Stuelke: More mental health care and parks for Linn County

This year the voters of Linn County District 3 have the opportunity to elect a member of the Board of Supervisors, and I am your Democratic candidate. I would like to provide you with information you can use to make an educated choice when voting.

I am a lifelong Linn County resident and native of Marion. I attended schools in the Marion Independent School District and graduated from Marion High School in 1980. In 1998, while working full-time for the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and helping to raise four children (with another on the way), I earned my bachelor’s degree in public administration from Upper Iowa University. I also attended the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia in 2010.

I have been married to Lesia for 29 years and have five children, three from my first marriage. We have seven grandchildren with another due Jan. 1.

In 1982, I started my career with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. I rose through the ranks until Sheriff Brian Gardner appointed me as chief deputy in 2009, where I served as second in command of the office. I retired on June 30 with 38 years of service to the citizens of Linn County. In addition to my law enforcement career, I have also served on the Center Point City Council for a total of 22 years and served as mayor for four years.

I have several issues that I would like to address if elected to become your next Linn County supervisor:

• I believe that we should continue to expand mental health care in Linn County. With the funding of the Linn County Mental Health Access Center, I believe the first steps have been taken to fill a need that has existed for many years. I support this move and would support additional funding to expand services.

• I support the continued use of local-option sales tax moneys to upgrade and improve our county roads.

• I support the continued fiscal budget practices that have resulted in Linn County consistently having a Aaa bond rating, the highest possible.

• I support the funding and development of additional park and trail systems.

• I support working closely with the city councils of all Linn County cities. Collaboration can cut down on duplication of services and save taxpayers money.

In closing, I have dedicated my adult life to public service. I would appreciate your support when you cast your absentee ballot or vote in-person on Nov. 3. For more information go to johnstuelke.com.

John Stuelke is a Democratic candidate for the Linn County Board of Supervisors.