There are no races for Tama County Courthouse elected officials tomorrow in the June 5 Iowa primary. Locally contested tomorrow are the Democrat nomination for Iowa house and the republican nod for Iowa Senate. In addtion, Dubuque businessman Rod Blum squares off against Independence lawyer Ben Lange for the Republican nomination to challenge Democrat Bruce Braley for the 1st District seat in the November General Election.
Here are answers to a Chronicle-News-Herald questionnaire and profiles of the Courthouse candidates:
SHERIFF- Dennis Kucera (R-Traer) - Q- Qualifications and reason for seeking position?
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A- I have served Tama County for 30 years with Tama County Sheriff Office, starting as a Sheriff Reserve in 1981, then becoming a Deputy Sheriff in 1983. I was Elected Tama County Sheriff in 2000, holding this position for 12 years.
I have 12 years experience in administrative responsibility, budget management, jail operations and general overseeing of the Sheriff Office. I have established strong working relations with the board of supervisors, as well as with all county offices. Strengthened working relations with Iowa Sheriff's, Iowa State Patrol, Department of Criminal Investigations, and the FBI. I am Iowa Law Enforcement Academy certified and continue my education to keep up with all state and federal changes.
Q- Reasons for running again?
A- It is an honor to serve the people of Tama County as your Sheriff and I am looking forward to another term. I've received overwhelming encouragement through out Tama County to seek reelection, and continue to have strong support from family, friends and many Sheriff's Office Employees. I feel I've done my very best as Sheriff, serving the people of Tama County with dedication, fairness, honesty and professionalism. I believe with cooperative efforts and team work of the Sheriff's office deputies, clerks and jailers we can continue providing safe protection throughout the county. Working with a limited budget due to the economy, I've done my best to use your tax dollars conservatively.
Profile:
Membership with the Iowa Sheriff's & Deputies Association, Emergency Management Executive Board, 911 Executive Board.
My wife Gayle and I, are married 36 yrs, both of us born and raised in Tama County. We have two sons Adam(Autumn), Brandon(Deanna) and daughter Danielle (Adam) and seven grandchildren.
SHERIFF- Bryan Ellenbecker (D-Tama)
Q- Qualifications and reason for seeking position?
A- I have been active in law enforcement for 24 years. I am a State Certified peace officer.
I have a BA in Human Services with a minor in Education and training from Buena Vista.
I work death investigations for the Tama County Medical Examiners Office.
I have taught DARE for the South Tama School District.
In the past 24 years, I have attended several updates and different types of training.
Some of the training I have attended is administrative training, sex crimes training, narcotics, death investigation, internet crimes against kids, interview and interrogation, Street Survival and Urban Policing. These are just a few.
Q- Reasons for seeking election?
A- The reason I'm seeking to be your next Sheriff is because I feel its time for a change. I, as your sheriff, will provide 24 hr 7 day a week coverage.
Tama County needs an animal control officer, school patrols before and after school, Detective Division, Tama County's Most Wanted list, High Risk Team (SWAT),
Business Check Cards, weekly press release of events that Tama County citizens should be aware of. As your next Tama County Sheriff, these things will happen.
Profile:
I'm a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church. I have been married for 18 years and have 3 active teenagers who attend South Tama County Schools.
I have lived in Tama County my entire life and proud to call Tama County home. To serve and protect has been my job for 24 years.
I look forward to working for the citizens of Tama County as your next Sheriff.
AUDITOR: Laura Kopsa (D-Tama):
Q- Qualifications and reason for seeking position?
A- I have worked in the Auditor's office for 17 years and have been the Auditor for 6 years. I have had many years experience in all the functions of the office and really enjoy my job and all the people I work with. I am a graduate of Marshalltown Community College with an Associates Degree in business.
Profile:
My family includes my husband, Joel, our two grown daughters Jillisa and Kaylea and one granddaughter, Isabella. We belong to St. Patrick's Catholic Church. In the past I have served on the Tama/Toledo Pool Board, St. Patrick's Religious Education Board, Elementary Booster Club and the Community Women of Today. My husband and I were both raised in Tama County and we raised our family here. We are also very involved with our family winery here in Tama County.
2ND DISTRICT SUPERVISOR: Kendall Jordan (D-Toledo):
Q- Qualifications and reason for seeking reelection?
A- Current District 2 Supervisor over 3 years and enjoy working with the people.
Profile-
. Member of the Toledo Fire Dept and Emergency services. I sit on numerous boards on behalf of the county. My family and I live in Toledo, Wife Barb and 2 children Nicholas 12 and Megan 10.
3RD DISTRICT SUPERVISOR: Dan Anderson (D-rural Tama):
Q- Qualifications and reason for seeking position:
A- I am a life long resident of Tama County and a fourth generation farmer. My wife Sue and I have three children and 7 grandchildren.
We live south of Tama on a century farm which we have farmed for close to 40 years. We raise corn, beans and cattle. I graduated from South Tama in 1968, then served six years in the United States army reserves. I have been one of the directors of Poweshiek Water Association for 22 years and am currently the treasurer.
I served 7 years on the Tama County Farm Service Agency's County Committee and during four of those seven years I was the chairperson of that committee.
I am a member of the St. John Lutheran Church where I have served as both treasurer and president. I am a member of the Tama County Farm Bureau and a member of the American Legion in Tama.
I am running for supervisor because I care about the people of Tama County. I believe that my past and present business experience qualifies me in the areas of budgeting, administration, hiring, and managing, and that these are all skills needed to be a good and effective supervisor. If I am elected you can be sure that I will work hard for the people of Tama County.
When coming into Tama County I've noticed a small sign that says, "Tama County, a Great Place......" I would like to be part of helping to make this a great place.
3RD DISTRICT SUPERVISOR: Luke Squiers (R-Rural Tama):
Q- Qualifications and reason for seeking position?
A- I want to lower County spending and make sure we have a balanced budget. Own 3 businesses. I want to see roads maintained in a timely fashion while maximizing the tax payers money.
Profile-
Member of Reformed Baptist Church in Tama.
Member of Tama Ambulance.
Volunteer of Iowa Hospice.
Board member and Sunday school teacher at Meskwaki Friends Center.
Own Squiers Logging.
Own Outback Campground & Resort.
Own Butter Cow
My wife, Brenda Squiers, is the Elementary Art teacher at STC
I have a 1 year old son named Malachi