The Nov. 8 general election includes contested races for three Greene County supervisor positions.
In District 1, incumbent Republican Mick Burkett is challenged by Democrat Alan Robinson. In District 4, incumbent Republican John Muir is challenged by Democrat Todd Madson. The District 5 race will be a rematch of the primary. Republican challenger Peter Bardole won the primary over incumbent Guy Richardson. Richardson is running in the general election with no party affiliation. There is no Democratic candidate.
Voting for supervisors in Greene County is at large. Every voter can select a supervisor from each district. However, there is a residency requirement for candidates: each district candidate must reside in his or her own district.
GreeneCountyNewsOnline invited candidates to respond to a series of questions to help voters make their selections. Their answers follow verbatim.
What qualifications or experience would you bring to the county board of supervisors?
District 1 – Burkett: I am a lifelong Greene County residence except while serving in the Army, graduating from East Greene Community Schools. I have leadership experience as the East Greene School transportation supervisor for 28 years, served as mayor of Grand Junction, and the Greene County compensation board. I am an incumbent on the Greene County board of supervisors.
Robinson: I have been serving on the Grand Junction city council since 2012. I was elected to my first term in November 2011 and re-elected in November 2015. I am familiar with the process of budgeting tax-driven revenue and appropriating its use for infrastructure needs to serve a public constituency. I understand the work of the county supervisors as the city of Grand Junction has worked in conjunction with the county on various projects, including drainage districts that cross into the city of Grand Junction, clearing space on Main Street for the new community center, and improving roads that connect with the city (old Highway 30 or Lincoln Highway on the west side of town and on the east side of town). I was also the first director of the Jefferson Matters: Main Street program created in 2011 to revitalize downtown Jefferson. In that position, I gained much experience in developing public-private partnerships to help support community growth and development. As director of the Main Street program, I spent considerable time working with the county supervisors and officials with the city of Jefferson.
District 4 – Madson: I have lived in Greene County pretty much my whole life. I care deeply what goes on and what happens in Greene County! My education is in business and economic development. I graduated from Jefferson High School in 1981. I got my undergraduate degree from Arizona State University in 1985. I got my MBA from Drake University in 2000. My adult life has been in banking and business consulting. I have been in local politics in the past by being on the Jefferson city council and mayor ot Jefferson. I know how to work with local leaders to get things accomplished for the greater good for our communities. I have dealt with budgets in business and in government and know the issues surrounding them.
Muir: I have lived, worked and raised a family in Greene County for the last 36 years and have proudly served as a county supervisor for the last 10 years.
District 5 – Bardole: I have lived in Greene County my entire life. I was raised in southeastern Greene County and have lived in Jefferson for the past 17 years. That background gives me a unique perspective of the challenges and opportunities that Greene County faces in both rural and city settings.
I have earned a business administration degree from Briar Cliff College. I have experience serving on many boards in community organizations. I have served on the Greene County Farm Bureau board for nearly 20 years holding the offices of vice president, president and voting delegate. I am a member of the Rippey United Methodist Church and I currently serve as financial chair. I have also been the administrative board chair, served on the staff-pastor-parish-relations (SPRC) committee, and the board of trustees. I served on the board for the Greene Bean Project, an organization searching to create value-added crops that could be grown in Greene County. I have also been a member of the Community Players of Greene County board.
Richardson: I have represented Greene County citizens on the board of supervisors for 16 years. When it comes to meaningful experience, there is no substitute for actually serving on the board. In addition to knowing the intricacies of the supervisor position, I offer continuity, a network of contacts and resources, and an understanding of the duties and commitments necessary to do the job effectively.
During my tenure, the board has been instrumental in helping bring new companies to our county—Louis Dreyfus, Hy-Vee and Wild Rose to name a few. We’ve seen our homegrown success stories like Powerlift, AAI, Bauer Built Manufacturing expand their operations. We’ve also been very involved in encouraging and helping Scranton Manufacturing and B & D Manufacturing stay here and expand their operations, even as they were being courted by other communities to consider locations outside Greene County.
We’ve managed the county budget and resources through a variety of economic conditions including the housing and financial crisis of 2008, and the fluctuations of farmland values and commodity prices, which continually affect our tax base.
In addition to direct board duties, I am active in the community as a member of Greene County Development Corporation executive board, the Mahanay Bell Tower Foundation, the Jefferson Airport Commission, Region XII Council of Governments (executive board, Development Commission and Policy Council), the Greene County board of health and the newly formed Greene County Medical Center Patient and Family Advisory Council.
I served on the Jefferson city council for four years, so I understand the relationship between cities and the county. I am a member of the Iowa Human Services Council, which covers a variety of issues facing Iowans from childcare to mental health and administers a budget of more than $6 billion.
I am very involved in organ donation as a result of the death of my daughter 10 years ago. My family has raised more than $110,000 over the past eight years for the Iowa Donor Network, and we have personally witnessed how organ donation not only saves but transforms lives.
My campaign is rooted in broad-based bipartisanship as is evidenced by the fact my supporters are Republicans, Democrats and Independents. Regardless of what happens at the top of the ticket, in Greene County, we owe our success to understanding and appreciating our differences, to working together and to remaining focused on making our community the best it can be.
What should be the county’s top three priorities and why?
District 1 – Burkett: 1)Fiscal responsibility – Maintaining an affordable tax base. Funding for infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, bike trails, funding for county services and courthouse maintenance. 2) Economic Development – We need active efforts to keep our young people in the county and recruit new residents for Greene County. This can be accomplished by promoting manufacturing and business growth and supporting jobs that pay a living wage. 3)Promoting and Supporting Law Enforcement in Greene County. Law enforcement is essential to quality of life for Greene County citizens to feel safe and protected.
Robinson: 1.) Growth of Greene County. Our county is located in a productive, agriculture region. But the ongoing consolidation of farm operators and land owners since the farm crisis of the 1980s as greatly impacted our population. Much of the funding allotment for Greene County is channeled through state tax dollars and those funds are appropriated based on population. Our population has been in a steady decline. In the last five years we have made great strides to develop and grow the county, most notably the development of the Wild Rose Casino and Events Center, building of the Highway 4 railroad overpass in Jefferson, and development of a Streetscape project and creation of the Main Street program to enhance downtown Jefferson. We have added new businesses in Paton, a new community center in Grand Junction, a new library in Scranton and an expanded library-community center in Rippey. However, our population continues to drop. We need to develop new strategies that will help us connect to the growing Des Moines metropolitan area that now stretches to Perry, which is just few miles away from our county border. We can expand our county with new approaches to business development that emulate Dallas County but without the sprawl that marks much of Waukee and Grimes. The expansion of the Jefferson airport will help us bring corporate visitors directly into the county and help showcase our current advantages. We also will need to continue to support entrepreneurial efforts as that is a strong trend for future growth and development, especially among the emerging Millennial demographic.
2.) Environmental concerns. We have “world class” farmers in Greene County and agriculture and ag business are the foundation of our county economy, but the impact of large-scale agriculture on our environment can’t be ignored. Efforts are underway to maintain soil integrity and avoid water runoff by our row crop farmers, and more needs to be done. More troubling is the impact on water, soil and air quality by the large-scale hog confinement operations in our county.
3.) Social service concerns: We have too many “broken” people in Greene County and we need to determine why that is. We have a high incidence of drug use and drug sales among several age groups. We also have a situation with a high rate of teen-age pregnancy. There seems to be a sense of hopelessness among too many of our population and we need to determine the root causes and how to change that. Is it economic—too many low-paying jobs creating a large “working poor” segment? Or a lack of mental health services to help people restructure their lives? A lack of initiative to remove the criminal drug element from our streets and sentence them to prison for breaking the law, instead of giving them suspended sentences which seems to reinforce their disregard for the drug laws as they stand? We will have ongoing challenges soon as the baby boom population ages and their needs for various outreach services will expand.
District 4 – Madson: Job creation-so we can have more opportunities for the people of Greene County and hopefully get more families to move here. Housing-it doesn’t do us much good to generate more good paying jobs and have more people that want to move to Greene County if we don’t have proper housing for them. We have to help do a better job of providing good affordable housing. Lastly, clean air, clean water-we need to make sure that we are all good stewards of taking care of our land. I’m all for economic development and the right for someone to earn a better living but we must do this in a very responsible way. I would like to see us have more local control on what we want in our county.
Muir: Continued responsible use of tax dollars. Making sure departments of the county have what they need from the board of supervisors to provide their services to county residents. After 100 years, making sure the courthouse is ready for the next 100.
District 5 – Bardole: A. Bringing new businesses to the county and maintaining the current businesses we do have. Along with the businesses we need to have more of the employees living in the county. The more businesses and households in Greene County create a wider tax base and allow the County to provide better service to our citizens. B. Maintaining the county’s infrastructure. Agriculture and manufacturing compose a large part of the county’s economic engine. County and roads and bridges must be maintained for goods to be moved in and around the county. C. Public safety. People want to feel safe and protected so I believe we must have a respected and well equipped sheriff’s department and medical services of which I believe we have. This is a major consideration for those looking into moving to Greene County.
Richardson: Economic development, housing and infrastructure.
Over the past decade, Greene County has grown its employment base through new businesses and expanded manufacturing. Bauer Built’s new business in Paton and Scranton Manufacturing are great examples, as are the new Hy-Vee Grocery and Wild Rose Gaming and Entertainment and its new Cobblestone Hotel. We have experienced growth few rural counties in Iowa have seen. Now is not the time to slow down, stop, or turn around that success. It’s the time to build on it.
Moreover, we secured a new funding source through Wild Rose to assist with community projects and funding for charitable organizations. Even with all of this successes in attracting new companies and growing our businesses, our population has actually decreased. A major factor in that is housing, and it’s a countywide issue that challenges all of our communities. Our communities need more housing options and stock to accommodate our job growth. We need to find ways to attract families with school-aged children. Young families are our future, and we need to offer them jobs and quality places to live along with good schools.
And we must continue to be cognizant and forward thinking regarding our infrastructure needs. Obviously, good roads and bridges are must-have items in rural counties like ours. But we also need to look to the future when considering the physical home of county business—our courthouse. In coming years, it is likely that diminishing rural populations will dictate that Iowa will no longer consist of 99 counties. If or when that happens, Greene County must be positioned to take a leading role in consolidation of county services. We must have sound and desirable facilities in place with the capacity and capabilities to serve two or three county populations. Essential to Greene County being that viable leader is our ability to offer the state court system a modern and inviting venue for conducting court business. We have been proactive over the past 10 years in making improvements in courtroom appearance and security, and we must continue that process in the future.
I say all this because I am a lifelong resident of Jefferson and Greene County. For me, there is no better place to live and grow up. I want to ensure the opportunities I had are here for the next generation.
The Code of Iowa and the Iowa DNR’s master matrix give counties little control over the growing confined animal feeding industry. Should counties have more control? If they should, how actively would you advocate for that change?
District 1 – Burkett: Yes, I feel there should be more local control over the confined animal feeding industry. Presently, if a master matrix meets the established score, the board’s hand are tied as the DNR has the final decision. As a present supervisor board member, we have communicated our concern to our state representatives. I will continue to support this effort both in writing and by personal contact and commitment.
Robinson: Yes, the counties of Iowa should have more control over the confined animal feed industry. It is important for all county supervisors and all residents of Iowa to advocate for local control over their individual counties. I would actively advocate for such a change.
District 4 – Madson: I absolutely believe that we should have more control. I would advocate for more local control.
Muir: I think counties should have more control but it should be reflected in points added or deducted from the matrix, which would allow for county voice to be heard while maintaining a state structure.
District 5 – Bardole: I believe the rules for setting animal feeding operations need to be uniform across the state, this way no producer in one county has an advantage over another. I would like to be able to prioritize the most beneficial practices for protecting the environment and encourage those practices.
Richardson: I am pro agriculture, and I have been involved in the approval of numerous confinement facilities during my time on the board. As a citizen and a supporter of local farmers, I also believe and have espoused the view that the county should be more involved in the placement of hog confinement facilities. Balancing agriculture interests with life quality should not be at odds. At the county level, we can add some insight and clarity to help preserve value for all involved.
At this point, counties are only involved in the permitting process for the facility by scoring an application (called a Master Matrix Application) and determining that certain requirements in the construction and distance separation, along with waste management, are met. The actual permitting approval is done at the state level by the Department of Natural Resources. Providing more local input requires legislative action, and it comes down to working with producers, the Farm Bureau and ag associations to find a solution. I believe such balance is achievable but it will take time.
Should the county participate in efforts to stimulate housing development? If yes, what should the county commit to that effort?
District 1 – Burkett: I feel the board of supervisors should endorse housing development in Greene County, but not commit county tax payer dollars to projects. I believe the projects should be funded through federal grants, private investors, business partners, and the municipalities that the projects will be located within.
Robinson: No, not at this time. The board of supervisors supports the Greene County Development Corporation financially and through other resources. Housing development at present should be handled by the individual municipalities in Greene County and GCDC. However, should a development be proposed for somewhere in rural Greene County that is beyond the possibility of annexation to an existing town’s incorporated limits—say somewhere along the Raccoon River from south of Jefferson to the southern county line—then it would be helpful to get the involvement of the county, especially as it would impact roads and bridges, in addition to the county’s help in working with the existing rural water systems.
District 4 – Madson: Yes, I think we have to stimulate the growth of housing in our county. We will all benefit in the future by a more sound tax base. We have to get creative in ways to do this. It doesn’t always have to be cash.
Muir: My view of the housing development is that it is a private sector project. County involvement is important but should not be the majority of investment. Public funds should not be put at an unnecessary risk.
District 5 – Bardole: Yes, I believe the county should participate in efforts to stimulate housing development. I am still unsure of the type of housing that is needed and I understand more research is being done to find out what is needed. As an incentive the county can use short term tax abatements but I believe the people who live and work here are our greatest assets.
I don’t believe housing is the only reason people are not moving to the county. Greene County has a lot to offer all age groups and I think that needs to be celebrated and publicized more. We have great county parks, good restaurants, a thriving arts community, and we are a short drive to major metropolitan areas without the higher cost of living.
Richardson: Absolutely. The lack of housing across all segments challenges every city in Greene County. The fact is that we have probably had a housing issue for the better part of two decades, but with the influx of new jobs available, it has now become a problem. We have companies that have expanded and started new businesses, but up to half their employees live outside the county. The lack of appropriate housing options is a big part of the phenomenon. The board was part of the study that was done recently with cooperation of GCDC, Region XII and all of our local county employers, which provided real data for what we already knew anecdotally.
The board plays an essential role in helping to identify qualified builders, programs and incentives that may be available from state and federal programs. We also need to look at what other efforts including tax abatement, tax increment financing and grants can be put into place. We can and should support these things without overburdening county taxpayers.
The county provides funds to Greene County Development Corporation. Are there other ways the county should be involved with economic development?
District 1 – Burkett: As the board of supervisors, we should endorse and assist to market any economic development projects and efforts.
Robinson: I would like to see the county board of supervisors urge the GCDC to work more closely with all the towns of Greene County for economic development. Much of the GCDC’s efforts are focused on Jefferson. There are opportunities in Grand Junction, especially on the north side of town where two railroad lines and both a state and U.S. highway converge. Much of the land there is in large, multi-acre lots. More business development is possible in Scranton and Paton, and Rippey is a gateway into the county from the growing Des Moines-Dallas County area, making it viable for housing development.
District 4 – Madson: I like what the economic development group is doing and I would continue to support them. To me it’s all about communication and working together to provide our businesses with what they need to survive and prosper. We need to be able to entice new businesses into moving to Greene County when there are companies who are interested.
Muir: The county should be and is involved with all aspects of development in the county if invited or needed. GCDC is just one way we keep in touch with projects in the county and I think the relationship is working well.
District 5 – Bardole: The Greene County Development Corporation “was created to encourage a proactive business environment, resulting in diversified and balanced growth in the county’s economic base.” I believe the board of supervisors role in that development is to provide the infrastructure and incentives for businesses and industry to want to locate in Greene County.
Richardson: The county is actively involved in economic development in a variety of ways, from making contacts, to official actions such as zoning, easements and infrastructure. Part of the responsibility we have as Greene County supervisors is to keep tabs on what opportunities are out there and how they might fit within our community. I attend GCDC meetings regularly, but many of our successes in economic development have germinated outside the purview of GCDC.
For the right project in terms of size, longevity and benefits to the community, the board of supervisors should be involved formally and informally.
The board of supervisors has in the past discussed a nuisance ordinance that would make it easier for the county to require property owners to clean up unsafe or unsightly sites in the unincorporated portions of the county, much like several towns already have in place. Would you advocate for such an ordinance? Why or why not?
District 1 – Burkett: Yes, I would advocate for a nuisance ordinance for unincorporated portions of the county. We need to support a high quality of life in Greene County making it a place we are all proud to live.
Robinson: I am in favor of a county nuisance ordinance to require property owners to clean up unsafe and unsightly sites in the unincorporated areas of the county. I can attest first-hand how frustrating it is to see so many residents of Grand Junction work together to improve the community through the new $1.2 million community center/city hall, new street signs, swimming pool improvement campaign, and numerous clean-up efforts of properties around town yet just less than a half-mile outside of town two ramshackle properties greet visitors approaching on Highway 144 from the south and on Old Highway 30 from the west. First impressions are important. We have no control over these derelict properties and the county has made no effort to help support what should be a county-wide effort to improve Greene County.
District 4 – Madson: Yes I would. We want our county to be something we are proud of and proud to live here. Beautification is just one of those. Put the responsibility on the land owner but if they don’t get it done we should and bill it back to them.
Muir: There is already a mechanism in place in our zoning ordinance to address unsafe sites in unincorporated areas of the county. I would not advocate an ordinance for “unsightly sites”. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. If it is not unsafe and does not affect the value of someone else’s property, I respect one’s right to collect.
District 5 – Bardole: I would not support a nuisance ordinance at this time unless a county code enforcement officer position was created. Otherwise the sheriff’s department would be expected to enforce it and they are busy enough already. The other problem with this type of ordinance is private property rights. If there are situations where the public’s health or safety is at risk, other laws are already in place that should be enforced to help protect the public.
Richardson: At this time, we don’t have many of these situations arise, but when they occur, we lack the teeth to enforce remediation. If the board passes such an ordinance, I would expect to see an increase in the cases that come before us. It’s important that we define what constitutes a nuisance and lay out the process and timeline for resolution. No one should be exempt from keeping their property in a safe and reasonably clean condition. I would be in favor of a fair and reasonable ordinance dealing with unsightly and unsafe conditions. Rural residents have no more desire than city dwellers to look at a neighbor’s unsightly farmstead or acreage.
The county supervisors serve as trustees of the majority of the drainage districts. What experience or knowledge do you have of the complex issues of agricultural drainage districts?
District 1 – Burkett: The drainage districts are one of many areas that there is a big learning curve for a board member. As an incumbent I have researched, talked to citizens, and have been committed to educating myself on this area of responsibility. I am currently involved in the decision making process for drainage districts.
Robinson: I grew up in Grand Junction and Junction Township. The southern part of Junction Township has some of the most productive farmland in the world. This farmland was developed through extensive draining and tiling systems created by the drainage districts. Similarly, the southern and western parts of Grand Junction were developed by draining and tiling the land. Grand Junction was boosted by the tiling companies that were founded in the late 1800s and early 1900s to build these and other drainage systems in Greene County. Drainage districts have long been a part of the economic fabric and infrastructure of the Grand Junction area. In fact, within the city limits of Grand Junction are three different drainage districts.
District 4 – Madson: I will be honest, I know that this is an area of concern for the county and I need to do more research on the drainage districts.
Muir: With the lawsuit involving the three counties to the north of Greene County, the range of knowledge that everyone with drainage, not just drainage districts, is going to grow every day. Our number one responsibility as trustees today is to maintain the drainage districts to their original design and address requests of repairs from drainage district members. In the future, it will be important for the supervisors to educate ourselves on options that can be implemented to address water quality issues. I have been very involved with drainage district issues and have gone out to talk to members about problems. I do my best to see that problems are addressed and dealt with a timely and fair manner.
District 5 – Bardole: Much of the land I farm is in a drainage district. As repairs have been necessary the first thing you learn is all tile in the county is not in a drainage district. The second thing you learn is people don’t believe draining the water off a neighbor’s land will also benefit them; usually they believe the opposite. There is drainage law in place, it just needs to be followed.
Richardson: Drainage districts are set up to elect their own trustees, but operationally, when that doesn’t happen, it falls to the board of supervisors to act as the trustees. Greene County, like many counties in Iowa, was once swampland. The drainage systems that make our fields so productive are essential to our county’s success, and in many cases the infrastructure is aging and in need of repair. As noted in your question, these repairs and/or improvements can often be complex issues. They are not paid for by county taxpayers at large, but instead by the owners of land within the district. Costs are divided on a “benefit gained” basis among those landowners. The process can be costly in the case of major projects. As trustees, we give notice to all land owners in a district, then hold a hearing to discuss the need for any major work and determine the best solution.
I understand this issue from the perspective of farmers and always make the effort to use common sense and sound judgment in helping to find those solutions.
In fewer than 50 words, why would you be a great county supervisor?
District 1 – Burkett: As an incumbent, I am above the curve in the learning process for what it takes to be an effective Greene County supervisor. I am able to make informed decisions representing all of Greene County, rural and urban alike. I have had excellent attendance and participation at meetings and would appreciate your continued support.
Robinson: I believe in the future of Greene County. We have opportunities to grow and develop our county to the benefit of all its residents. I can help lead our county into the future with strategic planning and sound decision-making.
District 4 – Madson: In closing, I care deeply about Greene County and I want to do what I can to make it the best place to live for the people of Greene County. I am a hard worker, a good listener, and a very passionate person when it comes to things I believe in, and I believe the Greene County is a wonderful place to live. Thank you, Todd Madson.
Muir: In 10 years of service to the citizens of Greene County through the board of supervisors, I feel that I’ve been fair in listening to all points of view and done everything I could to come to the right conclusions. I would like to continue to make Greene County progressive and a great place to live, work, raise families and grow old.
District 5 – Bardole: I bring a new perspective that combines the challenges and opportunities of rural and town dwellers because I live and work in both settings. I listen and respect others’ opinions regardless of my views about the person or situation. I am focused on the goal of moving Greene County Forward.
Richardson: A “great” supervisor is effective. I work with others to make things happen, and will continue to put in the hours necessary to make our community the best it can be. As a lifelong Jefferson resident, I’m proud of our accomplishments. I look forward to more in the future.
