Poweshiek County Supervisor candidates interviewed

J.O. Parker
 
        Jason Roudabush, incumbent, Jeff Tindle, and Paul Pohlson, are seeking to fill two seats on the Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors in the Nov. 8 election.
        The Poweshiek County CR interviewed each candidate. Following are their responses:
Why are you running or seeking re-election to the Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors?
         Roudabush: I am seeking re-election because I like helping people. I was born and raised in Poweshiek County and I take great pride in this county and I want to be able to continue working hard for this county.
       Tindle: My years of experience as a county resident, small business operator and taxpayer give me a unique perspective on how to manage the county.
        Pohlson: I chose to run for the Poweshiek County Supervisors because I believe in giving my time and talents to keep the county moving forward. We have had great people who are doing a great job. I just want to add what I can to keep the county moving forward in a positive direction.
In your opinion, what are the top two or three priorities in Poweshiek County?
      Pohlson: I think we need to continue to keep the confinements (CAFOs) out of the county. I think we need to continue to offer medical ambulance services to all parts of the county. 
        Roudabush: Keeping the budget balanced. Maintaining and taking care of the roads and protecting our quality of life.
        Tindle: I think we need to improve the roads and I think we need to attract citizens and businesses to the county.
If elected, how best and in what way would you tackle these priorities?
        Tindle: Due to inflation, the cost to operate the county has increased greatly. From a budget perspective, it is going to be challenging.
            Pohlson: I would keep my attention to the above mentioned issues.
         Roudabush: We have been able to balance the budget the last four years and lower the county tax levees. I plan to keep doing that. On the roads, make sure problems are addressed in a timely manner and use money efficiently to maintain the roads. Quality of life, keep working on mental health services, finish a countywide radio system for the fire, ambulances and sheriff to keep everyone safe in emergencies. We just finished installing the early warning system across the county in the event of a storm.
What are your strong points and how can you use them to better serve county residents?
            Roudabush: I am a small business owner who works with the public every day and listens to them. I work hard at everything I do.
             Tindle: I am good at studying problems and finding solutions.
            Pohlson: I bring 30 years of experience working with the county’s insurance program. Because of that, I think I know the county very well and will continue to listen to our residents.
If elected, what does the position of supervisor mean to you?
            Pohlson: I would be honored to serve the people of Poweshiek County and will make sure living in Poweshiek County continues to be a good place to live and raise a family and run your businesses.
             Roudabush: Supervisors are the stewards of the county and represent the county on many boards. I have had the honor to have the opportunity to do that.
             Tindle: I would be the representative of the taxpayers of the county who elected me and I consider that an honor. 
What are Poweshiek County’s strong points?
             Tindle: Centrally located. We have the benefit of having the railroad and Interstate going through our county. That puts us in a strong position to attract businesses. I think that our county has been fiscally responsible in the past. 
            Pohlson: The quality of life is very good here. We have great schools that need more funding. We are fortunate to have a hospital in our county. We do need more mental health services in the county.
          Roudabush: Great county employees and strong businesses and companies in the county. We are centrally located with the interstate running through the county and hard-working people who live here.
What can be done to bring new businesses to our county?
            Roudabush: We need to keep moving forward, updating internet with fiber optics and working with cities, towns and companies on opportunities to help them grow.
              Tindle: We need to work to sell the county to businesses looking to expand or re-locate here.
          Pohlson: To bring more people into our county, we need good schools, access to healthcare and continue having a safe living environment and a strong law enforcement presence. We have to support our law enforcement.
Background
            Pohlson: I have worked in the insurance and investment business for 40 years. My wife and I have been married 50 years and reside in Grinnell. We have a son and daughter.
            Tindle: I am a life-long Montezuma farmer who now owns and farms the family century farm. I have been married for 21 years and have three boys.
            Roudabush: I am a life-long Brooklyn resident and owner of Roudabush Electronics and Appliances, Twin Oaks Apartments and the Brooklyn Laundromat, all Brooklyn. I have been married 27 years and have four children.

Jason Roudabush, Brooklyn - Incumbent

Jeff Tindle, Montezuma

Paul Pohlson, Grinnell