Eli Hoskey.

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 3 which includes townships of Spring Creek, Crystal, and Perry, and parts of far northern Carlton (excluding Garwin) and Howard. The district encompasses the communities of Gladbrook and Traer. Eli Hoskey 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 3 is a 2-year term.

Eli Hoskey

Age: 33

Residence location: Rural Toledo

Profession: Small Business Owner

Education: High School

Family: Wife, Cheryl; sons Maddix, 15, and Melvin, 5; daughter Laramie, 4

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

I want to be a county supervisor because I believe I have an innate ability to be a public servant.

The county needs leaders who can listen to the public while also retaining the ability to lead when needed.

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

I have not.

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

For the land, For the People. That has always been my vision for the county. As a young person our county I understand that changes made today will affect county residents for decades to come. I believe the role of county supervisor is not a Monday morning meeting then retire for the week. Supervisors need to be accessible to their continuants throughout the remainder of the week and need to be physically active in addressing issues within the county at a hands-on level. Additionally, I believe a supervisor needs to be able to remain situationally unbiased while keeping the needs of the county in mind. I am confident in my ability to do the above stated respectfully and efficiently.

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

Accountability needs to be on the forefront, everyone in public office needs to be able to explain the reasoning and thoughts behind their actions and decisions.

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?

Roads and infrastructure are always a challenge. It’s one of the most used things in peoples’ daily lives that the county is responsible for. If elected I will look into the budget and see if we can to come to an efficient way to be able to get more done with less. How can we economically repair more bridges, repair more roads, lay better rock on roads.

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

I believe that five supervisors are better for many reasons. With more supervisors it allows more opinions, logic and mindset to form the best decisions for the county. It gives each supervisor less continuants leading to more individualized attention towards their districts. It also gives each supervisor less land mass to oversee once again giving the ability to look a specific need within their district.

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?

Like stated before my stance is truly, For the Land, For the People. It is truly my responsibility as a potential elected official to remain unbiased on these issues and listen to what the people want. All the while looking into objectively what would be best for the county on civil and economical levels.

As for property rights in general, I do not believe it is the right of the government, individuals, or the masses to be able to tell individuals what they can or cannot do with their property as long as it is legal and follows all current ordinances.

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

I am someone who can listen and be objective all the while being honest with people on the issues. I want the county and every individual to be able to grow and prosper. All while remaining to hold the values that this is all our county and want what’s best for everyone. For the Land, For the People.