Supervisor Heather Knebel (R-Traer).

September was a very wet month, and we are all very appreciative of a dry forecast for October. Harvest season could be interesting this year.

The Board of Supervisors signed a contract to hire an Engineer in Tama County, with a start date of Oct. 5. Thanks to everyone who assisted during the Engineer vacancy this summer. The secondary roads office staff, foremen, and Supervisor Kupka put in a lot of extra work to keep things running smoothly.

VOTE NO ON GOING TO 3 SUPERVISORS! Reducing the number of the Board of Supervisors from 5 to 3 has been one of the main topics of discussion. This question will be on the November 3rd ballot. As I said in my column last month, I urge everyone to do their own research on the topic. You can always reach out to me or any of the other four Supervisors to assist you in making a sound decision. Having a 3-member Board of Supervisors has its own set of challenges such as limited oversight and accountability. As an example, if 2 Supervisors aligned on a topic, the 3rd Supervisor would be constantly voted against as well as not allowed to add items to the agenda. This concentrated power makes it impossible for the public to be fairly represented. Our diverse rural communities benefit from a 5-member Board representing 5 distinct districts in the County enabling each Supervisor to live among their constituents. In the past, 1 Supervisor was from Tama and 1 from Toledo, which left the rural towns of Chelsea, Clutier, Dysart, Elberon, Garwin, Gladbrook, Lincoln, Montour, Traer, and Vining without local representation. The current 5-member Board works diligently each week for the benefit of all Tama County taxpayers. The Board has not raised the tax levy and we’ve even lowered it once. We are currently replenishing reserve funds after the financial deficit we faced when sworn into office. Are you aware of the fact that the Board of Supervisors reviews and approves each Department’s budget in the County? It’s very important to have the right people elected as Supervisors, whose strengths bring a variety of viewpoints and experience to the Board, ensuring that Tama County is fiscally well represented.

I’m on the November 3rd ballot seeking re-election as District 3 Supervisor encompassing Spring Creek, Crystal, Perry, Northern Carlton and Northern Howard townships in Tama County. I value the continued support I’ve received and would be honored to receive your vote! My background and experience in business, finance, and farming are valuable assets, enabling me to best serve my constituents. I’m happy to communicate with anyone by phone or email to listen to your concerns and help as best I can.

I wish everyone a wonderful fall season, and all farmers a bountiful and safe harvest. As usual, please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Supervisor Heather Knebel (R-Traer), the first elected female supervisor in Tama County history, represents District 3, including the townships of Spring Creek, Crystal, Perry, and parts of far northern Carlton (excluding Garwin) and Howard. She can be reached at 641-481-2532 or hknebel@tamacounty.org.