The new supervisor districts for Tama County. The county is moving from three to five supervisors following the Nov. 2024 election. District 1 is shown in blue; District 2 is shown in peach; District 3 is shown in green; District 4 is shown in pink; and District 5 is shown in yellow. The five new supervisors will be sworn in to office in January 2025. MAP COURTESY OF TAMA COUNTY AUDITOR’S OFFICE

Editor’s note: A photo was not made available to the newspaper for Lenhart.

Ahead of the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election, Tama-Grundy Publishing correspondent Michael Davis sent questionnaires to all the candidates running for the Tama County Board of Supervisors. This week we feature responses from Democrat Bruce Lenhart of Tama and Republican Curt Kupka of Chelsea who are running to represent District 5 – a large, mostly rural district covering the southern portion of the county including the townships of Indian Village, Highland, Columbia, Richland, Salt Creek, and most of York. The district includes the Meskwaki Settlement, Montour, Chelsea, Vining, and Elberon. Click here for Kupka’s responses.

Bruce Lenhart, 73, lives south of Tama with his wife Marcia; together they have four grown children and eight grandchildren. Lenhart is retired from a farm machinery company; during his career, he worked as an accountant for various agricultural supply companies. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Wartburg College in accounting and business administration.

1. What is something that you wish to change in your role as county supervisor?

I would like to see more industries come to Tama County; to increase the tax base.

2. What is the largest issue facing Tame County today, in your opinion?

The largest issue for Tama County in the following year will be the budget. The state will only allow so much of an increase; which is Tama County’s tax rate. With this in mind/since the county is lacking in the industries, I would help the county reach its tax base.

3. Why is five Supervisors better than three?

By having five supervisors instead of three will give the board more opportunities to divide the committee’s tasks.

4. Do you think wind energy has a place in Tama County?

I know there are a lot of options about windmills; in our county. This issue has been discussed and voted on. If some company would come to me, and wanted to put windmills on our land; I would say yes. I feel it should be left up to the landowner.

5. Why do you wish to be a Supervisor?

My main objective is maintaining Secondary Roads, and bridges. Budgeting is a main concern as it affects all parts of county government.

6. Why do you think the job of a supervisor is important?

Supervisors are needed to make sure that the rights, and safety of all people; are protected in every aspect; of their lives.

7. What are your thoughts on EMS becoming an essential service in Tama County?

Having had experience, on an EMS service; in the past, fundraisers are often used to pay for new equipment and training. Oftentimes the costs comes back to the city budgets. These funds are not always there. With the EMS becoming an essential service, EMS will be able to serve Tama County by having their needs met.

8. If you had a superpower, what superpower would you have?

Well, if I could choose a superpower, I am thinking I would want to manipulate time. By having this power I would be able to rewind, or pause what I have done in my life. To be able to add more time to my day. What a superpower that would be.

9. You are stranded on a desert island with one snack and one movie; what are they?

Chocolate chip cookies. The movie “Grease.”

10. If voters wish to ask you a question, how would they contact you?

You can contact me by email at lenhartbruce1@gmail.com, or write to my address 1761 340th Street, Tama, IA 52339.