Brian L Wrage.

Ahead of the June 4 Primary Election, Tama-Grundy Publishing sent questionnaires to all candidates running in contested races for the Tama County Board of Supervisors including those running for the Republican nomination in District 1 which includes the entire top tier of townships (Lincoln, Grant, Buckingham, and Geneseo) as well as Clark, Carroll, Oneida, and parts of far northern York. The district encompasses the communities of Dysart, Clutier, Lincoln, and Buckingham. Brian L Wrage is one of three candidates for the Republican nomination. No candidate filed paperwork for the Democratic primary in the race. The winner of the June 4 Republican primary will run in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. The office of Tama County Supervisors District 1 is a 4-year term.

Brian L Wrage

Most county residents probably know me by my nickname Bud, which I’ve had since I was a little boy.

Age: 60

Residence location: Live on our Century Farm in rural Lincoln area

Profession: Product Development Specialist at John Deere Product Engineering Center

Education: Graduated from Gladbrook Community School; graduated from US Air Force Electronic Warfare Technician school; graduated with an associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology from Indian Hills College

Family: wife Lisa; stepsons Nick Sorenson, wife Brittany and grandsons Boone and Zeke; and Josh Sorenson, wife Rachael

1) Why do you want to be a county supervisor? What is your motivation for running?

I believe our creator put us on this earth with certain gifts and talents to serve humanity. So, it’s time to follow thru with that by serving the residents of Tama County. When my friends and I talk about local news and politics I sometimes jokingly say “Things would be different if I was in charge.” Well, it’s time to change that statement from humorous to reality as a county supervisor.

2) Have you previously run for elected office? If so, for what office(s)?

I have not run for elected office before but currently serve locally on the Maple Hill cemetery board of directors.

3) What distinguishes you from the other candidates in your primary race?

I grew up and worked on the century farm where I have now lived for the last 12 years. Outside of farming, I’ve also worked in three high-tech industries the last 40 years, US Air Force electronic warfare technician, aviation maintenance and agricultural equipment engineering. With these distinctive experiences I believe I can properly serve the rural and town populations of the 1st district.

4) What changes, if any, do you believe need to be made in Tama County government?

By necessity, there will be major changes in Tama County governance. With five open elections for five new supervisor districts, there will be some upheaval. But that doesn’t have to be bad. I see the change in personnel as a positive and I’m sure the next board will continue to protect and grow Tama County and its residents.

5) What challenges does Tama County face today that you would like to see addressed by the county board of supervisors? If elected, what would you do to help address those challenges?

According to census figures, Tama County has had a slow population loss. Turning that trend around is key. More people mean more taxpayers, more housing sales, more consumer sales, etc. I look forward to working with the future supervisors to look at improving county budgets, zoning changes, and using our economic development commission to improve the county standard of living. With District I being a highly rural area, one of the biggest concerns I hear about is upgrading road and bridge maintenance. I live out here too, it’s obviously one of my concerns as well. So, improving transportation will be a priority. Also, I’m concerned about keeping our EMS and county healthcare services whole and will work to keep the funding for these programs.

6) Following the 2024 election, do you believe the county needs to return to a three-member board of supervisors? Why or why not?

The voters of Tama County unanimously voted for this change two years ago, and we haven’t even had a chance to implement the new districts. I think it would be silly to switch back and forth without at least a 2-year term of new supervisors and fresh districts.

7) The development of utility scale wind/solar energy projects in Tama County continues to be a divisive issue. What is your position and why regarding A) a possible wind and/or solar energy moratorium – temporary or otherwise, and B) property rights as it relates to utility scale wind and solar energy projects?

As a rural landowner, I find it foolish that anyone would allow these commercial windmills and maintenance roads to be installed on some of the most productive agricultural land in the entire United States. We push the “Iowa Feeds the World” (which I’m behind) mantra but then allow fertile ground to be taken out of production for semi-permanent windmills. If you’ve ever visited a farm with windmills, you are familiar with the noise, the shadowing, and wildlife destruction. Plus, in the future these windmill programs as far as recycling blades and possible decommissioning is far from clear. Hence, I’d be in favor of a new restrictive ordinance on new commercial wind farms. As far as non-commercial farm windmills, I am ok with the smaller private rural user windmill. This usage can be part of the ordinance.

Concerning the commercial solar zoning ordinance currently being discussed, I’m more lenient on their installation. I see them as less intrusive, but I’m still concerned about the CSR and megawatt limits. I’ve read through some of the solar installation proposals vs what is being talked about at zoning meetings so trying to stay on top of the info. As far as private solar energy, I am neutral. I don’t see them as economically viable but if you want solar panels on your house or farm buildings, go for it.

As far as people being frustrated at the lack of movement on these new ordinances, I point out that right now this technology is the worst it will ever be, things change for the positive everyday, so we have to be prepared for the future.

8) Why should people vote for you on June 4, 2024?

I love living in the northern part of Tama County and believe I have the experience to represent District 1. I will use the best of my abilities to serve my constituents as county supervisor.