Candidates debate the issues ahead of upcoming election

The League of Women Voters of Jasper County brought together two sets of candidates Thursday evening at the Newton City Hall to debate topics that affect citizens on a local level. First up were the candidates for Iowa House District 41, incumbent Representative Paul Bell and his opponent, Republican Adam Vandall. Bell spoke of his “centrist” position in the Iowa House, and his work to bring Iowa Speedway to Newton, as well as obtaining incentives for TPI Composites and Trinity to locate in Newton. Vandall said he is a graduate of Pleasantville High School and an Air Force veteran, and he’s running for the Iowa House seat because he “wants to shake things up in Des Moines.” There is too much complacency among lawmakers, he said, and he felt the people of Iowa should be allowed to vote on the issue of gay marriages. On the topic of Iowa’s highway infrastructure, Vandall said he felt a one-time expenditure should be implemented to bring all of our highways up to acceptable levels, then keep them maintained, but Bell pointed out that to repair all roads in Iowa would cost about $400 million, a figure that would be difficult to obtain. There were other topics on which the candidates disagreed. On the smoking ban, Bell said he felt the ban was a health issue. “Second-hand smoke is proven to be a detriment to health,” Bell said. “A lot of business owners have increased business because of the smoking ban.” He said he will be working to get the smoking ban in casinos as well. “It’s an infringement on business owners’ rights,” Vandall said. “It should be repealed.” Vandall said if elected, he would work to repeal the smoking ban and would push for legislation to allow Iowa to vote on the gay marriage issue. Bell said that if he is re-elected, he would work to establish a sustainable fund for natural resources, and look for funding to upgrade the transportation system.

Supervisor candidates Next on the agenda were the two candidates for a seat on the Jasper County Board of Supervisors, Republican Jack Suiter of Sully, and Denny Stevenson of Kellogg. “As a public servant, we must realize it’s your money not ours,” Suiter said. As a Farm Bureau board member, a small-business owner and during his career in law enforcement, Suiter said he has had some experience with balancing budgets. Stevenson said his career as a Jasper County Sheriff’s deputy and as Kellogg City Council member has given him experience with budgets as well. “I want to make sure your tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently,” Stevenson said. One audience member asked the candidates if they would have a group of advisers to counsel them as a supervisor. Suiter said he would be making his own decisions, but would welcome input from anyone. “I’m obviously going to talk to people,” Stevenson said. “I don’t have all the answers but I will be seeking the answers out.” Neither candidate said they would be charging mileage to attend board meetings at the courthouse. Both candidates agreed that the county is most likely in for some difficult financial times ahead. “We have to broaden our tax base out,” Stevenson said. “It’s the best way to hold the line on the budget.” “We need to look at interchanges (on Interstate 80) at 166 and 171, and development around the airport,” Suiter said. He added that he was concerned about the proposed road construction from Pella to the interstate, which, he said, would benefit Pella but be costly for Jasper County.