Candidates in the 2020 Iowa Primary.

Information provided by the candidates to Tama-Toledo News Chronicle:

State Representative District 72 – represents Tama, portions of southern and western Marshall and southeastern Black Hawk counties:

Democrat- John Anderson

Tama

72nd House of Representatives

Two: 1. Bill Gates is worth 98 billion dollars. 2. They just started a branch office of the Military Sapce Crops, Get a shcool going at the Iowa Juvenile Home betting we have a nescent Bill Gates in our community, and have space academy prep school if either takes off it will revitalize our downtowns; think Big.

Strategic Technology enterprise certificate, one class from Buisness Managemenet certificate, 29 hours of Engineering classes

I’m related tot Rice Krisipes Kellog folks. And I’m involved in 1st AAmendment business, which is on a need to know basis, and its releated to higher education

Democrat-Christina Blackcloud

Tama

Facebook: @Blackcloud4IowaHouse

Website: www.voteblackcloud.com

ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/blackcloud72

Position you are a candidate for and party affiliation:

I am a Democrat running to be your state representative in House District 72.

If you are an incumbent, number of years or terms served: n/a

Tell why you are seeking election:

I’ve spent my life helping and advocating for others while working to advance progressive values. I have worked with six other businesses and the Tama County Economic Commission and as a team; we successfully secured a Tama County Great Places designation in 2009. Today, I bring experience and a new vision for the 72nd District. I am running because I want to be a strong voice for rural communities in Marshall, Tama, and Black Hawk Counties.

It’s time for a change and I believe, as the best candidate, I can run and WIN against the old views and old ways of thinking that have hampered our district for so long. I believe we need smart changes in policy to meet the needs in our communities, to improve healthy lifestyles, and to invest for future generations. When I am your representative, my door will always be open.

I’m advocating for all Iowa children, so they can continue to receive the quality education and skills they need for the future. Congratulations to all the graduates of 2020, you did it! I’m fighting for affordable health care, and I’m working to unite Iowans with common goals like protecting our environment, targeting tax incentives for job creations so communities can thrive and grow, and protecting worker’s rights.

I believe I am the best candidate to represent our district because I will be ready on DAY ONE to begin working for our community. I promise to listen to constituents to ensure their concerns are represented and most importantly, I promise to take action to ensure those voices are heard. I have trained, I have watched, and I have learned… and now I AM READY. I would be honored to be the new voice to take action for our community in 2020 and beyond. Vote for Blackcloud for Iowa House District 72.

Mention any clubs, organizations, church, or other affiliations you would like to have included:

I have a duel Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management.   I have over fifteen years’ experience in tribal government. I have served multiple times as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and have served on numerous community boards including the Tama County Economic Commission, the IDP State Central Committee, and most recently, traveled to North Macedonia as part of the American Council of Young Leaders Fellowship. 

I have also served as an intern to Iowa Senator Tom Harkin in Washington, DC and interned with the Office of Ethics for the USDA. I am an alumna of the New Leaders Council – Des Moines chapter and now serve on the Advisory Board where we work together to recruit, train and promote young progressive leaders by providing the tools needed to succeed.

I have been endorsed by:

•The Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, the state federation of labor representing over 50,000 members of 520 unions throughout Iowa.

•Senator Robert Hogg who said, “Christina Blackcloud would be a tremendous advocate for rural working families, education, and clean water and natural resources.”

•State Center Mayor and former Senator Steve Sodders who said “I support Christina Blackcloud for Iowa State Representative. I have known Christina for many years and she is one of the most competent, intelligent people I know. She is passionate about doing what is right for everyone. I have seen her work on issues related to organic farming to putting together business plans, and expanding assistance to people in need.”

•Fund Her, the political action committee dedicated to electing progressive women to lead our states.

•Roxanne Colin who said, “Christina has what it takes to help Iowans get back on our feet.   It will take judgment, intelligence and commitment and she has all of that and more.   I am proud to support her historic race.”

•AFSCME Council 61 PEOPLE committee supports candidates “who advocate for issues that are important to working families, like the need to balance the economy, defend workers’ rights, secure workers’ benefits, invest in public services, and ensure a secure retirement for all.”

List any family or other personal information you wish included:

I am a mother of three: Devon, Christopher, and Martha and a grandmother of one: Ohiniyan.   My partner, Micheal Keahna, and I grow organic food and also make maple syrup.   I am a member of the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa (Meskwaki Nation). If elected, I would be the first Native American woman elected to the Iowa House.

I see my upbringing and unique perspective as a huge asset to my ability to lead. I was raised with values such as respect, service, and courage.  My father served in the same role I later held as the Executive Director for our Tribe.   Growing up, I was in awe of his role.   I saw first-hand how people could work together for the betterment of the whole.   He instilled in me the belief that there are no limits to what people can accomplish when they put aside their differences and work together.

Republican- Dean Fisher

Rural Montour

Tell why you are seeking re-election:

I am currently the state Representative  in District 72 which includes all of Tama county, the southern and western halves of Marshall county, and the La Porte City and Eagle Center  areas in Black Hawk county.  I have enjoyed serving as the state representative for this district immensely, and I feel strongly that I am helping move Iowa in the right direction. Before the COVID-19 Pandemic impacted the state, Iowa’s economy was growing and our job creators were struggling to find enough workers. We have kept the budget balanced and reduced the tax burden on Iowans, passed voter ID at the polls, banned sanctuary cities, passed the toughest legislation in the nation to protect the lives of the unborn, expanded our firearm freedoms, begun the process for ensuring our right to keep and bear arms in the Iowa Constitution, given our public schools greater flexibility and greater local control, and many other positive changes. I am a strong fiscal conservative and advocate of traditional Christian social values. This Pandemic crisis will present many new challenges as we recover, my experience in business, agriculture, and in the legislature will be an asset to the district as we face this challenge. I want to continue to help Iowa grow and prosper, to continue to move forward with positive changes that are making Iowa an even better state. I would appreciate your vote in this election!

Mention any clubs, organizations, church, or other affiliations you would like to have included:

Vicki and I are members of New Hope Community Church in Marshalltown. I am a Board member of the Tama County Pioneer Cemetery Association, a member of the National Federation of Independent Business, Tama County Farm Bureau, Tama County Cattlemen’s Association, Benefactor member of the National Rifle Association, Life member of the Iowa Firearms Coalition, Life member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association of America, Life member of the Iowa State Trapshooting Association, Charter member of the American Motorcycle Association, Life member of ABATE of Iowa, member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, a member of the W.A.R. Goodwin Society and the Capitol Society of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and a member of the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

List any family or other personal information you wish included:

I am a fifth-generation Iowa farmer and I am proud to own a Heritage Farm located 4 miles north of Montour that has been in my family since 1852 where I and my wife, Vicki, reside.  After graduating from South Tama High in 1975 I went to college and received a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology at the DeVry Institute of Technology in Chicago.  I spent 26 years in the electronics industry as an engineer, engineering manager, and a business manager in  the design and manufacture of micro-processor based real-time control systems.    The last 18 years of that career I worked for Motorola in their automotive electronics business, managing the P&L (profit & loss balance sheet)  for a $50 million portfolio of products supplied to North American automotive companies.  

After leaving the electronics industry I realized my dream of returning to the family farm in 2004, joining my brother  in managing a 120 head cow/calf operation.  In the spring of 2014 we decided to exit the cattle business and rent the land to neighbors.  I still work on the farm rebuilding fence, spraying for weeds, and maintaining the buildings. Vicki and I have started a small Christmas Tree Farm and hope to have trees ready to sell in a few years.

Each legislator receives living expenses for the time they spend in Des Moines. I save expense money by commuting to Des Moines instead of living there during the session. I have committed to donating unused legislative expenses to the volunteer fire departments in my district as a way of returning the taxpayers money back to the taxpayers and honoring the hard work and sacrifice of our firefighters. I have donated over $42,000 to the fire departments and I will continue  to make these donations throughout my tenure.   

State Senator District- Tama and portions of southern and western Marshall and southeastern Black Hawk counties-

Democrat-Dave Degner

Traer

When Iowa’s Medicaid system was turned over to private companies, for the purpose of making a profit off of the most vulnerable in our state, it was done so with no public input, no oversight and with no legislative mandate. With no justification other than it would promote efficiency, thus saving Iowa tax payers money, we all hoped for the best. The best did not happen, and what we have been left with is a corrupt program that now costs more to Iowa’s tax payers than it did before, at the expense of desperately needed health care services to those who need it most, and financial uncertainty to the providers that care for them. Our current elected leaders within the party in power, have failed to provide solutions to this problem. In fact, they will not even acknowledge that there is a problem that needs fixed, as that would require them to acknowledge that they made a mistake by continuing to support this failed policy. Of course, it does not end with just Medicaid. We have watched as mental health care resources disappeared, we have watched as public schools continue to be under funded, and declining water quality in this state goes unnoticed.

When times were good, there was never a shortage of money to be handed out in subsidies and tax credits for profitable companies, but none for the people of this state, our institutions and our environment. And now, with a pandemic at hand, it is clear the the rights of workers will always come second to the rights of corporate interests, and political expediency trumps scientific evidence when we should be uniting to fight an invisible enemy that continues to threaten public health and safety. Enough is enough.

I am running because it is time for new leadership and new representation in our State House, and it is time for rural, working class Iowans to have a seat at the table when we begin fixing the problems that have gone unaddressed for years. I am running for my brother, who should not have to worry if Medicaid will cover his care tomorrow. I am running for the public school teachers that are being asked to do more, while getting less. I am running for those who can’t survive on minimum wage. I am running because we can not afford to continue dividing ourselves into liberals and conservatives, we are all Iowans and we need leaders that put ideology aside, and put the interests of all Iowans first. I am running because it is time to make the well-being of the people in this district and this state a priority, and I look forward to earning your support, and your vote.

-I am a fifth generation Iowa, and life long resident of Tama County, growing up on our family farm and graduating from North Tama High School. I served 9 years in the Army Reserve, and have been a regular volunteer for the North East Iowa Food Bank for years. I have been a farmer, a factory worker, a truck driver and a soldier. I am now a student in my final year at the University of Northern Iowa studying Political Science and International Affairs, and work as an instructor at Hawkeye Community College and as a part time truck driver. I am also the Democratic Candidate who will be the next Senator for the people of District 36.

Republican- Jeff Edler

Rural State Center

Serving the 4th year in the Iowa Senate

I am seeking reelection to continue building on the successes we have accomplished in the areas of: mental health policy, tax reform, welfare reform, education, Veteran’s Affairs, protecting Constitutional rights and being a strong voice for rural Iowa in Des Moines. Although many successes have been achieved in these areas, there are still many challenges that exist in each of these areas. I went to Des Moines to be a problem solver and will continue with that approach upon being reelected by the constituents of District 36.

I am a member of the St. Josephs Catholic church, Farm Bureau, NRA, NFIB, and a former member of the State Center Fire Department and Consumers Energy Cooperative board of directors.

I live on the family farm with my wife, Stephanie and we have six children. Work is one of my favorite hobbies second only to the family. I also enjoy fishing, hunting, history and talking with people.

Tama County 2nd District Supervisor

Democrat- Kendall Jordan

Toledo

Served 3 Terms – 12 Years

“I am seeking a fourth term as Tama County District No. 2 Supervisor because I am committed to Tama County. I want to continue to uphold budgets along with always looking for ways to not increase taxes for property owners. I have demonstrated that I am honest, trustworthy and can get jobs done. I have a business mindset so I know how important growth and stability is for our families and our communities.”

Commitments and Organizations:

I am the Public Works Director for the City of Toledo. Owner/Manager of S & S Car Wash and Storage, Tama and Toledo along with Iowa Step & Tank, LLC and Oakland Properties, LLC.

I am a fire fighter with the Toledo Volunteer Fire/EMS Department, currently

serving as the Fire Chief and an EMT.

My family and I volunteer on a regular basis at the Wieting Theatre in Toledo and members of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Tama.

Family:

I grew up in Dysart with my parents, Ron & Judy Jordan and two brothers, Kurt and Kyle. After high school, I went onto college obtaining my electronics degree while working at Van’s Locker. Barb Dostal of Traer and I married in 1991 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in rural Clutier; soon after, making our home in Toledo. We have two children, Nicholas age 20 and Megan age 18. Nick is currently attending Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids majoring in Criminal Justice. Megan graduated this Spring from South Tama and will attend University of Northern Iowa this Fall majoring in Elementary Education. As a family, we enjoy camping and spending time with family and friends.

Republican- William Faircloth

Rural Toledo

I believe it is time for new leadership and accountability on where money is being spent.

I have gotten to a place in my life where I can dedicate the time need for this position.

Attend New Hope Christian Church

Married to wife Becky for 46 years and have three sons. Worked ta Fisher Controls 39 years, retired in 2012. Have worked part-time fro county for eight years mowing roadway

Republican- Roger Wacha Jr.

Rural Toledo

I am Roger Wacha Jr.. I was born and raised in rural Tama County. I’ve been married to Joanne (Posusta) for 39 years. We have two sons, Tony and Brian, who live and farm in Tama County. We have two grandchildren with a third due any day and two step grandchildren.

I am running for 2nd District Supervisor because after 12 years I feel it’s time for a change. There is increasing debt, a decline in the quality of our roads and lack of oversight on some county occupied property.

I will be objective as I work for change for the good of Tama County and for the future for my children and grandchildren.

Tama County Sheriff

Democrat- Jeffrey Schrock

Toledo

Democratic Candidate for Tama County Sheriff

I’m seeking the office of Sheriff to become the new leading law enforcement officer of the County by creating, cultivating, and bringing an open-minded approach to new ideas to the department for the ones we serve. I also strive for equality, not only for the sheriff’s department employee’s, but the citizens within the County and the judicial system.

In these challenging times the county desperately needs a new approach to how a Sheriff communicates and demonstrates willingness by absolute leadership to work together collaboratively and get timely information to the public. I will bring a new approach to public communications by improving relationships with existing emergency management, local police chiefs, city governments, tribal governments and being involved within their needs and bringing those needs to keep our county board members so we all stay informed. Issues our towns are having, are the same issues for the county as well. I will work tirelessly to create an new approachable environment that will reflect county partnerships between our local police agencies and tribal police to create public safety for everyone in our county who resides, works, and travels within Tama County.

I strongly believe in cultural diversity and will help incorporate diversity training to make a positive impact in growing the deputy’s knowledge of our largest minority populations of Native Americans and Latino Communities. I will commence immediately on productively working on a proactive approach to a cross deputation law enforcement services agreement between the Tama County Sheriff’s Department and Meskwaki Nation; which will create a historic partnership that resides only in Tama County and the State of Iowa that they both proudly have represented. This partnership would allow for deputies and tribal police to cross jurisdictional lines to assist when emergencies need quick responses, thus making more officers available throughout the county and tribal lands.

Develop improved contracting for all towns and townships to ensure adequate coverage, not only for the town but the entire county. This means working closely and listening to the needs of the respected communities by being actively involved with public interaction. If there is a deputy working in a contracted area, expect to see them out of the patrol vehicle, in your school, in your businesses, and walking your downtowns, and making it a priority to patrolling your county roads.

These are going to be the most challenging times ahead due to the financial impact that many families, friends, and neighbors are facing. Our county government and city government’s tax base will not be an exception. I will be a Sheriff that is committed to making solid decisions fiscally and sometimes difficult choices for all of us.

I will develop a public four-year strategy plan if elected as Sheriff of Tama County to maintain accountability. My hope is that along with the four-year strategy plan, I can foresee possibly introducing an eight-year plan that will follow through beyond my service as a Sheriff. As a future Sheriff, I am willing to help expand the role of our department if called upon to assist communities and their governments for all our citizens, as this will always remain a priority.

I have shared a few goals to what my candidacy would entail to which I foresee that these goals are attainable for this county. I’m running for your support to be elected Sheriff of Tama County because I believe in the future of what the county and community brings.

I have a AA Degree In Police Science, 25 Years Law Enforcement Experience; Served as Police Chief Meskwaki Nation; Police Officer St. Charles, Minnesota; Police Officer Toledo, Iowa.

Currently Iowa Certified Police Officer, Possess Active Minnesota Police Officer License, Active Government Security Clearance.

My experience, knowledge, and qualifications make myself the best candidate for the citizens as their Sheriff for the next 4 years and beyond. I administered a staff of 13 individuals as Police Chief which included Detailed Budgeting, Staffing Needs, Daily Police Operations, Jail Administration, Courtroom Balifing, Civil Process, Held Positions: Emergency Management 911 Board, Child Protection Team, Domestic Assault Response Team, Sexual Assault Response Team, Probation Officer, COPS and CTAS Grant Application and Award Complinace Reporting Officer, Jail Contracting Liason, Police Union Stewart, have direct working knowledge of Tribal Sovergenity and it applicablness to criminal laws of federal, state, and differences.

I was born in Waterloo, Iowa, later my family moved to Minnesota where I started my law enforcement career once graduating Alexandria Technical College. I have been married to my wife Holly for 22 years, she is a STC Alumni, as are two of my children Kordell and Athena who are currently in college. Our youngest son, Kalem, will graduate STC next year. Our first son, Maximaillian is in college. I have one grandson. My family has been around Tama County for several years.

There has never been a better time for change, new energy with a public first approach for law enforcement. There will be a priority of safety for all law enforcement officers, not just deputies as we work together and we will train together. I will bring public trust and a new approachable deputy to citizen relationships with transparency to all of the the residents of the county.

I’m a registered Democratic, however I encourage all voters from either party’s to vote based on the new possibilities to create greater public relations from our young age to our older generations, only together we can create a safer and crime free Tama County for everyone.

Jeffrey Schrock for Tama County Sheriff.

Republican- Dennis Kucera

Traer

Seeking reelection: 

This is my 5th term, serving 19 years as your Tama County Sheriff.

I’m seeking reelection because of the strong overwhelming encouragement I’ve received from Tama County residents, the Sheriff’s Office staff, and local law enforcement agencies. This supportive encouragement shows me all have the confidence in my ability to continue as your Sheriff.   I am seeking reelection having the experience, qualifications, and support to show you the Tama County Sheriff’s Office has the ability to protect and serve and provide quality law enforcement to continue to make Tama County a safe and proud place to live.  I have been proudly serving Tama County residents for 39 years as law enforcement officer starting as Tama County Sheriff Reserve, Deputy and Sheriff. I enjoy serving the people in Tama County. I have dedication to the profession of Law Enforcement and have strong working relationships with law enforcement agencies across Iowa.

I’m a member of the Iowa Sheriff and Deputy Association, Iowa LEIN Organization, MOCIC Organization, and Tama County EMA and 911 Commissions boards.

We’ve lived in Tama County all my life. My wife Gayle and I are members of the Prairie Lakes Church where we have served as volunteers.   Gayle and I have two sons Adam, (Autumn) of Cedar Falls, IA. Brandon, (Deanna) of Buckingham, IA. We have one daughter, Danielle (Adam) Harris of Eagle River, Alaska. We have 7 granddaughters and 2 grandsons.

Tama County Auditor

Democrat- Laura Kopsa

Tama

Tama County Auditor since June 2006

Family: Husband – Joel

Daughters – Jillisa & Ludy Ortiz, Toledo,; Kaylea & Dan Overman, Ankeny

Grandchildren – Isabella & Hendrix Ortiz, Vivienne Overman

Education: Graduated from South Tama High School in 1979; AAS Degree in Business from Marshalltown Community College 1981; State Election Administrator Certification 2008

Organizations:

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Tama

ISACA – Iowa State Assn. of County Auditors

Community Women of Today, Tama-Toledo

Past member of Tama-Toledo Pool Board

Past member of St. Patrick’s Religious Education Board

Past member of STC Boosters

Past member and Fiscal Agent, Better Tomorrows Board Benton/Tama County

Past member Early Childhood Iowa Board

History: I have lived in Tama County my whole life. I was raised on a dairy farm by Montour and received my education at South Tama Schools. I then attended Marshalltown Community College and graduated in 1981 with an Associate’s Degree in Business. I married Joel in 1981 and we farmed the first few years of our marriage. We raised our family here because we appreciate the small town values, people and safety.

I have been in the Auditor’s office since 1995. I was appointed Auditor in June 2006 when my predecessor, John Adams, left the office. I was elected in November 2006. I believe my years of experience in this office along with the knowledge I have gained through my years working here and the fact that I am a Tama County lifelong native make me a good candidate for the office of Tama County Auditor. I will strive to keep doing a diligent and fiscally responsible job for the citizens of Tama County.

3rd District Supervisors

Democrat Dan Anderson

Rural Tama

3rd District Supervisor / Democrat / eight years

I am seeking reelection because I care about the county and the people that live here. I believe my experience running a family farm has helped me to develop the fiscal responsibility and skills for the job of county supervisor. I thank the people of the 3rd district for supporting me over the last eight years and I ask for your vote again in November.

Director of the Poweshiek Water Association for 30 years, member of St. John Lutheran Church, member Posts 73 Tama American, Legion, Toledo-Tama Kiwanis, Tama County Farm Bureau.

My wife Sue and i have been married for 48 years. We have three children, five grandchildren and one great grandson.