Letter to the editor:
It was my privilege to serve two terms as a Greene County supervisor beginning January, 2005.
The board began that year working on a budget that, by necessity, was going to levy taxes over the legal limit. This was a daunting situation with differing opinions as to how the supervisors could work through this dilemma. The calm leadership of then chairman Guy Richardson was invaluable in helping board members arrive at consensus and figure out how to balance the needs for services for the people of Greene County while keeping the tax levy within the legal limit.
During the eight years of my tenure as a member of the board of Supervisors, Guy’s leadership helped Greene County realize some hefty economic development: the establishment of the Louis Dreyfus ethanol plant and Hardin Hilltop Wind Energy. He was also instrumental in the B & D Manufacturing expansion and the retention of other manufacturing businesses in Greene County. He continues to be active in the encouragement of new business growth in an ongoing effort to increase the tax base of Greene County.
One of the misconceptions about the supervisor job is that this is a three to four hour a week position. Guy again exhibits his leadership ability through his active participation in the many committees to which he, as a supervisor, is assigned. In addition to weekly supervisor meetings, Guy also participates as a member of the Greene County board of health, the Region XII board, the Greene County Development Corporation, the airport commission and the Bell Tower Community Foundation board.
The committee assignments are a necessary part of keeping our county in touch not only with the surrounding areas, but with the entire state of Iowa. The regional and state contacts are significant networking opportunities as well as opportunities to learn about state and federal grants that can provide additional funds to Greene County. Guy brings a wealth of knowledge to the Board through the contacts he has made over the years.
It is my belief that Jefferson and all the communities within Greene County have benefited from Guy’s leadership on the board of supervisors. He has grown in this position and has a great deal more to contribute as Greene County continues to face the challenges of delivering county services while managing the economic growth and prosperity of our county. I strongly support Guy Richardson in his bid for re-election as our Greene County Supervisor.
Yours very truly, Mary Jane Fields, Jefferson
