervisor, all voting is done at large. Voters from all parts of the county elect supervisors from each of the five districts.
Following are answers to questions posed by The Scranton Journal and by GreeneCountyNewsOnline. A summary of the candidates in alphabetical order by office is provided, followed by answers to specific questions:
Greene County Supervisor Candidates – District 2
Kevin Fitzpatrick, Sr (Democrat) – Fitzpatrick, age 59, graduated from Paton-Churdan High School and Iowa State University with a degree in Farm Operations. He runs his family farm with his wife and works fulltime as a crop adjuster for RCIS Crop Insurance covering north-central Iowa. He is also a soil sampler for Labre Crop Consulting.
Fitpatrick is an honorable lifetime member in the National Association of FSA County Office Employees, a charter member of the Retired Association of FSA County Office Employees, retired member of the Churdan Fire Department (25 years), Parish Council member St. Columbkills Catholic Church, and member of the Town and Country Band.
He and his wife, Cindy, live in Churdan.
Shane Olson (Independent) – Olson is a graduate of Paton-Churdan High School lives in rural Churdan. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps after graduating and served in many places around the world, including two years in combat in Iraq. He is assistant fire chief for the state of Iowa at the Des Moines International Airport and is assistant chief of training for the Iowa Air National Guard fire department. He also served on the Churdan volunteer fire department and was eventually elected fire chief.
Olson owns a small business, a welding shop, in rural Greene County. His wife Alisa is a teacher in the Paton-Churdan school district.
Dawn Rudolph (Republican) – Incumbent Rudolph, age 48, graduated from Scranton High School and is owner of Rudy’s Service and Detail in Scranton.
Rudolph is a Greene County Historical Society member, 4-H/FFA horse auperintendent, Scranton Community Center and bus stop volunteer, Scranton Betterment member, Heart of Iowa Regional Mental Health Board secretary, Partnerships 4 Families board, Scranton Community Center board, Communities 4 Children Decategorization (DCAT), Extension Council nominating committee and Greene County Schools facility study committee.
Rudolph and her husband, Jeff, live in Scranton.
Greene County Supervisor Candidates – District 3
Tom Contner (Republican) – Incumbent Contner, age 70, graduated from Rippey High School and is in sales for Rueter’s Red Power. He is a Farm Bureau and Elks Club member.
He and his wife, Judy, live in rural Scranton.
Randy Monthei (Democrat) – Monthei, age 62, graduated from Jefferson High School and attended Iowa Central Community College. He is the owner of Shadran Industrial & Sanitary Supply in Jefferson.
Monthei’s community involvement includes president of Jefferson Kiwanis Club, 35-year member American Legion, 34-year member Jefferson Elks Club, Greene County Chamber of Commerce, Greene County Development Corporation, GCDC revolving loan committee, and Jefferson Matters business improvement committee.
He and his wife Cindy live in rural Jefferson.
Greene County Supervisor Q & A
Why are you running for office?
Fitzpatrick – I am running because I feel I can make a difference. I have lived in Greene County for almost 60 years and would like to see the entire county grow in economic development, tourism, and population. I have worked with the farmers of Greene County for over 32 years and I want to continue to serve not only the farmers, but all the citizens of Greene County.
Olson – I am running to equally represent all the citizens by being honest, loyal and dedicated. I will uphold our state and federal constitutions. I will provide honest and timely answers to the county residents, and guide county leadership in tough decisions that will affect the future of county residents. My service to our country and combat experience has provided me with the ability to make well rounded educated decisions. I want to see us lower property taxes, improve infrastructure, improve housing options and continue to grow a well-rounded community to raise a family.
Rudolph – I am running because I want to serve the residents of Greene County. I have experience in local government, budgets, personnel, decision-making, and provide strong leadership. I listen to the concerns and care about the best interests of both rural and city residents of the entire county. I want to help make Greene County a great place to live, work, and play. Some decisions a supervisor has to make are not easy or popular. I look at what is best to keep our county moving in a positive direction.
Contner – I have enjoyed my past four years as supervisor and feel I have more that I can contribute. I have stood on my campaign promises not to accept a raise, to listen to the people of Greene County, to act on their concerns, and to spend the taxpayer’s money wisely. I want to continue with those same promises in the next four years.
Monthei – As a business owner, veteran, factory worker, growing up on a farm, and former city council member, I can bring a unique perspective to the board. I understand what it takes to manage the budget, and look realistically at cost/benefit. In the next few years we will have nearly an extra million dollars in the county budget. We need to be careful in managing that extra money. I feel I have the background that can help meet the challenges of Greene County. The next few years we will experience some of the most unique changes in Greene County history.
Eight hundred new jobs coming to Greene County are going to bring unique challenges. I enjoy economic development and have participated in many meetings and in several long-range planning sessions. I was a member of the housing committee when I was on the city council. I understand the issues that we will need to face with the new workers in the county. I attended the meetings of the Greene County Development Corporation. As a business person, I will also respect the taxpayer’s money.
As a former city council member, I understand the budget issues. The extra property taxes that will come from Wild Rose Casino, Hy-Vee, Scranton Manufacturing, Bauer, etc., will be a challenge to handle.
If elected, what would you like to accomplish during your term?
Fitzpatrick – During my term, I intend to promote Greene Country as a place to work, grow, and raise a family. We need to continue to build on what we have. We have numerous businesses coming to Greene County, several businesses expanding, and a lot of opportunities for our workforce. We will have the jobs. We will need to keep these jobs here and grow economically as a county. I will work for the people of Greene County with energy, enthusiasm, and maximum effort to accomplish this and other important issues.
Olson – My priorities would start with being a good steward of our tax dollars and expanding growth by providing more opportunities for businesses to move to Greene County. This would increase jobs, which will allow for lower taxes by creating a wider tax base. This will then produce more funding for county services so we can become more competitive with surrounding counties to reduce our turnover and retain experience and knowledge of the sheriff’s office and other county agencies. I would also like to focus on Infrastructure. Infrastructure is the backbone of our economy and with the continued growth not only in population but in manufacturing, agriculture, and vehicle traffic, our roads and bridges take a beating every day throughout the county.
Greene County has approximately 200 miles of Portland Cement Concrete paved roads, 950 miles of gravel surfaced roads and 150 bridges over 20 feet in length. Local property tax collected from the rural levy (6 percent of the total county budget) represents only 22.5 percent of the department’s operating budget. The balance of funding for this department comes from Iowa’s road use tax collected from gasoline sales throughout the state and Federal Bridge Replacement monies. As we all know, funding is becoming more difficult to receive. We need to start thinking outside the box on how to increase funding to improve our roads. For example maybe we should to take a look at some of our deteriorating bridges and replace them with culverts to eliminate the high cost of construction and maintenance on bridges in the future.
Rudolph – I want to continue with growth in education, economic, and agriculture development. Spend tax dollars wisely. Continue to have a budget that meets the needs of the people of Greene County, keep a good fund balance and not raise the levy rate. Keep up with improvements to infrastructure, roads, bridges, and buildings. Supervisors are trustees to drainage districts and we work closely with land owners to keep those in proper working conditions. Continue to have good working relations with committees, organizations, towns, and entities throughout the county as well as other counties. Maintain a good working environment for the employees. There are a wide range of needs for our residents from the beginning of life until the end of life. Continuing to meet those needs are important.
Contner – I want to continue to manage a balance budget while not sacrificing services. I feel in my past term we have been able to do that. We need to continue to maintain roads, improve drainage, and keep our excellent county employees and reward them for their service. Upgrades need to be done on the aging courthouse. All this needs to be done within the approved budgets each year.
The economic growth in the county is very exciting. With the new casino and Hy-Vee opening, and then the expansion of Scranton Manufacturing, Bauer Built, AAI, and Power Lift, the employment opportunities are there. Home Base Iowa brings along with it many more job possibilities. The anticipated increase in population along with the growth puts demands on the county for services and infrastructure. It’s a great problem to have because along with growth comes an increased tax base. The supervisors will be faced with a balancing act to foresee the needs going forward. The county supervisors, economic development groups, city officials, and all groups and individuals will need to work together to meet all the obstacles and challenges we will face.
The farmers are facing proposed rules and laws, and the EPA continues to be more involved with drainage and air quality. These laws will greatly affect farming and rural community living. I greatly oppose more government involvement. We need to be very proactive on a county level on these issues working with Farm Bureau, legislators, and government officials.
Monthei – The budget will be the first priority as it will need to be certified by March 15. We will need to strike a good balance between tax relief and the needs of the county. I will work with everyone to ensure we get the most out of our money. The cost of products is not just about the initial cost. We need to ensure all departments think about the long-range costs. I would like to ensure all departments continue to update their long-range budget plans and hold them accountable for those plans.
We need to encourage local ownership of new businesses. The ISU labor-shed study indicates we have the workers that are willing to drive to Greene County to work. The challenges will be to get them to move here. We need to invest in programs that can bring those people to Greene County.
I value our veterans and their contributions not only to our country but to the local area. I believe they can and will make great leaders in the county. I hope we can encourage veterans to relocate here.
Several towns in the county have undertaken clean-up efforts for the purpose of health, safety, and the general appearance of their towns. Should the county also undertake clean-up projects in the unincorporated areas? Would you support an ordinance streamlining the process of mandating clean-up?
Fitzpatrick – I think it is a great idea that several towns have ordinances for cleaning up their cities. However, it would be a nightmare to try and figure out how the supervisors could write the rules and regulations for cleaning up the rest of the county. Where would you draw the line? Some older farmsteads have nice yards, but have older buildings that may be falling down. Do we mandate the landowners clean them up? Do we contact absentee landowners and tell them that their property would be worth more if it is cleaned up and have them just ignore up? I feel we need to have a beautiful county and I think it would be great if we could enforce a clean up of the unincorporated areas, but I think that the ability to actually have it happen would be nearly impossible. We need to just contact the property owners that have a nuisance area and ask them if they could work on cleaning it up. We just need to have a campaign to “Beautify Greene County” and see how many would cooperate, and how many would need help.
Olson – I would not be in favor of an “ordinance” mandating for the cleanup in rural areas of the county. This would require more tax dollars in multiple areas. Enforcement, transportation of debris, added work load of county employees, along with numerous unseen costs.
Enforcement, whom would enforce said ordinance? The sheriff’s office is already undermanned and indicated with day to day activities throughout the county. We would have to add an additional duty or create another position to enforce the ordinance. Without enforcement why have an ordinance.
Transportation of debris, are we using tax dollars and county equipment to remove the debris? How much of a “clean up” would the county be responsible for? Does this include abandoned farm steads? The costs of heavy equipment and transportation are very expensive.
Work load of county employees, what county agency is going to take on the extra work load and cost of investigating complaints of a neighbor’s yard, acreage or farm let along the expense and time of removing debris if needed.
Rudolph – I do not support this type of ordinance for our rural areas, reason being: There is no clear way to word such an ordinance. Living in incorporated areas is different than unincorporated. The county does have a system that works under the Iowa Code.
Contner – The possibility of putting an ordinance in place came before the board of supervisors last year and all were in agreement that staying with the process of handling through legal channels would be the best way to handle this. The problem with handling unsightly areas is the difference in opinions on the degree of unsightly and also the manner of enforcing cleanup.
Monthei – The county should undertake clean-up efforts when practical and when it is in the best interest of all parties. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Clean-up of some properties would not make sense as it would be costly and if the landowner does not go along with the clean-up it would be futile. The city of Jefferson has accomplished many cleanups, and they were very successful. Each property had is own issues and some took several years to get cleaned up. I think we would accomplish more if we asked landowners that cannot afford to clean their properties up if they would let us help them. The only time we should try to clean up a property is when there is a total lack of maintenance for several years, and when the property is of no value the way it is and when it is a quite visible eyesore. With the price of land I believe many of these problem properties will go away on their own. I would not support an ordinance to mandate cleanup.
The county supervisors serve as trustees in the county’s drainage districts. What is your experience or level of knowledge about drainage issues?
Fitzpatrick – I have been around drainage issues for many years. It is very important that we keep our drainage districts operating as efficiently as we can. We need to make sure that if we propose a drainage project for a drainage district, that the work the county would be doing, will not make the farmers in the area ineligible for farm programs and insurance. Improving drainage in a wetland area can make farmers ineligible for USDA benefits, and so things need to be checked out with the USDA offices to make sure what is being done is within regulations for producers to remain eligible for farm programs. I feel I have a lot of knowledge of drainage issues and could add a lot to the continued improvements and repair of drainage districts in Greene County.
Olson – I do have an understanding as to the structure, maintenance, and financial responsibilities of the citizens within their drainage districts. I have had hands on experience with the maintenance and repair of tile and waterways while working with various farmers in the county. I also have worked with the (NRCS) Natural Resources Conservation Service on the construction of our pond. I do not know everything about drainage but I do know there are several agencies and avenues already established to provide guidance in drainage issues with in our county such as the Iowa Drainage Law Manual, The Iowa DNR, Iowa code 468 and our drainage clerk. Ultimately I feel it is the county supervisors’ role to maintain a professional and working relationship with our farmers, land owners and residents of the county on drainage and all issues.
Rudolph – The county supervisors act as drainage district trustees in all the districts. As trustees we are under the guidelines of the Iowa Code. There are approximately 170 districts and several sub-districts which totals to about 300 in all. Our job is to maintain and resolve any issues in the districts working with the landowners. Keeping the districts in proper working conditions is very important. Landowners own and pay for all repairs, not the county. Districts can choose their own trustees if they wish.
Contner – I have farmed and been in the farming industry most of my life. This is one of my top priorities as a supervisor. We need to keep the distribution tiles clean, good intakes and open ditches cleaned. Currently Congress is trying to enact a bill to make all waters in the USA under EPA control. If this happens, the EPA would have control of farm ponds, tiles, rivers and water in open ditches. No intakes could be installed without government approval and government would also need permits for spraying crop ground and spreading fertilizer. This not only affects farmers but would also impact yard spraying in towns and cities. We cannot allow this to happen.
Monthei – I have studied the drainage laws of the state of Iowa. The county supervisors manage those districts, and have done a good job of managing those districts. The districts are vital for the farmers. There seems to be some confusion about the EPA and the Clean Water Act. Sounds like the EPA needs to clarify the rules, and give examples of exactly what they are trying to achieve. I believe the farmers are good people who want to do the right thing about clean water. We all need to work together to achieve clean water for the future. The Iowa Drainage District Association, Iowa State University, and the Department of Natural Resources are studying the issue of clean water and doing studies to improve water quality. We need to encourage farmers to use buffer strips and try the new methods of farming. We should not waste time mandating farming practices. With encouragement and support the farmers will make the right choices for clean water.
What would you like the voters to know about you?
Fitzpatrick – I worked at the Greene County FSA office as an office manager for more than 30 years. During that time, I had extensive experience with implementing federal and state programs, budgets, personnel, and understanding and explaining federal and state regulations.
I am born and raised in Greene County and my ancestors were some of the original families to settle around Churdan. I love working with people and organizations to create solutions to problems and to promote the accomplishments. I will embrace my responsibility to make the best decisions possible for the greater good of Green County.
I am a leader and communicator. This is evidenced by my past involvement in Churdan Lion’s Club (president), Churdan firemen (chief), Iowa Association of County Employees (state vice president and state president – with more than 900 members), and Paton-Churdan school board (president). These were all elected positions – not appointed positions.
I will do what I can to promote Greene County and make it a great place to live, grow, and to visit.
Olson – I have a reputable history of leadership, honesty, loyalty, and integrity. I have served our country for over half of my life and would like to continue to serve the people of Greene County. I have extensive knowledge and experience of budgets, building codes, disaster responses, developing polices and decision making in the federal, state and local levels. I hold leadership positions in the US military as well as the fire service. I have been an independent since the age of 18 and feel there are good ideas and opinions from all parties. I am willing to put my own opinions aside to do what is best for the greater good of the whole.
I have worked many years for a local farmer and understand the need to maintain a working relationship with our farmers and support their needs. All of my worldly experiences in demanding leadership roles have not only given me a better understanding and respect for others lives and liberties, it has also allowed me to have extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations. I have considerable knowledge of developing and implementing budgets, training and safety programs, personal issues, researching grants, networking and maintaining relationships with other Local, State and federal agencies.
I want to continue my service to our community and know I will be an asset to our growing county. I believe in cooperation and teamwork. I ask for your vote on Nov. 4. I will work for every citizen equally!
Rudolph – I am a hard worker and dedicated to my Supervisor position. I am reliable, accessible, and involved in the entire county. I enjoy working with people of all ages and all walks of life. I am a lifelong resident, my family were early settlers in the county and some are buried in one of the pioneer cemeteries. I am a local business owner for the past 11 years. As a Supervisor it’s not just about attending meetings. It is connecting with people and being involved.
I have the ability and experience to help lead and be a good steward of Greene County. There have been a lot of changes in the county and we will face many more in the future. I will work hard to keep the momentum going to move this county forward.
Contner – I am an honest and fair individual. I pride myself in my common sense decisions. I am not afraid to be unpopular if there is controversy or an issue I oppose. I love to talk to people and welcome anyone contacting me. I grew up in Greene County, farmed for many years, and have been associated with farming most of my life. I care very much about the county’s future. The revitalization of the county is starting and I welcome the next four years to play an active role in it.
Monthei – I am a lifelong resident that has been involved and committed to Greene County. I have raised my children and I am watching my grandchildren grow in this community. We have many good people who have stepped forward in the last few years to help Greene County grow. I want to encourage that trend to continue. We cannot relax and say the job is done. I feel I can help in a unique way to make those important decisions. The decisions I will make will not be based on any political philosophy but will be based on whether it is good for Greene County and the residents.
I will always be available to discuss the issues of Greene County with anyone. You may reach me a number of ways. My personal email is rmonthei@netins.net and my home number is 515-386-8436. If you need to reach me during the day, you may either call me at 515-370-2866 or text me at that number.
