Daily Reporter Staff

Republicans have a choice on the ballot as the party tries to find two nominees for a pair of available seats on the Clay County Board of Supervisors. Incumbent Del Brockshus of Spencer is near the end of his fourth term. He has filed to run again.

Sylvia Schoer, a Spencer Democrat, is about to complete her fifth term in office. She has decided to retire and did not file to run again. Two Democrats will appear on the ballot to compete for the seats held by Brockshus and Schoer. Barring a successful write-in campaign, Tim Kehoe and H Schar, both of Spencer are in position to receive the Democratic nominations and move on to the Nov. 4 general election.

They'll face the top two vote-getters from the Republican primary: Brockshus is joined by three challengers within the party: Bob Schlaeger and Joe Skow of Spencer have filed to run. Jim Umscheid, Jr. of rural Spencer also has filed to capture the GOP nomination.

All six candidates received a questionnaire and submitted answers about their background and candidacy as part of The Daily Reporter's election coverage. The following is their responses, in alphabetical order, starting with the Republicans:

THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

D.R. (DEL) BROCKSHUS

Del Brockshus is 68 and lives in Spencer. He and his wife Charin have three grown children: sons Todd and Ross and daughter Jill. They have two daughter-in-laws, Barb and Beth and one son in law, Mark Hulshof. They have 10 grandkids.

Brockshus is co-owner of Del's Garden Center, Inc. and has been in business 41 years. He has a B.S. in Horticulture from Iowa State University.


He has served 10 years on the Spencer Community Schools Board of Education and is in his 15th year as a member of the Clay County Board of Supervisors. He is a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and has served on a number of boards there. He is past President and Hall of Fame member of the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association. He is the recipient of the Iowa Lakes Corridor 2006 Chairman's Award. He serves on a number of boards as it relates to his duties as a county supervisor.

Each of the candidates were given the following questions:

1. What made you decide to seek a seat on the Clay County Board of Supervisors in 2008?

I've been honored to serve on the board of supervisors these past years and I feel the experience I've garnered will be useful in the future. With Mrs. Sylvia Schoer deciding to retire and my term coming to an end, it would leave just one supervisor with more than two years of experience. While Mrs. Linda Swanson and Mr. Berlin Matthews are excellent first-term board members and Mr. Ken Chalstrom is a superb leader, there is a certain historical significance that would be lost if Mrs. Schoer and I were to both retire. I have decided then, that it is important that I stay on the board to pass on to the newer board members the heritage of Clay County's progression and fiscal conservatism as it was passed to me by former board members. Being a board member is not always a popular position. One cannot always satisfy everyone, but I have never been afraid to challenge or be challenged. Opinions may not always be the same as mine, but I respect those opinions and I respect those who hold them.

The most important job the board of supervisors performs is that of establishing a yearly budget. It effects the programs of other elected officials and departments; more over it effects the taxes on property owners in Clay County. The demand for county services along with unfunded mandates from the state and federal governments makes the establishment of budgets more difficult each year. The nearly 25 years of experience I've had as a member of the board of education and the board of supervisors has given me the experience and knowledge to establish these budgets in a fiscally conservative manner.

2. What do you see as the county's biggest challenge in the next four years?

People!

First, those increasing numbers of people who are poor, ill and/or are physically or mentally challenged. It has always been the duty of the county to take care of its own, but because of rising costs and interference from the state and federal governments this duty is being threatened. There are areas in this country, indeed in this state, where the chronically mentally ill are left to wander the streets for lack of assistance. Because of the restraints from the state of Iowa, it is increasingly more difficult for Clay County to serve those in need. I am committed, regardless of the consequences to assure that those in need in Clay County will be served.

Second, our population continues to decline in Clay County. While this is a wonderful area in which to live, it is increasingly difficult to make a living in this area. Two things will reverse this decline: Economic development and affordable housing. Small businesses, manufacturing and value-added agriculture are but a few areas that will provide jobs. The county and the communities in the county need to provide opportunities for affordable housing. It can happen… it is happening!


3. How would you go about addressing those concerns?

In the last 18 months the Clay County Board of Supervisors have instituted two historic programs. First is the "Clay County Revolving Loan Fund." This fund is being used as an alternate loan source of short-term, low-interest, stop-gap financing for job-generating economic development. The Revolving Loan Fund Board has already made two loans. One to an expanding local business and another to a new manufacturer. There is a potential of 40 or more good-paying jobs with these two loans. Second, is the low-interest, stop-gap financing for the refurbishing of existing homes and construction of new homes in Clay County. While the "Local Housing Trust Fund" is not yet fully functional, it should have polices in place and available funds in a few months. All of this is under way without the use of property tax dollars. Good programs by a progressive board of supervisors.


4. Make your closing argument. Why should the residents of Clay County vote for you?

It is my hope that I have served the residents of Clay County to their satisfaction and that they might have confidence that I may serve them again in the future. I'm getting a little long in the tooth, a little slower, a lot wiser, but… I'd like to dance one more dance before I go home. Will you please vote for me June 3? Thank you.

BOB SCHLAEGER

Bob Schlaeger is 43 yeas old and lives in Spencer. He and his wife, Lori, have been married for 18 years. The Schlaegers have three children: Robby, 15; Ally, 9, and Brady, 6.

He is a para-educator for the Spencer School District and coaches the ninth-grade football team. He also serves as president of the Midwest Youth Football League, an organization he started with 60 players in Spencer a few years ago. Today the league emcompasses over 1,200 players in over 18 communities from the region competing in northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota. He also serves as a concessions proprietor for the Spencer Aquatic Center. He served in the U.S. Navy and attended both Iowa Lakes Community College and the College of Charleston.

Bob has earned the distinction of Volunteer of the Year at the Spencer Family YMCA; has coached a variety of local sports: Football, basektball, softball, baseball, track and soccer; and has served on the School Board at Sacred Heart Elementary School, filling the role of president in 2004.

Each of the candidates were given the following questions:

1. What made you decide to seek a seat on the Clay County Board of Supervisors in 2008?

It's time grow the county from within. Making Clay County a stronger place for our citizens who are here today and making it an environment where others want to move here because of what the county offers it residents.

2. What do you see as the county's biggest challenge in the next four years?

Growing the county from within and continue to serve the needs of the citizens of Clay County within budget constraints. There are a lot of other challenges in Clay County, but it's up to the government, first and foremost, to take care of the three main items that we are elected to govern at the county level: Protect its people, provide for necessary infrastructure, and contribute to education.

3. How would you go about addressing those concerns?

The rate of housing values have decreased but the assessed values of Clay County homes have not decreased. We need to lower the assessed values to give more money back to the citizens of Clay County. In turn, they will spend money in Clay County for products and services they need, boosting the local economy base of Clay County. Build within.

As far as the big three issues of focus I mentioned before, we need to do just that, focus on these issues.

4. Make your closing argument. Why should the residents of Clay County vote for you?

I am a very caring, loyal and hardworking individual. I have no personal agenda in my efforts to serve as a Clay County Board of Supervisor. My only agenda is to represent Clay County citizens and to ensure that their hard earned money, that is turned over to the county through the tax system, is spent in a responsible and sound way. I want to make sure that they have someone on the board looking out for their interests and making certain that every voice matters. Through the good times and the bad times, the great folks of Clay County need a strong representative leader who will support them. I am that type of leader and I profoundly appreciate your support and kind words. Thank you - Bob Schlaeger.

JOE SKOW

Joe Skow is 56 years old and lives in Spencer. He and his wife, Sue, have been married for 34 years. The Skows have two grown children, Nate and Jessica. Both children are married and the Skows have five grandchildren.

Skow retired as a sergeant after 30 years with the Iowa State Patrol. He currently works part time at Warner Funeral home. He graduated from Maple Valley Community School in Mapleton and received his AA degree from Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City.

He has been a volunteer throughout his adult life and gained local governmental experience serving as a Spencer City Councilman for two years. A promotion required him to temporarily relocate. He serves on the SMU Program Committee, is a member of the Daybreakers Kiwanis Club, and co-founded the Blackhawk Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. He's also co-founded a youth wrestling program, coached Little League and T-ball and serves as a Hospice volunteer. In 2006, Skow was chosen as the Hospice Volunteer of the Year.

Each of the candidates were given the following questions:

1. What made you decide to seek a seat on the Clay County Board of Supervisors in 2008?

I am seeking a seat on the Clay County Board of Supervisors because I like to be involved in the community and feel I can help make a difference for our county. I have the knowledge, the time and the dedication to be a good supervisor. I also have the ability to say "no" when necessary, and spend our taxpayer dollars conservatively as if they were my own. It takes mature decision making skills to be in this important position and I believe I have those skills.

2. What do you see as the county's biggest challenge in the next four years?

Economic development should be at the top of the list of challenges as job creation will help other issues of concern such as employment opportunities, expanding our tax base, housing and our schools.

Maintaining or cutting taxes is also a major challenge, yet one that definitely needs addressed. According to the FY09 Clay County Budget Overview I picked up from the Auditor's office, Clay County's "proposed expenditure budget for the year is $13, 892,604. That reflects an increase of $2,258,784 over last year." That is a whopper of an increase.

3. How would you go about addressing those concerns?

I am an advocate of new ideas and also of applying good ideas that are working in other areas in our own community. Not many people realize that we presently have one commercial wind turbine in Clay County, while the counties around us have several wind farms. These are great economic development projects as they are clean, provide jobs, create renewable energy and pay taxes. At 2.8 million dollars for the largest turbine, an up-front tax incentive would quickly payoff and benefit our county's coffers over future years. We also need our citizens to suggest ideas and promote Clay County at every opportunity.

Sometimes you just have to say no. I have attended nearly every one of the supervisors' board meetings since January. I also sat through a portion of the budget process. It feels good to give money to worthwhile projects but it may be time to re-examine some of these programs/projects and reconsider the amount of funding. I am planning on spending time in each department. Not to micro-manage, but to learn the function of the office/department, look for duplication and share my experience. Spending other peoples money should be tougher than spending your own.

4. Make your closing argument. Why should the residents of Clay County vote for you?

I have the qualifications to do a great job for the citizens of Clay County. I have the time and life experience to devote to this position. Whether it was as a patrolman, city councilman or Hospice volunteer, I give each endeavor I am involved in all I can. I pledge to listen and learn from citizens as well as current and former board members. I will continue to work to get wind farms in Clay County as well as other expanding, existing, or other new industry. I would greatly appreciate your vote June 3 and hopefully again in the General Election. I would be proud to serve Clay County.

JIM UMSCHEID, JR.

Jim Umscheid, Jr. is 53 years old and lives 6 miles northeast of Spencer in Meadow Township. Umscheid and his wife, Mary Jo, have been married for eight years. He has three grown stepdaughters and two grandsons.


Umscheid owned and operated the Greenville Locker for 25 years. He sold the business in 2007. He also operated the Greenville Post Office for 16 years. He is a graduate of Clay Central High School in Royal.

He has supported the 4-H program at the Clay County Fair for over 20 years.

Each of the candidates were given the following questions:


1. What made you decide to seek a seat on the Clay County Board of Supervisors in 2008?

When I heard there was a seat coming open I thought it would be something I would be interested in and be good at, so I decided to run.


2. What do you see as the county's biggest challenge in the next four years?

Staying within the county budget will be a major concern because of the higher energy prices and the slowing economy. This will have a big impact on the county's spending in the next four years.


3. How would you go about addressing those concerns?

Basically, we will have to watch our spending. To stay within the budget, some of the currently proposed projects may have to be put "on hold" or funded in phases to help us during these leaner times. Funding only necessary or immediate projects; so that means the dollars we get from our resources will also have to be spent wisely.


4. Make your closing argument. Why should the residents of Clay County vote for you?

I am an honest and hardworking individual. I have lived in Clay County for over 44 years. I've owned and operated a successful business within the county. I believe my years of experience of living and working in the county would benefit me if elected to the Clay County Board of Supervisors.

THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

TIM KEHOE

Tim Kehoe is 51 years old and lives in Spencer. He and his wife Ranae have three adult children; Matt Richardson and his wife Jennifer and two children Charlie and Addison who live in Littleton, Colo., Nicole Walllig and her two children Chloe and Isaiah who live in Cedar Rapids and Victoria Richardson and her daughter Sophia who live in Spencer.

Kehoe has been the General Manager of the AmericInn Motel and Suites since 1995. He has worked in various business and agricultural-related jobs since college. After graduation from Spencer High school in 1975, Kehoe attended Iowa Lakes Community College and went on to attend Iowa State University with a major in Agriculture Education and Agriculture Business. He finished his studies at Buena Vista College with a major in Business Management.

He has served on various community organizations including the Clay County Thrivent Financial Board as Chapter President, Thrivent Financial Advocate in Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill, Lutheran Family Services Regional Area Council, Spencer Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee, Spencer Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee, City of Spencer Renaissance Initiative Committee, Upper Des Moines Opportunity Policy Council, Hy Noon Kiwanis International member and board member, member of Spencer YMCA Men's Club, Clay County Pals, previously served on Spencer High School Advisory Committee and Clay County Extension Board along with active church responsibilities.

Each of the candidates were given the following questions:


1. What made you decide to seek a seat on the Clay County Board of Supervisors in 2008?

As a lifelong resident of Clay County I believe that I am the right person to represent the citizens of Clay County in their best interests. With my Business experience and Agriculture background I bring a good base (foundation) to be useful on the board of supervisors to serve the citizens of Clay County.


2. What do you see as the county's biggest challenge in the next four years?

New facilities to house Clay County jail inmates, Economic Development and the location of livestock operations in Clay County.


3. How would you go about addressing those concerns?

I definitely feel that the current jail facility is old and outdated and is in need of updating. The real question is do you spend money to remodel and update the existing facilities and still have an old building or do you spend money for a new facility? You can only get so much use out of anything before it is worn out. My philosophy is, with proper planning and foresight, major expenditures such as a new facility to house jail inmates can be planned for. The old facility needs to be assessed as far as it's current usefulness and that needs to be weighed against the cost and benefits of a new facility.

Economic development is a key issue in Iowa and Clay County. We should think of Clay County as a regional center in northwest Iowa. Clay County government needs to be pro business and industry working with existing business and industry to help grow and expand the existing businesses and industries. Along with that new business and industry should be encouraged to locate in Clay County with the joint efforts from the Lakes Corridor and city governments thus retaining the work force, young and old.

The location of livestock operations in Clay County is currently regulated by the state and the DNR. We as citizens need to have a say locally as to where these facilities are located and what impact they will have on our communities and environment. By working with our state legislatures and being educated on the issue we can make some changes. Clay County is an Agriculture based county so we need to find ways to coexist with livestock facilities within reason.


4. Make your closing argument. Why should the residents of Clay County vote for you?

I decided to run for Clay County Board of Supervisors after careful consideration and I believe that I would serve the citizens of Clay County in their best interests. I am not running because I have an agenda or any specific issues. There are issues and there always will be. I feel that I am honest and fair, open minded and sensible and committed to getting the job done. Your vote counts and I am asking for and would appreciate your vote on Tuesday, June 3.

H SCHAR

H Schar is 61 and lives in Spencer. His wife is Joanne Dyhrkopp Schar and he has two children: Sarah and William.


Schar is a self-employed consultant and seasonal worker at Del's Garden Center. He has a BA in History/Political Science, Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., and an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.


He also has been an adjunct instructor in African History and English for Agriculture at Iowa Lakes Community College.

He's been requested for numerous speaking engagements and presentations for church, service and other groups throughout the area. He periodically exhibits a collection of African artifacts at venues including Arts on Grand, Lakes Art Center and the Moorhead Cultural Center.

Each of the candidates were given the following questions:

1. What made you decide to seek a seat on the Clay County Board of Supervisors in 2008?

After a long and successful professional career, I decided it was time to give something back to my community. I have always considered local government to be best government. Given my long experience in agricultural development, I decided the ideal approach was to seek a spot on the board of supervisors.


2. What do you see as the county's biggest challenge in the next four years?

Providing the citizens of Clay County with the services they need in the face of rising costs for fuel, equipment, labor and the other the resources needed to provide those services. Place an emphasis on local control over local issues. 


3. How would you go about addressing those concerns?

I have significant experience in working with people from all walks of life in many different countries around the world. I hope to combine this with a commitment to good government right here in Clay County, to begin the process of restoration right here at the local level.


4. Make your closing argument. Why should the residents of Clay County vote for you?

Experience. I have 30 years experience working as a professional agricultural economist. I have worked in the areas of land use planning, human resource management and rural development for numerous private sector, governmental and NGO organizations. These are precisely the concerns that county supervisors deal with on a regular basis.

VOTING INFORMATION

By Amy Quail

Daily Reporter Staff

Elections for Federal, State and County offices will be held in Clay County on Tuesday, June 3. Polls will open at 7 p.m. and close at 9 p.m. in the following locations:

Lake/ Freeman Precinct - Dickens Community Center

Meadow/ Sioux Precinct - VFW Club in Spencer

Summit/ Riverton Precinct - Spencer Airport Terminal

Waterford/ Lone Tree Precinct - Hap Ketelsen Community Center in Everly

Logan/ Gillett Grove Precinct - Gillett Grove City Hall

Lincoln/ Clay Precinct - Royal Community Center

Douglas/ Peterson Precinct - Senior Citizens Center in Peterson

Garfield/ Herdland Precinct - Webb Community Center

Spencer Ward 1 - Clay Co. Regional Events Center

Spencer Ward 2 - Clay Co. Regional Events Center

Spencer Ward 3 - Clay Co. Regional Events Center

Spencer Ward 4 - Clay Co. Regional Events Center

Spencer Ward 5 - Clay Co. Regional Events Center

U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin's seat is up for election in 2008. The Cumming Democrat does not face an opponent for the nomination. Three Republicans have filed to face Harkin in the Nov. 4 general election: George S. Eichhorn of Stratford, Steve Rathje of Cedar Rapids and Christopher Reed of Marion.

U.S. Rep. Steve King of Kiron does not face a primary opponent for the GOP nomination and is seeking another two-year term in Congress. Democrats have one candidate for King's seat. Rob Hubler of Council Bluffs is unopposed for his party's nomination.

Democrats did not place a candidate on the ballot for the Iowa House District 5 and House District 6 seats held by Royd Chambers of Sheldon and Mike May of Spirit Lake respectively. Both GOP incumbents have filed to run again and do not face an opponent on the ballot.

Other incumbent Republicans unopposed on the ballot are: Clay County Auditor Marjorie Pitts and Clay County Sheriff Randy Krukow. Democrats did not place candidates on the ballot for either office.

Four Republican candidates are seeking two available nominations for a pair of seats on the Clay County Board of Supervisors. They are: D.R. "Del" Brockshus, Bob Schlaeger, Joe Skow and Jim Umscheid Jr.

Two Democrats filed for the two nominations available on the board: H Schar and Tim Kehoe.

New this year, Iowa laws allow voters to register to vote on election day at their polling place. If a new registrant plans on registering on election day they must show a proper form of identification as well as proof of residence.

The best form of ID is a valid Iowa driver's license with a current address. If your Iowa driver's license has an old address you may use it as proof of identity and use one of the following as proof of residence if it contains your current address:

* Residential lease

* Property tax statement

* Utility bill

* Bank statement

* Paycheck

* Government check

* Other government document

If you do not have an Iowa driver's license, you can provide one of the following as proof of identity if it contains your photo:

* An out-of-state driver's license

* Non-driver identification card

* U.S. passport

* U.S. military ID

* ID card issued by employer

* Student ID issued by an Iowa high school or college

If a potential voter does not have proof of residence and identity, a registered voter in the precinct may verify the voter's identity and residence in the precinct. If the registered voter provides the verification, they will be asked to sign an oath. Falsely attesting, or being attested for, is a Class D felony. If the potential voter does not have proof of residence and identity or anyone to attest on their behalf, they will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot.

Anyone who is not registered, and wishes to vote by absentee ballot after the voter registration deadline, they will be asked to follow the election day procedure. They will fill out a voter registration form, and show proof of residence and identity and be given a ballot to vote.

Falsely registering to vote is first-degree election misconduct which is a Class D felony and punishable by a fine of up to $7,500 and up to 5 years in prison. This includes attempting to falsely register to vote and registering to vote in more than one precinct on election day.

After the election, all voters who registered to vote through election day registration will be sent a notice by mail. If this notice is returned as undeliverable, a forward-able notice will be mailed to the voter. If the county auditor does not receive a response to that notice within 14 days, the auditor will notify the Clay County Attorney and the Iowa Secretary of State for investigation and possible prosecution.

Voters that are registered to vote at their current residence do not need to re-register. Voters who have moved and have not registered should do so to avoid the possibility of having to vote a provisional ballot.

Voters who would like to switch parties or voters registered as independents who would like to participate in the primary may declare a party at their polling site on election day. Here is how it works:

* When you enter your polling site, you will be asked to sign an eligibility slip and choose a party. For that day your party (affiliation) will be changed.

* Voters will then get the ballot of the party they declared. They can then change back to their previous affiliation, if they wish, at a later time following the election.

The Clay County Auditor's Office will post the result updates periodically on the county's web site, www.co.clay.ia.us after polls close at 9 p.m. Tuesday. Use the refresh button for the most current results.

Sample ballots are available at the Clay County Auditor's Office and also will be posted at each precinct location.

* Anyone with further questions concerning their registration may contact the Clay County Auditor's Office at 262-1569.