If you are qualified to vote in a general election and reside in Tama County, you are eligible to be a candidate for election to the board of the Tama Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Commissioners may come from all walks of life. All you need is an interest in protecting our natural resources.

You will find three Tama SWCD commissioner seats on the November 6 election ballots-one seat for a two-year term and two others for four-year terms. The two-year seat will complete an unexpired term and will return to its normal four-year cycle in the 2020 general election.

Only two commissioners may reside in any one township. Current commissioners with terms not currently expiring include Jennifer Vazquez-Koster of Richland Township and Al Schafbuch of Clark Township.

Five commissioners are elected at general elections on a non-partisan basis for staggered four-year terms. As a commissioner, you’ll help decide the direction of soil and water conservation programs in the county and have the opportunity to influence state and national conservation programs. Your involvement will include activities such youth and adult conservation outreach, approving soil conservation plans and assisting in the management of district funds and personnel.

Commissioners are reimbursed for expenses and protected from personal liability. They are expected to take part in regular monthly meetings, become knowledgeable of the SWCD laws and programs, develop and carry out soil and water resource conservation plans and help direct financial incentives programs.

Nominating petitions may be picked up from the Tama County Auditor’s office at 104 W. State Street in Toledo, Iowa.

Nomination papers need to be signed by 25 electors and filed with the Tama County Auditor by 5 p.m. on Aug. 29.

Questions regarding becoming a commissioner may be directed to Tama SWCD at 641-484-2702, extension 3 or the Tama County Auditor, 641-484-2740.