WAKE UP AND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD,
Tuesday, November 4
2014
VOTERS
GUIDE PRESENTED BY:
10 N. 7th St. • Estherville • 712-362-2622
√ Choose to keep
RON SMITH YOUR Emmet County Supervisor Prepared and Paid for by Committee to Re-elect Ron Smith, Supervisor
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REPUBLICAN
VOTE
VOTERS GUIDE
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Welcome
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
This 2014 Voters Guide features a brief syn‐ opsis of each major party candidate for all local, state and national races that you will find on the ballot for the Nov. 4, 2014, General Election. It also includes most of the minor party candidates. We hope this guide will help you make your selections on Election Day. For more informa‐ tion on the state and national candidates, most have a website touting their key issues and what they stand for. Thank you, Estherville News staff
Table of Contents Dist. 7 State Rep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Emmet County Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . .Pages 5-7
Joni Ernst for US Senate
Steve King for US Congress
U.S. Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8 U.S. House of Rep - Fourth Dist . . . . . . . . .Page 9 Where to Vote in Emmet County . . . . . . . . .Page 9
Bill Northey
Mary Mosiman Adam Gregg
Paul Pate
Dr. Sam Clovis
Secretary of Agriculture
State Auditor
Secretary of State
State Treasurer
Uncontested County races . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 10
Attorney General
Iowa Governor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 11 Iowa Secretary of Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12 Iowa Auditor of State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12 Iowa Secretary of State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 13 Iowa Attorney General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14
Tedd Gassman Iowa House of Representatives
Iowa Treasurer of State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 15
John Pluth Emmet County Supervisor
Paid for Emmet County Republican Party. 409 N 2nd St.
Melanie Summers Bauler Emmet County Supervisor
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VOTERS GUIDE Dist. 7 State Representative Tedd Gassman-R Office running for: 7th District House of Representatives. Family (spouse, children): Wife — Mary JoEll, three grown children, 14 grandchildren. Political affiliation: Republican. Past and current employment:
Dave Grussing-D What is the office for which you are running? Iʼm running for the 7th District seat in the Iowa House of Representatives. The 7th District is comprised of Emmet County, the north half of Kossuth County, including Algona, and Winnebago County. Tell us about yourself. Iʼm the fifth generation of my family to live in Armstrong. I graduated from Armstrong High School, Iowa Lakes Community College, and Iowa State University. Iʼm married to Sherry and have two sons, Matt, who is an Army 2nd Lieutenant stationed at Fort Stewart, GA, and Chris, who is a freshman at North Union High School. I spent a total of 28 years in the Army and
I farm and sell insurance. Also taught highschool math and physics. Have you ever run for office before (list positions if applicable): I was on the school board in Thompson for 14 years; lost in primary for supervisor in 2004, currently represent the 7th District after winning the primary and general election in 2012. Why are you running for this office: We have 14 grandchildren that will inherit what we leave. Along with all the other children, I hope to leave a better Iowa. What are the top two challenges facing
that office: I would say the condition of our road and bridges will be a major topic, along with education. How will you address those challenges: I want to compile all the different ways to finance our bridges and roads along with input from my constituents and other representatives to arrive at a conclusion. Finances for our schools will depend on our receipts. If you are the successful candidate, how would you expect to be different after a year in your position:
I would hope to be wiser and more in tune with the issues. Anything else you would like to add? We also have some social issues that need our attention. I have been endorsed by: n Farm Bureau as A Friend of Agriculture. n National Federation of Independent Businesses. n Iowa Corn Growers Association. n Iowa Association of Business and Industry. n Governor Mike Huckabee.
Army Reserve, serving on active duty from 1981 to 1987 and from 2004 to 2008. I also have served as a police officer, beginning my career with the Estherville Police Department from 1978 to 1980. I spent 21 years of my law enforcement career with the Stillwater (OK) Police Department, with 17 years spent as a Detective. I retired in 2008 and moved back home to Armstrong. Sherry and I decided to return to Armstrong because we wanted Chris to have the experience of growing up in a small town. Because public service has always been important to me, I have tried to stay involved in community activities. I served for five years as a member of the Armstrong City Council, and am currently a member of the Armstrong Betterment Club, the Armstrong Heritage Museum, the Emmet County Community Foundation. I also serve as treasurer of 1st Presbyterian Church in Armstrong.
What is your reason for running? There are two main reasons that I decided to run for the Iowa House of Representatives. The first is when I moved back home to Armstrong, I was appalled to see all the small towns I had grown up around were just fading away. I havenʼt seen anyone in Des Moines who seems to be addressing this issue, so I have a plan that will provide tax cuts for businesses that specifically open in communities of fewer than 25,000 residents. The second reason was because of a bill sponsored by my opponent. That bill would have made it difficult to obtain a divorce in Iowa if the couple had minor children. His rationale for the bill was that children of divorce are more promiscuous than other children. My oldest son is a child of divorce and after being an honor student all through high school and receiving an academic scholarship to Iowa State, I think he turned
out pretty well. My ex-wife and I were much better judges of whether we should stay married than some legislator we had never met. What do you see as the biggest concern for the next term? My biggest concern is the continuing depopulation of small towns. The answer to depopulation is economic development. That economic development includes support for education, investment in Iowaʼs infrastructure, support for renewable energy, and incentives to attract military veterans and retirees to Iowa. In addition, we need to work to support the middle class in Iowa. When I was growing up in Armstrong, my parents taught me that if you worked hard at anything, you could earn a good living. Unfortunately, now even if you work hard you can still live in poverty. Hard work should be rewarded with a living wage.
John Wittneben for
County Supervisor
r e v a e B Ron
sor i r v r o f upe S Vote y unt o C met m E for n My campaig promise:
I’d appreciate your vote. Let me put my experience and your ideas to work for Emmet County. Vote November 4 th
Paid for by Wittneben for Supervisor Campaign.
Your vote would mean a lot, just fill in the little dot.
To serve Emmet County residents to the best of my ability.
Thank you Emmet County! Paid for by the candidate
Paid for by Friends of Jeff Quastad for Supervisor.
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Emmet County Supervisor Melanie Summers Bauler-R 1. Please tell us a little about yourself and your reason for running. After graduating from law school, my first position was the Domestic Violence Prosecutor in Dickinson and Emmet Counties, and I moved to Estherville in 2006. A year ago my husband, Deputy Tom Bauler, and I, along our three children purchased a home in the Ingham Lake area. Our family belongs to the Wallingford Lutheran Church. My husband and I are committed to serving the public. I am running for Emmet County Supervisor because I believe that our local government should be a reflection of its citizens and I will bring honesty, integrity and a fresh perspective to the Board. 2. What type of relationship should the supervisors have with salaried employees. The supervisors should recognize and understand the important role that the each county employee plays, and the duties and responsibilities of each department within the county. County employees provide important services to the community and should be valued and respected by the supervisors. The supervisors should establish a good working relationship with each department head so that the lines of communication are always open. However, when it comes to the daily management
John Pluth-R 1. Please tell us a little about yourself and your reason for running. I was born in Estherville and graduated from Estherville 1982. I moved to California where I started at the bottom in the construction business and worked up to foreman and eventually owned my own business. While in California I raised two daughters, Kayla (27) and Taylor (24). We were involved in highschool rodeo and 4-H showing cattle. In 2006 I missed the family farm so Taylor and I moved home to farm and raise cattle part-time. I also run a grader out of Wallingford for Emmet County. In 2009 I married my best friend and partner Crystal Gonseth. My goal and reason for running for supervisor is to keep Emmet County a great place to raise a family which requires a strong and healthy economy. 2. What type of relationship should the supervisors have with salaried employees.
decisions of each department, those decisions should be left up to each department head. The supervisors should not engage in micromanaging. The department heads are capable of handling employee issues that arise. The department heads should make hiring and firing decisions because they are in the best position to evaluate job performance and department needs. The supervisors should not let individual friendships with county employees guide decisions that are contrary to the best interest of the county. 3. What role do you believe the board of supervisors should have in county economic development. The supervisors should encourage economic development whenever possible. In 2005, Emmet County became a part of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. The Corridorʼs mission is to promote and help its members bring new business to rural Iowa. The supervisors need to be working closely with the staff of this company to bring new business to Emmet County whenever possible. As investors in this non-profit corporation, the supervisors must make sure that Emmet County taxpayers are getting what they paid for. We have to make Emmet County attractive to new businesses that are thinking of starting or relocating to the Corridor area. New economic development will bring much-needed new jobs to Emmet County, which will increase peopleʼs ability to spend money locally, will expand housing and will increase the tax income to the county. 4. Please explain your vision of county
zoning and how the board of supervisors can best strike a balance among ag, residential and commercial interests throughout the county. The Emmet County Planning and Zoning Commission, along with the Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission, came up with a Comprehensive Land Use and Development Plan with goals and objectives to best balance the competing land use interests in Emmet County. This plan should be utilized when making developmental decisions. Emmet County has zoning ordinances for a reason and those must be followed and enforced. Only when proper notice is given, and the public has a chance to be heard, can the board make an informed decision about rezoning an area. Emmet County has valuable farmland that must be protected; especially now with the nationʼs first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant starting production in our neighboring Palo Alto County. While we must encourage commercial economic development, we must also consider the impact on the farmland and allow the development when it will not further deplete this invaluable resource. 5. Are there any areas in which you would like to see the county spend less money? More? As a supervisor it would be my ongoing obligation to continually examine the budgets of each and every department and explore ways to minimize costs without comprising services to the citizens of Emmet County. Spending for the safety of Emmet County citizens is an area that
should not be cut, especially because of the recent courthouse shooting in Jackson County. The safety of courthouse employees and those visiting the courthouse has always been a concern, but the lack of county funds to devote to courthouse security remains an issue. As a supervisor, I would look for funding or grants available to counties who are interested in providing additional security. Additionally, as the number of people with a land line continues to decline, more funds are necessary to support the continuing evolvement of the E911 system, and sources to generate the funds to support that system need to be explored. 6. What do you envision as the biggest concern or concerns for the next term for which you are running? One of the biggest concerns is the necessity for government transparency. I have heard countless citizen complaints that there are too many decisions and discussions on county matters being done in private. County business and decisions need to be made in open board meetings, and Iowa Code Chapter 21 concerning Open Meetings and Open Records exists to ensure that the supervisors are aware of what is expected from them. There are only 12 very specific reasons for a meeting to be closed and there are penalties for not following these rules. The Board should at all times avoid even the slightest appearance of impropriety to ensure the continuing trust of its citizens. Every Emmet County citizen can be assured that I am a trustworthy person who will confidently fight for whatʼs best for the county as a whole.
I believe it is important for the supervisors and salaried employees to have a good working relationship. Both sides must respect each other and work together to compromise on decisions that have only Emmet Countyʼs best interests in mind. 3. What role do you believe the board of supervisors should have in county economic development. The supervisorsʼ role in economic development is crucial. I bring this back to my reason for running — I want to keep Emmet County a great place to raise a family. This is becoming increasingly difficult. Family farms are getting bigger which makes for fewer families. Fewer families mean fewer people to support our local businesses. Less demand for goods and services causes more competition for jobs which makes for lower wages. Fewer people living here means we have to pay more (taxes) to maintain the quality of life we enjoy. I believe the solution is promoting business in Emmet County. Business that can pay a good wage and increase demand for workers so our kids can stay home or return home after college and raise their families.
4. Please explain your vision of county zoning and how the board of supervisors can best strike a balance among ag, residential and commercial interests throughout the county. This is a complex issue. On one hand we have to be careful not to overregulate and cause businesses to leave our county because they will build somewhere. On the other hand we need a quality of life we can enjoy. An area of concern to me is private property rights. From overregulation we are losing too many of the freedoms our fathers and grandfathers fought to protect. However we still have an obligation to be good neighbors. Are we fighting the wrong fight in the “can build” and “canʼt build” agriculture argument. Why not look for ways we can improve business practices we can all live with. There are possible solutions out there like a way to trap gases given off and turn them in to renewable fuels. Iʼm sure there are more solutions out there and if we work together we can find solutions that are for the betterment of our community. 5. Are there any areas in which you would like to see the county spend less money? More?
I am a fiscal conservative. I believe in the least amount of government as possible and I know the money we have been receiving to run our county has leveled off or decreased. And we all know the cost of doing business has increased. I have been working for the secondary roads department for the last six years so I know most of their wants and needs and I follow the supervisorsʼ minutes in the paper. But, I havenʼt been to a board meeting and listened to our other county proposals. If elected, I will use my experience in farming and contracting to make the tough decisions to maintain a balanced budget. 6. What do you envision as the biggest concern or concerns for the next term for which you are running. I believe I have covered the big challenges we face with our tight budget, zoning and the need to bring jobs to our county. I would like to keep an optimistic view on these challenges and look for ways we can grow. We can make our county appealing to not just agriculture businesses but manufacturing and commercial businesses in Armstrong, Estherville, Gruver, Ringsted and Wallingford. Letʼs make the people of Algona, Fairmont, Jackson and Spirit Lake drive to Emmet County for work.
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Emmet County Supervisor Ron Smith-D 1) Please tell us a little about yourself and your reason for running. Over the past 20 years, I have gained a broad understanding of what policies affect what we as a Board of Supervisors can control and influence, and have learned how to work as a team within that framework. My commitment has always been in working to improve this county to promote growth and forward momentum as a team of supervisors and county residents. Moving forward, I will continue to promote this area by staying educated on policies, by hearing the needs of the residents of the county and by voting for opportunities that positively influence this county. 2) What type of relationship should the supervisors have with salaried employees. The relationship of the Board of Supervisors and the salaried employees of the county should be the same for all county employees. We need to provide an employment system that supports the individuals in their roles, and one that establishes and maintains a positive working environment. As a Board, we work with salaried employees and department heads on budgets, compensation and benefit packages and set goals for the different areas that meet the
John Wittneben-D 1) Please tell us a little about yourself and your reason for running. (100 words maximum please.) I feel very fortunate to be from Estherville. My parents taught me the importance of family, personal responsibility, and giving back to our community. I am involved with numerous organizations that get things done including Friends of Fort Defiance, Rotary, and the Good Samaritan Society. I've served on the Chamber Board, Estherville City Council, and as your State Representative. I believe in fair, accountable government. I own and operate Wittneben Surveying and have worked in the land surveying field since 1974. This includes roads, drainage ditches, land use, and working effectively with state, county and local government. I bring a depth of experience and expertise at the town, county and state levels. I'd like to put my experience to work for Emmet County to help continue to make this a great place to live, work, and play. 2) What type of relationship should the supervisors have with salaried employees.
needs of the citizens we represent. We serve on committees within the departments as needed, and assist with collective bargaining. The bottom line is always a consideration as a rural county with limited financial resources, and working with all employees and departments we need to continue to find efficiencies whenever possible. When difficult decisions need to be made, it is our responsibility to make those decisions. 3) What role do you believe the board of supervisors should have in county economic development. As a county, I feel we must play a key role in economic development. We need to support the economic growth and promote opportunities that will attract young families and individuals to the area. The changing demographics are reason enough to feel strongly about supporting economic development initiatives and setting examples an individuals and as Board members to help to enhance entrepreneurs and business development. As a lifelong resident of Emmet County, I value the quality of living that we have to offer and feel that we have something very special and unique in this area worth promoting. The role we play as a Board needs to be through our financial resources and through decision-making within the scope of the Board始s authority. 4) Please explain your vision of county zoning and how the board of supervisors can best strike a balance among ag, residential and commercial interests
throughout the county. Failure to maintain appropriate and deliberate zoning can negatively impact a county. Fortunately, in Emmet County, there is room for agriculture, residential and commercial interests to co-exist. I am not in favor of spot zoning. While it may satisfy one immediate need, it is not a long-term solution to community and county growth. We have sections of the county that are zoned for residential, and to promote ag or commercial segments in the middle of an area designated for housing could be detrimental to long-term development. Likewise, I wouldn始t support carving out a segment for housing in an area designated for commercial uses. But as a Board, our role is to help individuals find solutions and come to a compromise that will enable them to establish their dream of a business located in an area that is appropriately zoned. 5) Are there any areas in which you would like to see the county spend less money? More? The Board of Supervisors are always looking at ways to establish efficiencies without compromising the quality of services the citizens expect. We are working to find ways to save money on programming provided to our at-risk youth who receive placement services. Instead of spending $200/day, I support moving to a different, highly respected institutional system that will provide similar services for $50/day. This will save the county a substantial amount of money over the course of a year, and will
allow those financial resources to be used on other necessary projects. One area in which additional dollars should be spent is on our secondary roads infrastructure. This is a very costly system, but if we don始t maintain and improve what we have, the roads will become a safety concern. I support finding additional resources to support improving our local roads. 6) What do you envision as the biggest concern or concerns for the next term for which you are running. Many of the concern areas have been previously mentioned. Secondary roads will be the primary issue because of the amount of miles we have in the county and because of the high cost to repair or replace the roads. Mental health finding, at-risk youth programming, environmental concerns and economic development will bring the most challenges and opportunities over the next four years. Having a knowledgeable and experienced Board of Supervisors will help provide the stability and strong decision-making necessary to address the upcoming concerns. Serving on the Bord is not a part-time job, and it involves a geat deal of listening, commitment and preparation in order to be able to make informed decisions. My experience serving on the multiple committees and boards throughout the area and at the state level provide me with best background for the responsibility of Emmet County Supervisor for the next four years.
The Board of Supervisors should work as a team to carry out their responsibilities as defined by Iowa Code Chapter 331. The relationship with salaried employees can be stated as follows: The board governs and the staff manages. In other words, the board develops policy and sets a course for the future. It maintains focus on the mission and strategic goals but should avoid micro-managing the organization and employees. Whether elected or appointed, salaried employees should be allowed to run their departments as long as they ensure legal and ethical integrity while maintaining accountability. The board始s functions are governance, policy and position development, visionary and fiduciary. The other employees are responsible for administration and implementation. 3) What role do you believe the board of supervisors should have in county economic development. The board is responsible for overseeing economic development in the county. The board should work closely with the state, Iowa Lakes Corridor, EIDC, city councils, and existing businesses to grow and bring appropriate development to Emmet County and to ensure proper land use. 4) Please explain your vision of county zoning and how the board of supervisors can best strike a balance among ag, residential and commercial interests
throughout the county. Zoning for Emmet County is well established and the board has done a good job of maintaining and updating the County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. I would like to see this taken further by establishing a "Good Neighbor" policy. One example involves Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO's). Under the current system, the DNR issues permits with no local input, you meet the DNR matrix, you get a permit. This scenario gives the board (and nearby cities) no say in the matter. I would petition the DNR (and State Legislature) to establish CAFO-free zones near city boundaries and sensitive land areas (lakes, rivers, parks, etc). In the meantime, I'd propose a general policy established at meetings with the Farm Bureau, farmers, hog and cattle producers, local governments, etc This should help to ensure a fair process that results in a map of Emmet County showing areas to remain CAFO-free just as Palo Alto County has done. 5) Are there any areas in which you would like to see the county spend less money? More? After reviewing the current county budget, I have some questions about specific expenditures but need to have more information to answer this question more fully. The important thing is that residents of
Emmet County deserve efficient and costeffective measures and I would always be open to suggestions which accomplish that. The county receives over $400,000 each year in local option sales and servive tax. I'd like to see some of that money used for general improvements which benefit the county as well as helping to bring visitors and business here. Some suggestions I've already heard include an ATV park, horse park, and signage for bike routes using our paved county roads. 6) What do you envision as the biggest concern or concerns for the next term for which you are running. In talking with many of you, I've heard your concerns that property tax is too high, regulations are too strict, and you want fair, responsible, and accountable governance from your board. A lot of what the board oversees is mandated by the state. This includes the appointment of individuals to 25 different county positions (IA Code 333.321). Cutting cost while maintaining required and needed service can be achieved through vigilance by the board and input from an informed electorate. Another concern I hear regards the conditional use permit that the board granted to Iowa Protein Solutions for the animal rendering operation south of Estherville. This permit needs to be reviewed by the board and any appropriate actions taken.
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VOTERS GUIDE Emmet County Supervisor
Ron Beaver-I 1. Please tell us a little about yourself and your reason for running. I graduated from Estherville High School and have lived in the area my entire life. I married Cathy in 1976. We have two children, Ann (Shawn) Ingvall and Jared (Jodi) Beaver. We also have three grandchildren, Blake, Brady and Kale. After working for Emmet County for 36 years full-time and two years part-time I feel I have a lot of my life invested in Emmet County. I have met a lot of great people within the county during my years with secondary
Jeff Quastad-I 1) Please tell us a little about yourself and your reason for running. (100 words maximum please.) I have lived all my 53 years in rural Emmet County. Other than a few years at M&M Farm Center, I have been self-employed since graduation from Lincoln Central High School. First being a selftaught mechanic, and now a self-taught well driller and backhoe operator. I drill water wells and geothermal loops. I also do septic systems, plow snow in Estherville and have worked on many drainage and tile problems. Also, I have been a volunteer firefighter for over 30 years. When I was urged to run for supervisor by some of my friends, I realized my experiences were a good fit for the job. 2) What type of relationship should the supervisors have with salaried employees. The supervisors are the elected citizens of
roads. I have found that when working with the public, communication can go a long way. I had people approach me about running for supervisor so I thought that would give me the opportunity to continue to serve Emmet County residents in a different role. 2. What type of relationship should the supervisors have with salaried employees? A supervisorʼs relationship with all employees, salaried and hourly, should be open and honest. That same relationship should be extended to all county residents. 3. What role do you believe the board of supervisors should have in economic development? I believe that the supervisors need to maintain a proactive role in economic develop-
ment to better our county. We have to find ways to bring in jobs and businesses to all of Emmet County. 4. Please explain your vision of county zoning and how the board of supervisors can best strike a balance among ag, residential and commercial interests throughout the county. Zoning is necessary to protect urban residential areas from large commercial development within them. It also establishes areas specifically for commercial and industrial development. I believe that it is important to follow the zoning regulations, always being mindful that a variance may be necessary if it would be in the best interest of the entire county. 5. Are there any areas in which you
would like to see the county spend less money? More? After working secondary roads I would like to see more weed control and spot some gravel in the fall where thereʼs black spots. As for the other departments, I donʼt know much there, but I plan on talking to department heads and employees to learn more of what they do and what their needs may be. I believe strongly in communication. 6. What do you envision as the biggest concern or concerns for the next term for which you are running? I think the economy is a concern with the layoffs going on and some of our businesses closing in Emmet County. I am concerned about maintaining our tax base so that we are able to meet our budget expenditures.
Emmet County that are to represent the views, wants and needs of the entire population of Emmet County. Supervisors should act professionally and work together as a team with integrity to solve the issues before them. They should create an environment where every county employee feels free to express their views and opinions to them. Everyone may have different opinions, but keeping the best interest of the taxpayers as a top priority is a must. I feel I am levelheaded and able to work with others in all kinds of situations from emergencies to business proposals. I will work hard to insure the best results to the situations at hand. 3) What role do you believe the board of supervisors should have in county economic development. The Board of Supervisors should always be looking for opportunities to help our county strive and move forward. New business brings new revenue and new jobs. I feel it is important to keep up with the everchanging world. However, sometimes new things bring new problems such as zoning, road access and road improvements that need addressed. The supervisors should
encourage good development while protecting the current businesses and the best interest of all the people. All the while looking to keep a prosperous and peaceful place for all to live and raise their family. 4) Please explain your vision of county zoning and how the board of supervisors can best strike a balance among ag, residential and commercial interests throughout the county. Legal issues plague almost all development. In my opinion, zoning laws are made to protect your propertyʼs value, and your peace and happiness, etc. I don't believe that every situation can have zero impact. It has to be balanced. People need to work together to solve the issues for both sides. One of the sticky parts of being on the Board of Supervisors is that they must sometimes stand in the middle of the issues and help choose the best outcome for all. The sad part is not everyone goes away happy every time. My desire would be to be as fair as I could to all involved and get the best outcome for the whole community. 5) Are there any areas in which you would like to see the county spend less money? More?
I don't have any specific issues at the moment. But, I do know that I am the kind of person that likes to live within my means. I would fight to make the county do the same with your money. I don't feel I'm too frugal either. The countyʼs equipment, buildings, etc. need to be in good working order and kept in somewhat modern style. If elected I would listen to your concerns and ideas on spending, then I would do what I believe to be the most fair to all. 6) What do you envision as the biggest concern or concerns for the next term for which you are running. I think one of the constant concerns is the budget. There are always new things that pop up and need attention. In todayʼs world many of these things can have a near-devastating cost but they may need to be done anyway and funded. Other things are safety issues that have a constant need to be updated and or added. Then there are always the wants that due to funding canʼt all be fulfilled. If elected one of my personal concerns would be to get up-to-date with the issues at hand, and develop a good working relationship with the rest of the board.
Absentee voting continues through Saturday, Nov. 1 If you would like to vote early or vote at home for the Nov. 4, 2014 General Election absentee ballots became available Sept. 25 in the Auditor’s Office. Voting may be done in person at the Auditor’s Office from 8 a.m.4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To have a ballot sent to you the following information must be provided in writing to the Auditor’s Office, 609 1st Avenue North, Estherville IA 51334: n Name n Address n Address to mail the ballot to if different from home address
n Birth date n Name and date of election for the ballot you are requesting n Signature The information can be submitted on your own paper (min. 3” X 5”) or an official request form can be obtained from the Auditor’s Office or on line at emmetcountyia.com and under the Directory of Services go to the Auditor’s office and follow the links from there. The completed request must be received in the Auditor’s office by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 and a ballot will be mailed to you. If you have any questions on absentee voting, please contact the Auditor’s Office at 712.362.4261 or e-mail at merickson@emmetcountyia.com
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VOTERS GUIDE U.S. Senate together to reverse government regulations that threatened jobs in Marshalltown. And he protected Iowa farms by working across party lines to help pass a new Farm Bill.
United State Senator candidates Bruce Bruce Braley, Joni Ernst and Bob Quast did not submit answers to the Estherville Newsʼ questionnaire for this voterʼs guide.
Bruce Braley-D Braley, the Democratic nominee and current Congressman in Iowaʼs 1st Congressional District, visited Estherville in November 2013 when he first began campaign for the seat being vacated by Tom Harkin-D. From his website, Bruce Braley grew up in Brooklyn, Iowa, the son of a Marine veteran and a schoolteacher. When he graduated (from the University of Iowa), Braley and (his wife) Carolyn moved to Waterloo where he went to work as an attorney. With no prior political experience, Braley ran for Congress in 2006 because he was frustrated with Washington politicians ignoring middle-class families. He was re-elected three times, in 2008, 2010, and 2012. In Congress, Bruce is known as a tireless advocate for Iowa veterans, a supporter of small businesses, and a voice for strength-
Joni Ernst-R
now seventh-lowest in the nation – meaning that we have added over 130,000 new jobs for our friends, family and neighbors since January 2011. She served as a Lt. Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard. She served as a company commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom where her unit was tasked with running convoys through Kuwait and into Southern Iraq. Holding to my commitment to fiscal responsibility, we have gone from a $900 million budget deficit, turning it around into a budget surplus of $1 billion dollars. This was achieved by limiting the size and scope of state government, reining in spending habits, and eliminating the practice of taking on more debt for ongoing projects.
ening Iowaʼs working families. Bruce, Carolyn, and ChildrenAmong his accomplishments: Bruce took on the Pentagon to secure back-pay that was initially denied to 800 Iowa National Guard members who fought in Iraq. He wrote a tax cut for businesses that hire unemployed workers, helping an estimated 100,000 Iowans get back to work, and passed a similar tax break for businesses that hire veterans. He worked to create a job training program for Iowans who wanted to get new jobs in the field of renewable energy. Bruce brought Democrats and Republicans
Ernst, the Republican nominee for the Senate seat, made her campaign visit to Estherville this past month. From her website: I am running for senate to protect, and promote, the traditional values and principles I was taught growing up in Southwest Iowa. As Montgomery County Auditor, I worked to eliminate waste, save taxpayers money, and hold government accountable. As state senator, I have fought to improve education, limit government, cut taxes, and grow jobs. Bob Quast-Bob Quast for In fact, this past year, I helped pass the largest tax cut in the history of our state – Term Limits returning over $4.4 billion in property tax Bob Quast from Blue Grass is campaignrelief to Iowa taxpayers over the next ing under the party title “Bob Quast for Term decade. I am proud that during my tenure in Limits.” He advocates term limits for both the legislature, Iowaʼs unemployment rate U.S. Senators and Congressmen. has dropped from over 6% down to 4.4% –
and aromatherapy products to the natural foods industry. I have travelled independently to Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Cuba, North Korea, and perhaps 75 other more peaceful countries. Since retiring I have studied French, Spanish, and Chinese. I consider myself a libertarian redistributionist, which might sound like an oxymoron, but I have always been quite comfortable holding two mutually exclusive ideas in my mind at the same time. That's how tough problems get solved. I have four children and nine grandchildren. 3) What is your reason for running. I am running to win. When Iowa voters learn about my ideas for change 90% of them support my candidacy. Now people need to tell their neighbors about me, so all voters know they will have a third option in
the November election. Republicans and Democrats have proven they cannot manage the government, as they are too busy trying to get re-elected. Only an Independent can speak honestly and openly to the American people. If Iowa voters like the way Congress is performing, they should examine my opponents and vote for the one that reflects their own view of the world. If Iowa voters think something in Washington needs to change, they should vote for me. I am not tied to the current political powers. We can make a difference. Iowa voters should not lose hope - a paradigm shift is clearly coming, and Iowa can make it happen. 4) What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for which you are running. There is only one big concern - $211 trillion
in unfunded liabilities, the value of the promises we have made to ourselves, that have not yet been funded by taxes. It is $1.5 million owed by every working American that's you - and your share goes up by $45,000 every year. Can you pay it? If you can't pay your share, then there is only one other option. Most of those promises will need to be broken. For the most part the promises consist of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, although there are many more such as VA hospitals, federal pensions, farm payments, and on and on and on. Only Washington politicians are allowed to tell lies this big, and Republicans and Democrats are both willing to tell them. Because I am an Independent I can stand up and say, loudly and clearly, "The Emperor has no clothes."
ership positions. My family and I live in Lamoni and I work as a physical therapist in 1) What is the office for which you are a nearby county hospital. I also have experunning. rience in small business ownership, teachU.S. Senate, Independent ing and coaching. My past adventures have Candidate included RAGBRAI, the Chicago Marathon 2) Please tell us someand white-water rafting. My future adventhing about yourself. tures will hopefully include week-long trail Several years ago, I realrides and scuba-diving. I am open-minded ized that public service is and action-oriented. I appreciate the facts, my greatest passion, secnot fiction. ond only to my family. After 3) What is your reason for running. earning a Masterʼs Degree The U.S. Senate election in Iowa is one of in Public Policy, I began the most important decisions that Iowa votlooking for greater opportuers will make . . . ever. Iowa voters are very nities to serve. I currently serve on Lamoniʼs unhappy with party politics and the money City Council and, over the past 20 years, corruption in campaign fundraising. As an have volunteered in many community lead-
Independent Senator, I can open-mindedly represent Iowans without party games and bickering. As a “Stop-the-Money-Madness” Senator, I can genuinely represent Iowans instead of corporations and special interest groups. More Independent Senators in Washington means more reasonable, thoughtful conversations . . . more bridgebuilding and compromise. 4) What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for which you are running. Campaign finance reform: Big money campaign donors for both Republican and Democratic candidates are corrupting America's representative democracy. Instead of listening to and acting for "the
people," leaders are bound to fulfilling the pledges made to these "campaign investors." Fiscal responsibility: The overriding goal of fiscal responsibility is to reduce the national debt. The elimination of waste and fraud and the evaluation of all departments and programs are obvious first steps. Needless corporate subsidies and tax-evading loopholes must be eliminated. Increased taxation-in any form-should be the last resort. Equal opportunity: The federal government must enforce the American value of equal opportunity for all citizens. Even now, certain groups of our society are still being pushed to the fringes — veterans, women, minorities, poor, disabled and others.
Rick Stewart-I 1) What is the office for which you are running. United States Senator 2) Please tell us something about yourself. I was born in Postville, raised in Maquoketa, and my working career, except for two years as a police officer in Maquoketa, has all been in Cedar Rapids. I am the founder of Frontier Coop, and was the CEO for 24 years before retiring at the age of 48 to pursue a life of adventure, learning, and volunteering. Frontier employees 300 people and is a $100 million company selling herbs, spices
Ruth Smith-I
Braley
Ernst
Quast
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VOTERS GUIDE U.S. House of Representatives - Iowa 4th District Neither Republican Congressman Steve King nor Democratic challenger Jim Mower returned answers to a questionnaire submitted to them several weeks ago. The following information is taken from their respective Web sites.
Steve King-D Congressman Steve King grew up in Storm Lake and attended Denison Community High School, where he met Marilyn Kelly, whom he married in 1972. The King family set down their roots in southern Sac County on an acreage between Odebolt and Kiron. The King family has lived in Kiron for 38 years and are members of St. Martinʼs Church in Odebolt. Steve and Marilyn have three grown sons and seven grandchildren. King built his business and founded King Construction in 1975. King, finding himself frustrated with the status quo, climbed down off his bulldozer and ran for State Senate. Serving six years in the Iowa Senate, then Senator Steve King served as the Chairman of the State Government Committee and Vice Chairman of the Oversight Budget Committee. He was
also a member of the Appropriations Committee, Judiciary Committee, Business and Labor Committee, and the Commerce Committee. Elected in 2002 to the U.S. House of Representatives, King currently serves on the House Agriculture, Small Business King and Judiciary Committees. King, a passionate defender of the sanctity of life, remains a national and steadfast voice for the unborn; he also made renewable energy his first priority as a member of Congress. Kingʼs legislation provides the small producer tax credit for ethanol companies was signed into law. Another current and important issue to King is his legislation to fully repeal ObamaCare. The full repeal was passed by the U.S. House this session with Kingʼs language.
Guard, reaching the rank of sergeant after two years. He seved in Iraq an an intelligence analyst, locating roadside bombs. While serving in Iraq, Mowrer earned his degree from American Military University. He went on to earn a Masters of Public Mowrer Policy from George Mason Univerity. Mowrer returned to Iraq in 2009 as a civilian analyst and advisor to the Commander of US Forces. In 2010 he was asked to serve as the Special assistant to the Under Secretary of the Army. At the Pentagon he served as the Armyʼs lead representative to the Council of Governors, where he worked with Americaʼs governors to help coordinate Army bases and operations around the country. Says Mower: “When I was in Iraq I always told my soldiers that our uniforms said US Army on the Jim Mowrer-D chest, but what it really meant was simply Jim Mowrer grew up on a farm in Boone us. The only thing that mattered when things and served in the Iowa Army National got bad was us — that you could only
depend on the man or women on your left and right. We were it — help was a long way away and we couldnʼt count on it — we could only count on one another. We were the good guys — we were the solution and it didnʼt matter where we came from or what we believed — Democrat or Republican- we were there to get a job done and work together. In Congress the job isnʼt getting done. Too many politicians on both sides of the aisle arenʼt doing anything to protect middle class Iowa families like the one I grew up in. Instead too many are pushing sound bytes to please the extreme parts of their party and score political points for partisan gain. Here in Iowa and America it really is just about us. Itʼs our country — if we donʼt maintain it and fix our problems, no one else will. There is no backup coming to the rescue. We have to take responsibility for the future of our nation. We complain about Washington and Congress and here in the 4th District we only get one Representative and if we donʼt get it right then we are the ones responsible. We need the best person in Congress and I know if you elect me, I will work everyday to be the best for you.”
W here to vote in Emmet County RESIDENTS OF: PRECINCT 1: City of Armstrong, Armstrong Grove Township and Iowa Lake Township
VOTE AT: ARMSTRONG COMMUNITY CENTER 519 6TH St., Armstrong
PRECINCT 2: City of Gruver, Center Township and Swan Lake Township
GRUVER CITY HALL 201 1st Ave., Gruver
PRECINCT 3: City of Ringsted, Denmark Township and Jack Creek Township
RINGSTED LIBRARY 8 West Maple St., Ringsted
PRECINCT 4: City of Dolliver, Ellsworth Township and Lincoln Township
DOLLIVER CITY HALL 5017 Shafter St., Dolliver
PRECINCT 5: Emmet Township and Estherville Township
COURTHOUSE BOARD ROOM 609 1st Ave. North, Estherville
PRECINCT 6: Estherville Ward 1
REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH 1215 North 15th St., Estherville
PRECINCT 7: Estherville Ward 2
FARM BUREAU OFFICE 421 1st Ave. North, Estherville
PRECINCT 8: Estherville Ward 3
COURTHOUSE ALL PURPOSE ROOM 609 1st Ave. North, Estherville
PRECINCT 9: Estherville Ward 4
ESTHERVILLE FIRE STATION 27 South 5th St., Estherville
PRECINCT 10: Estherville Ward 5
MASONIC HALL 2003 East Central, Estherville
PRECINCT 11: City of Wallingford, High Lake Township and Twelve Mile Lake Township
WALLINGFORD COMMUNITY CENTER 42 St James Ave., Wallingford
PRECINCT 12: Absentee Voting
AUDITORʼS OFFICE Courthouse, 609 1st Ave. North, Estherville
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UNCONTESTED EMMET COUNTY RACES Emmet County Attorney Doug Hansen-D I have been a practicing attorney for the past 26 years. My wife Pam and I have three children and eight grandchildren; Pam is a teacher at North Union in Armstrong. I have been honored to serve as your County Attorney since 2002. From 1999 to 2002, I practiced with Sanderson
& Ridout in Estherville and served as the Assistant County Attorney during that time. From 1988 to 1999, I had a law practice in Alta where I grew up. Before going to law school, I earned a Masterʼs Degree in Public Administration and worked several years as a Budget Analyst for Prince William County, Virginia. Prior to that, I served four years in the Marine Corps; one year in Vietnam (1969-70). The office of County Attorney has 85 specific duties as outlined in the Iowa Code. Duties that consume most of our time are:
criminal prosecution (including delinquent acts); representing DHS in Child in Need of Assistance proceedings; representing the State in Mental Health and Substance Abuse proceedings; and giving legal advice, upon request, to the Board of Supervisors and all other county officers and agencies. The biggest issue I see in the next four years is preventive programs; best programs are decent jobs that pay a livable wage. We have all seen job opportunities fade, consumer prices spike and wages
stagnate. A do-nothing Congress is more concerned with political posturing than bringing back good-paying jobs. State legislatures are more concerned with controlling womenʼs reproduction, making it harder to vote and fighting gay marriage than bringing back good-paying jobs. If you want to see a decrease in crime, fewer families involved with DHS, and less substance abuse, vote for federal and state candidates who are SERIOUS about bringing back good-paying jobs.
Emmet County Recorder Diann Quastad Minion-R I was born and raised in Emmet County, by Lois and Omer Quastad. I am a proud mother of a wonderful, active daughter, Ciara, and have a wonderful significant other, Mike Blomstrom. I was elected June 2013 to
take over a partial term. In this next term, I think the biggest struggles will be to try and keep as much money in our county as possible, as the Department of Natural Resources is trying to make it so the customer never has to stop into our office, other than when they have bought a new ATV, snowmobile, or ORV, “the problem times”. The DNR will charge you more than if you go to your local Recorderʼs office. They say the money goes to the third party for the “conve-
nience.” The DNR doesnʼt send you your renewal notices until they get to charge you the extra $5. Our office gets none of that money and minimal to do your renewals, or licenses. However, every little bit helps, as with any business or personal budget. In order to keep your money local, our office will soon have the capability to do your transactions by credit card. So remember to renew your snowmobiles, ATVʼs & ORVʼs anytime now to prior to Dec. 31. Keep your taxes
lower, by staying local! See you soon! We also have a new vital records rollout with births as soon as next year. As I see the end of the tunnel it will make it so much easier for our customers. The beginning and middle will be a rocky start, as was the state death records rollout, still a work in progress. We work hard to make it as efficient as we can for you our customer; however, we only have what information the state has sometimes incorrectly entered.
Emmet County Recorder Vickie Jurrens-D I have lived in Emmet County all of my life. My husband and I have raised three children and have two grandchildren. In 1986 I started working in the Emmet County Treasurerʼs Office and in 2004 the people of Emmet County elect-
ed me Emmet County Treasurer. I was one of the first treasurers in Iowa to complete the requirements of the ISCTA to become an Iowa Certified Treasurer. In the next four years I see Emmet County struggling to maintain current revenue levels. The Department of Transportation has continued to push on-line driversʼ license renewals, which takes revenue away from the local level and eliminates the fees the county normally receives for that service.
Interest rates on investments have been low for a very long time and continue to stay low. This cuts revenue for the county and puts a bigger strain on taxpayers to meet budget needs. The state legislature continues to pass additional legislation affecting procedures on registering motor vehicles, and the federal government increasingly mandates guidelines for IDs and driverʼs licenses. More and more documents are required from residents to
issue registrations and driverʼs licenses, making the process more complicated, time-consuming and frustrating to the general public. Talk continues to surface on the state level about consolidating county services. Taking them away from the local level will result in a less personal service to the residents of Emmet County. It has been a privilege serving the people of Emmet County for the last 10 years, and I look forward to serving them in the future.
Emmet County Extension Council Five Candidates on Nov. 4 Ballot for Emmet County Extension Council Voters will have the opportunity to elect five members of the Emmet County Extension Council from a slate of five candidates at the Nov. 4 general election. “The council members elected this year will be involved in bringing educational opportunities to Emmet County for the next four years,” Bryan Whaley, REED said. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach -
Emmet County educational programming is a cooperative effort involving local citizens, Iowa State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Extension council members are elected at large, and all voters in the county are eligible to vote for five candidates. Candidates on this yearʼs ballot include: Brad Jungers of Ringsted, Jolene Rogers of Ringsted, Nancy Rosburg of Estherville, Kelsey White of Estherville, and Beth Wycoff of Estherville. Council members whose terms expire this year are Teresa Olson of Wallingford, Elaine
Prust of Estherville, Nancy Rosburg of Estherville, Aaron Ruschy of Estherville and Diane Tromblay of Estherville. Carryover council members whose terms continue through the end of 2016 are Bruce Chrestiansen of Estherville, Keith Richard of Estherville, Jerome Schacherer of Estherville and David Solberg of Ringsted. Successful candidates will take office in January 2015. Extension council members make policy, programming and budget decisions for Emmet County Extension and Outreach. County councils contribute to a unique
attribute of ISU Extension and Outreach – being present when needs arise and staying for the long haul. Council members and some 17,000 Iowa volunteers work with Extension and Outreach to increase the staying power. Through partnerships, they provide resources, research and education to assist Iowans. ISU Extension and Outreach has 100 field offices, providing local access to extension programs in all 99 counties. For more information, visit www.extension.iastate.edu or contact Emmet County Extension and Outreach at 712-362-3434.
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VOTERS GUIDE Iowa Governor Always operating under the philosophy that if he took the hits and let others take the credit a great deal could be accomplished, Jonathan is proud Narcisse served of a long list of as co-chair of the achievements Polk County including heading Democratic Party Branstad Narcisse Hieb groundbreaking from 1984 to 1986, statewide educachairing a record voter registration and tion and health initiatives. Both received sigturnout effort that contributed to Iowa going nificant national attention, were featured on from a G.O.P. to a Democratic state. He CBS and in a week long report by BET worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. News, and lead to a White House request to with the House D.C. committee headed by collaborate on the efforts. Congressman Walter Fauntroy. Lee Deakins HiebHe was the youngest co-chair and chair of a state commission in Iowa serving from the Libertarian very beginning of the Iowa Commission on Overregulation is sucking the lifeblood out the Status of Blacks, now Africanof productive Iowans. From the electrician Americans. During more than three who is prevented from fixing dangerous decades of political advocacy, Jonathan has wiring because the homeowner cannot been highly effective, never afraid to be conafford to upgrade his whole house to “code”, troversial, not backing down in the face of to meat markets and small dairies that are power and privilege, fighting for working closed by regulatory boards demanding Iowans and Iowa families. standards that are unaffordable, to teachers
who must now adopt another set of rules in “Common Core”, Iowa is losing its vigor and its wealth to unelected government bureaucrats. High taxation in Iowa is pushing jobs into bordering states. At 8.98 percent, Iowa state income tax for persons earning over $67,000 a year is one of the 15 highest in the nation. And this is made worse by high property, consumption and gas taxes. Government growth has occurred relentlessly through every Democrat and Republican administration in the last 50 years. And every government job sucks out money from the private sector. We are at a tipping point. Many young people flock to government jobs because they pay better, have better benefits, more time off, and better lifetime pensions than do jobs in private industry. But government produces nothing but rules . . . rules that make workers less productive and paychecks smaller. After paying for the regulatory burden, private workers have less income for themselves and their families. Our campaign platform is simple: shrink government and restore freedom by upholding the constitutional rule of law.
years serving in both the Iowa State House and Iowa State Senate. I've worked with Democrats and Republics to help write most of the major legislation that has been passed into law here in Iowa. In 1997, my wife Sonja and I founded a low-income housing development company that has helped provide shelter to those in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids who need it most. I currently live in Des Moines with Sonja and we have two adult daughters, Reagan and Caslon. 3) What is your reason for running. I'm running for Governor because I see so much opportunity in our state. From the Mississippi to the Missouri we truly do have a boundless future. My running mate, Cedar Rapids City Councilwoman Monica Vernon, and I want to return to the days when
Iowans in big and small communities were engaged with one another. As we're making our way to all 99 counties of the state, we've been hearing ideas on how we can, together, build a better Iowa. We know that we have to repair our crumbling roads and bridges. We know that we have to make our college graduates can find good-paying jobs and not be buried under mountains of debt. And, most importantly, we know we have to restore dignity and integrity back to state government. We're running a campaign to build a better Iowa. 4) What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for which you are running. I'm running for Governor to give everyday and middle-class Iowans the fair shot they've earned. If elected Governor, I'll
make sure every 4-year-old in Iowa has access to universal pre-K programs. We know that in order to ensure academic success, we have to give our children the best possible tools and resources from the earliest of ages. We also know that no Iowan should work 40 hours a week and still live in poverty. If elected, I'll raise the minimum wage, giving some 260,000 Iowans a raise. I'll also give middle-class families a tax cut. There's no reason our state needs to keep cutting taxes to large out-of-state corporations. I've proposed a tax cut that will put $3,000 of hard-earned money back in families pockets. I'll also work everyday to make sure our public schools are the best in the nation, we have the healthiest residents and the best possible land and waterways for agriculture.
site at www.newindependentpartyiowa.info and we have two students on the ballot along with me and Mary Kreig running for Lt Governor. I invite your readers to check out our VISION for Iowa on the website. 3) What is your reason for running. Our hope is to get two percent of the vote so we become an official new political party in Iowa this year. We know there are close to 700,000 registered independents in Iowa and they are looking for someone else to vote for and lead Iowa.
4) What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for which you are running. 1. The amount of special interest money coming into campaigns. The more money raised the more these candidates are bought and paid for. Our candidates do not raise or spend money from any special interests. 2. The big divide in Iowa between the haves and have not's. The other two candidates are both millionaires and we do not believe they see the majority of Iowan's struggling to make it day to day. We do.
3. The high cost of total government in Iowa is now over $34 billion a year, up from $2 billion in 1970. For every dollar that goes to government it takes away $4 to $5 from local communities. We need to reform and reorganize Iowa government to lower costs and taxes. 4. We need to raise the standard's bar on education in Iowa. If our graduates are to compete in the world of work tomorrow we need to move in new directions today. Our schools still operate on a 1970 model and they need to move to 2020 models.
The Estherville News did not receive motes and encourveteran answers to questionnaires sent to incum- ages bent Republican Gov. Terry Branstad, Iowa employment. Party candidation Jonathan Narcisse or Jonathan Libertarian Party candidate Dr. Lee Hieb. NarcisseThe following information is taken from their respective Web sites. Iowa
Terry Branstad-R
Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds believe that state governmentʼs responsibility is to provide a positive business climate that promotes the growth of quality private sector jobs through a competitive tax structure and a reasonable regulatory climate. Branstad will continue his hands-on leadership approach in attracting new businesses and encouraging expansion of existing Iowa businesses in order to provide higher incomes and exceptional job opportunities for Iowans. Throughout his career in public service, Governor Branstad has consistently worked to reduce taxes in order to make Iowa more competitive. Under his leadership, the state has had $9 billion in private capital investment over the past three and a half years. Branstad also introduced the Home Base Iowa Act, a bipartisan jobs program that pro-
Jack Hatch-D 1) What is the office for which you are running. Democratic nominee for Governor of Iowa 2) Please tell us something about yourself. My name is Jack Hatch, and I'm running for Governor of Iowa. I first came to Iowa as an 18year-old freshman at Drake University. It was while I was a student here in Des Moines, I fell in love with the state I now call home. After graduating with bachelor's and master's I dedicated my life to public service and social justice. I have spent over 22
Jim Hennager - New Independent Party 1) What is the office for which you are running. Governor of Iowa 2) Please tell us something about yourself. I am a professor of sociology. I get my students involved in real life issues and this New Independent Party Iowa is the result. We have a web-
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VOTERS GUIDE Iowa Secretary of Agriculture childhood between southwestern and central Iowa. She earned a degree in art education from the University of Minnesota, has a bachelorʼs degree in business administration and received a master of public administration degree from Drake University. Sherrie has two adult daughters, Maggie and Annie. 3) What is your reason for running. Soil and water are so fundamental we literally cannot live without them. Limiting our view of them as resources we can endlessly extract from has pushed nature beyond its capacity to rejuvenate itself in an otherwise, resilient natural cycle. With such an emphasis on extracting resources from our landscape and shipping them out of state, weʼve even forgotten to use our natural resources to take care of our own basic and recreation
needs. In order to continue to reap the economic benefits and reclaim the social benefits of our natural environment, we must insure that we work within the boundaries of Nature. 4) What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for which you are running. Literally our foundation, healthy soil is the key to a host of issues we face today. With healthy soil, nutrients are readily available for plant growth and application of additional nutrients is reduced which lowers input costs for farmers. Healthy soil holds moisture in times of drought making water available for plants to continue to grow and keeping yields high. Healthy soil holds more moisture on the landscape during heavy rains helping to minimize flooding.
Addressing soil health issues is one of the main mandates of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). Whether we think in terms of “quality” or “quantity” we can no longer ignore the need to effectively manage our water. The current “dilution is the solution” strategy does not clean up our water. Iowa agriculture is heavily focused on feed and fuel. We need to include food production into our agricultural landscape, too. Rather than import the bulk of the food we eat from outside of our state, we need to reintegrate local food production back into our local economies. We have great farmers markets, now itʼs time to take local food production to the next level and keep the bulk of our food dollars recirculating in our local communities.
I am serving my second term as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture after being reelected 1) What is the office for in November of 2010. While in office I have which you are running. travelled to each of Iowaʼs 99 counties every I am running for reelection year to hear from farmers and rural residents as Iowa Secretary of with a stake in the future of agriculture. Agriculture. These meetings allow me to listen to Iowans 2) Please tell us someand better lead the Iowa Department of thing about yourself. Agriculture and Land Stewardship as it I am a fourth generation seeks to serve the people of the state. farmer from Spirit Lake. 3) What is your reason for running. Currently I raise corn and I have a passion for Iowa agriculture and soybeans and I previously love serving Iowans. I want to continue to raised hogs as well. I build on voluntary, science-based water returned to Spirit Lake to farm with my quality and soil conservation efforts within grandfather after graduating from Iowa State the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land University in 1981. Stewardship. We have a long history work-
ing with farmers on soil conservation and in recent years we have increased our efforts focused on water quality. We have seen exciting progress, but still have more work to do. I also think it is important that we protect opportunities for the next generation to be involved in agriculture, both on the farm and at agriculture related businesses, especially the livestock industry where many young people get their start in agriculture. Finally, I want to continue to provide a strong voice for farmers and tell the story of Iowa agriculture. 4) What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for which you are running.
It is extremely important we continue to build on voluntary, science-based water quality and soil conservation efforts. All Iowans have a stake in caring for our air, soil and water. It is important we partner with them and give them tools to help them do an even better job. As I said above, we have seen exciting progress, but still have much more work to do. For example, there are tremendous opportunities to use new technologies and better information to help farmers reduce their environmental impact even more. Also, I want to build on our urban conservation program, where we work with business and urban landowners to help them take steps to better protect our environment.
Sherrie Taha-D 1) What is the office for which you are running. Secretary of Agriculture 2) Please tell us something about yourself. Sherrie Taha is a lifelong Democratic activist with over 15 years of experience serving on boards and commissions. Most recently she served as recording secretary/treasurer for ATU Local 441 and on the board of the League of Women Voters Metropolitan Des Moines. She was elected and currently serves as a commissioner for the Polk County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD). Sherrie was born in Creston and split her
Bill Northey-R
Iowa Auditor of State Jonathan Neiderbach-D ) What is the office for which you are running. State Auditor 2) Please tell us something about yourself. After finishing college and law school I worked for 14 1/2 years for the Iowa Legislative Fiscal Bureau, providing non-partisan analysis to legislators
Mary Mosiman-R Mary Mosiman, incumbent Republican candidate for state auditor, did not answer the Estherville News questionnaire. Mosiman was appointed Auditor of
of both parties. I then worked for 15 years for the Iowa Department of Human Services, primarily implementing technology projects that saved money and improved services. I served for four years on the Des Moines School Board, including a year as Board President, and I've been active in a variety of civic and community organizations including Polk-Des Moines Taxpayers Association and the Iowa PTA. 3) What is your reason for running. The State Auditor should be a watchdog
State by Governor Terry Branstad on May 13, 2013, following the resignation of State Auditor David Vaudt, who was named chairman of GASB. Mosiman was elected as the Story County Auditor in 2000 and served that in that position for 10 years before becoming a Deputy Secretary of State at the Iowa Office of Secretary of State. Mary graduated from Iowa State University in 1999 with Bachelor of
of our tax dollars, making sure Iowa government operates efficiently, effectively, and in a business-like manner. Our current State Auditor is only concerned with columns of numbers and sees the position as Iowa's head bookkeeper. She simply isn't doing the job, and our tax money is being squandered due to her inaction. I have the background, the skills, and the passion to do thorough audits that save money and improve services. 4) What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for
Science degree in Business/Accounting. She obtained her CPA certification shortly thereafter. Prior to becoming auditor, Mary owned and operated a daycare business for over 5 years. Before that she spent 5-plus years as an accounting assistant at ALMACO, a local Nevada company that manufactures specialized agricultural research equipment.
which you are running. Audits need to change so they detect mismanagement, fraud, and theft, and they need to include recommendations that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Iowa government. Too often government is using 20th century methods to meet 21st century problems. We can't afford to have a State Auditor who sits back and waits for the bureaucrats and the politicians, we need a State Auditor who will shake up Iowa government.
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VOTERS GUIDE Iowa Secretary of State years. Given these experiences, I understand what it takes to fairly administer elec1) What is the office for which you are tions, and I also understand the struggles running. small businesses face when it comes to filSecretary of State ing their paperwork at the Secretary of 2) Please tell us someState's office. thing about yourself. 3) What is your reason for running. I live in Beaverdale with I am running for Secretary of State my wife, Lisa, our two chilbecause I am troubled by how partisan this dren Alice (9) and Will (5), office has become in recent years. My goal and our dog Gracie is to return to the nonpartisan tradition in Caramel. My wife and I own Iowa of making it as easy as possible for all a small speech therapy eligible voters to participate in our elections, business that is run out of and strengthen the integrity of our elections our home. In addition, I by expanding the electronic poll book to all have worked in elections 99 counties to prevent election misconduct, across the state for more than a dozen whether intentional or not, before it takes
place. Iowa has a national reputation for taking elections seriously, so let's get back to the bipartisan tradition of making it as easy as possible for Iowans to participate at the polls and encouraging Iowans to vote. I also believe we must modernize the office of Secretary State and allow new Iowa business owners to easily file their paperwork online in minutes. 4) What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for which you are running. The next Secretary must find nonpartisan ways to maintain election integrity by making it easy to vote and hard to cheat. Iowans pride ourselves on civic participation and we must return to working across party lines to
make it easy for eligible voters to participate. One step we can take is to allow Iowans to choose to permanently vote by mail, which is already allowed in 15 states. Iowans lead busy lives and allowing voters to permanently request a mailed ballot would increase turnout, especially for local elections. We must also implement additional integrity measures such as expanding the electronic poll book, currently used in 68 counties, to all 99 counties. The electronic poll book checks voters in electronically, ensuring the voter is eligible to vote and at the correct location. Expanding this awardwinning technology is the best step we can take to prevent election misconduct before it happens.
Guard and Reserve. I love Iowa and believe it is important to give back. I take time away from my business and family to be a public servant. I am honored to have served Iowans as a State Senator, Secretary of State and Mayor of Cedar Rapids. During my term as mayor I served as President of the Iowa League of Cities representing over 870 Iowa cities. I will be honored to have your vote and serve as your next Secretary of State. 3. What is the reason for running? 71% of Iowans want Voter ID and I am the only candidate who supports mandatory Voter ID. I want to make it “Easy to Vote and Hard to Cheat”. As a former Secretary of State, Mayor and President of the Iowa League of Cities I have a record of non-partisan public service. When I previously
served, I earned the respect of election officials from both political parties for being fair and honest. I developed voter participation programs with Coaches Hayden Fry and Dan McCarney. Partnered with school officials, the Democrat and Republican parties to develop an educational curriculum called Kidʼs Caucus reaching over 100,000 students. I was encouraged to return to public service by Iowa leaders who expressed concern about my opponent, a long-term Obama political operative, who worked for the Democrat National Committee, Chet Culver, John Edwards and operates a partisan political consulting firm. 4. What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for which you are running? Voter participation, integrity and upgrading
technology. 71% of Iowans want Voter ID and I believe we need a verifiable photo ID. Currently 93% of registered voters in Iowa already have a driverʼs license with photo ID. I will seek funding to provide the remaining 7% a non-driver ID card from the Department of Transportation. I want to make it “Easy to Vote and Hard to Cheat”. Providing essential election tools like electronic poll books in all 99 counties will enable us to implement voter ID. Iowa has a long history of fair and honest elections and protecting our vote is no different than locks on our doors, we do it to protect ourselves and give us a feeling of security. I plan to propose technology to allow overseas military personnel to securely access a ballot on the internet and turn a 60 day process into a 5 minute transaction.
dollar department stores. In addition to managing political cam1) What is the office for which you are paigns, I ran for Iowa statewide office in 2010 running. as a candidate for Iowa Secretary of State Secretary of State earning the second highest vote total in the 2) Please tell us somehistory of the Libertarian Party of Iowa. thing about yourself. Today, I resides in Council Bluffs, Iowa and I am a business and nonwork for Yahoo. profit manager with over five 3) What is your reason for running. years experience in both the I will make it easier to start a business in sectors of retail and political Iowa. I think you should be able to pay be consulting. I have served on credit card and register to vote on the non-profit boards, manSecretary of State's website. It is time we agedvseveral political camimprove improve our databases to stop fraud paigns, and have retail manbefore it actually happens and make sure eliagement experience running multi-million gible voters are no longer turned away at the
polls. I don't trust the Democrats and Republicans to oversee our elections. We have done that for years and the results have been a disaster. Corruption, taxpayer dollars wasted by paying political friends not to work, and trying to keep opponents off the ballot. Additionally, Iowa is one of only five states where felons have to petition the Governor to have their voting rights restored and we disenfranchise about 25,000 Iowans. If you have served your time and paid for your crime your voting rights should be restored. 4) What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for which you are running.
Keeping up with technology and making the office customer centered instead of bureaucracy centered. It is 2014 and we run the office using 1990's technology which in the long-term costs more money, hurts customer service, stifles innovation, and ultimately makes it difficult for Iowans to start businesses or vote. We cannot afford to use fall anymore behind in technology. The other major concern is the fact that the previous four Secretary of State administrations used taxpayer funds to promote themselves as Secretary of State. If I am Secretary of State you won't see my ugly face on any advertisement that comes from the Secretary of State's office.
Brad Anderson-D
Paul D. Pate-R 1. What is the office for which you are running? Iowa Secretary of State 2. Please tell us something about yourself? I am a lifelong Iowa resident, married, 3 great children and 5 wonderful grandchildren. We are all members of the First United Methodist church. I started my own pavement services business in the early 80ʼs. The company is still here today because of our strong Iowa work ethic and good employees. I was recognized as a Patriotic Employer by the National Committee for Employer Support of the
Jake Porter-Lib.
Emmet County township of fices The following township offices and candidates will appear on the ballots in the specific townships:
Armstrong Grove Township Trustee (vote for no more than one) No Candidates Armstrong Grove Township Clerk (vote for no more than one) Brian Cronk
Center Township Trustee (vote for no more than one) No Candidates Center Township Clerk (vote for no more than one) John E. Klingbeil
Emmet Township Trustee (vote for no more than one) No Candidates Emmet Township Clerk (vote for no more than one) No Candidates
Iowa Lake Township Trustee (vote for no more than one) No Candidates Iowa Lake Township Clerk (vote for no more than one) Tami Lobato
Lincoln Township Trustee (vote for no more than one) Dennis Hoffman Lincoln Township Clerk (vote for no more than one) No Candidates
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2014
ESTHERVILLE SPIRIT/ESTHERVILLE, IA
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VOTERS GUIDE Iowa Attorney General Adam Gregg-R 1) What is the office for which you are running. Attorney General 2) Please tell us something about yourself. I'm a sixth generation Iowan, and a product of Hawarden, in Sioux County. I'm married to my high school sweetheart, Cari, and we have two amazing children, Jackson and Lauren. I graduated at the top of my class from Central College in Pella, where I played football for four years. I received the most prestigious scholarship to Drake University Law
Tom Miller-D 1) What is the office for which you are running. Iowa Attorney General 2) Please tell us something about yourself. Family: Wife Holli and three adult children. Education: Walhert High School 1962; Loras College 1966; Harvard Law School 1969. Work History: After law school, Tom Miller served as a VISTA volunteer in Baltimore, Md. and then as a legislative assistant to U.S. Representative John Culver. (D-IA). He returned to the Baltimore Legal Aid Bureau as legal education director, and also taught part-time at the Maryland School of Law. In 1973, Miller returned to live in Iowa. He opened a law practice in McGregor and served as city attorney of McGregor and Marquette. He was in private practice as a partner at the Des Moines office of the Faegre and Benson Law Firm (1991-94). Political Experience: Tom Miller ran for Attorney General in 1974. Miller was first elected Attorney General in 1978. He was reelected in 1982, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010. 3) What is your reason for running. I want to continue to serve as Iowa Attorney General because I am energized to use the law to serve the interests of ordinary Iowans. I find immense satisfaction in work-
School. After graduating with high honors from Drake Law, I joined one of the premier law firms in Iowa. In 2012, I became a top advisor to Governor Branstad. When I was in that role, we were able to achieve transformational education reform, and Iowa alternative to Obamacare, and the largest tax cut in Iowa's history. At every step of my life, I've chosen Iowa. Now I'm asking Iowans to choose me as their next Attorney General. 3) What is your reason for running. I'm running because it's time we had an attorney general who serves as Iowa's lawyer, instead of President Obama's lawyer. I will be an accessible public servant who will travel all 99 counties every year. I will pursue the concrete priorities I've laid out in this campaign to protect Iowa families, Iowa
farmers, and our constitutional freedoms, while being advocate for a more open and effective government. I have a record of achievement in both the public and private sectors. I represented high profile clients while gaining broad experience as an attorney in private practice. As a public servant, I have a record of building coalitions to accomplish major goals, such as the historic successes of the 2013 and 2014 legislative sessions. 4. What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for which you are running. I will make protecting Iowa families and children my highest priority. Many crimes today are moving online - from financial fraud, to identity theft, to child pornography and human trafficking. Therefore, I will create
divisions focused solely on prosecuting cybercrime and crimes against children. Additionally, because children today too often face brutal and relentless bullying online, I will advocate for improving Iowa's laws related to cyberbullying. I will fight for Iowa agriculture, by pushing back when the federal government rolls out regulations which overstep their legal bounds. I will stand up for Iowa farmers in whatever jurisdiction they are threatened, such as California, which is currently trying to regulate Iowa egg farmers out of business. I will advocate for improvements to Iowa open meetings and open records laws, and I will develop recommendations for which of Iowa's boards, commissions, and occupational licensing laws can be streamlined or eliminated.
ing as the people's lawyer. My polestar is to work in a bi-partisan manner and "call them like I see them." My record makes it abundantly clear I am most qualified for this position. With my skills, experience, hard work, and great staff, I have repeatedly delivered outstanding results for Iowans in the areas of consumer protection, mortgage foreclosure prevention and advocating for farmers. My office has sent over 400 criminals to prison for life, without parole. In this term, we prosecuted criminal and sexually violent predator cases in 91 counties and handled criminal appeals from 96 counties. We persuaded the legislature to strengthen laws concerning the enticement of children and child pornography But, there is more work to do. 4) What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for which you are running. 1. Protecting consumers from fraudulent business practices and scams has always been a priority for me. Currently, my office is distributing $40 million in restitution to nearly 400,000 Iowans, recovered from "buying clubs" that violated consumer protection laws. We are also investigating abuses by for-profit colleges and universities. Already my office has negotiated a settlement with Ashford University providing $7.25 million to on-line Iowa students for alleged consumer law fraud violations. 2. We have tackled the pernicious crime of human trafficking. We convinced the legislature to strengthen laws, successfully prose-
cuted traffickers, and trained thousands of students and parents. But, more is needed. We must provide local law enforcement with resources for stings to arrest traffickers and rescue victims.
3. I was the first attorney general to establish a Farm Division. In January, I submitted comments stating that EPA's actions on ethanol (RFS) were illegal. We are waiting for EPA's response.
VOTE TUESDAY, NOV. 4, 2014
Email: drgrussing@gmail.com Facebook: Grussing for Represenitive Website: grussingforiowahouse.com
Paid for by Grussing for Represenative
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2014
ESTHERVILLE SPIRIT/ESTHERVILLE, IA
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VOTERS GUIDE Iowa Treasurer of State with two adult children. As state treasurer I have served as chair of the National Association of State Treasurers, the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers, the National Association of State Unclaimed Property Administrators and the College Savings Plans Network. 3) What is your reason for running. I am a proven leader in Iowa. As state treasurer, I understand the responsibility that has been entrusted in me. Raised on an Iowa farm, I know what Iowans value. I promote fiscal responsibility with a professional and efficient approach to government. My office deals with complicated and important financial issues. To perform these duties, I have a dedicated professional staff with the
core values of honesty, integrity and transparency. Government must learn to do more with less and I have demonstrated time after time how new technologies can increase efficiencies within the treasurer's office. My work is not done. I will expand the College Savings Iowa program to help more lowincome families, bring Iowan's Savings Bonds back to Iowa and continue to be a voice for sound budget practices. 4) What do you see as the biggest concern or concerns for next term for which you are running. Keep the Money Safe and Advocate for Sound Budget Practices: My primary focus as the state's banker is to keep the money safe. You can count on me to continue my vigilant watch over Iowa's money. I have
advocated for sound budget practices and will continue. Financial Literacy and Savings Promotion: I will foster relationships to promote financial literacy to every Iowan. Through College Savings Iowa we have helped Iowa families prepare for the future education of their loved ones for 16 years. I want to expand our reach among low income families through targeted programs. Bring Iowa Savings Bonds Home: The Federal government is holding millions of dollars in matured Savings Bonds in Iowansʼ names. Through a new law passed this spring, I will bring those bonds home where they belong and look for the original owners through the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt.
worked at Northrop Grumman and as a fellow with the Homeland Security Institute, a Age: 65. Washington think tank. Candidate for Treasurer of Political experience: Clovis entered the State. state treasurer race after a second-place finPolitical party: ish in the Republican nomination for U.S. Republican. Senate. Governor Branstad requested he Residence: Hinton. seek the office. Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds nomiOccupation: Economics nated him as the candidate at the party conprofessor at Morningside vention. College, Sioux City. Sam hosted a program about faith and citiEducation: BS, United zenship for St. Gabriel Communications, a States Air Force Academy; Catholic radio outlet. Has served as president MBA, Golden Gate of the nonprofit Serious Civics for America University; DPA, University of Alabama. Inc. Professional experience: Served in the Air Top goals if elected: Force. Worked as an associate with Booz n Wants to close the unfunded liability of the Allen and Hamilton, a consulting firm. Also Iowa Public Employees Retirement System
(IPERS), the Police Officers Retirement System and the Judiciary Retirement System. Would find a way to buy down the $6 billion deficit currently in place with IPERS. Recommended more formal legislative oversight over the treasurer's office and that a portion of future budget surpluses be used to reduce the pension deficit. n Wants to expand investment opportunities within the College Savings Iowa program and push for passage of legislation that would expand tax credits for Iowa residents who contribute to a college savings fund but are not the originator of the fund. Wants to lock in tuition rates for Iowa college students. Says he supports a proposal by Gov. Terry Branstad to lock in rates for specific degree programs. He also wants to help low-income
families sign up for the College Savings Iowa program. n Wants to create a more formal relationship between the treasurer's office and the banking community and to help banks lower their costs so they can offer better loan conditions and spur more investment within Iowa. Quote: "Rather than being a bureaucrat who sits in an office and simply takes issues and paper from the inbox to the outbox, I think that the treasurer for the state of Iowa is uniquely equipped to become a person who can advocate and be a strong voice for the people of Iowa inside the executive branch of the Iowa government and can be a tremendous lobbyist to go down to the General Assembly and fight for the people of Iowa in the General Assembly."
Michael Fitzgerald-D 1) What is the office for which you are running. State Treasurer 2) Please tell us something about yourself. I am honored to serve Iowans as your state treasurer. I was born in Marshalltown, my parents farmed in State Center, then in Colo. After graduating from Colo High School, I went to the University of Iowa and majored in Business Administration. I worked for Massey Ferguson for eight years before being elected state treasurer. I am married
Sam Clovis -R
I’m John Pluth and I am asking for your vote for County Supervisor on November 4th. I will listen to you and work hard for you to make Emmet County a place where our youth, teens, and adults can all be proud to call home, now and for generations to come
Thank You,
John Pluth
712-209-3226 cjpluth09@aol.com
V ote B auler Vote Bauler for
for Emmet County County S uper visor Emmet Supervisor
• 8 years experience in county government • An attorney who understands the need to follow the laws • Integrity to stand up for what is best for Emmet County "My family and I chose Emmet County as our home, and I ask you to choose me as your Supervisor on November 4!”
Paid for by John Pluth for County Supervisor Committee
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as Iowa's District 4 U.S. Representative
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