Laube running for county supervisor

Newton Public Works Director Keith Laube is running for Jasper County Supervisor on the November ballot as a Libertarian, he announced Thursday morning.

“I think the county can really use someone with my expertise and experience to help run the government more efficiently. I’m really a proponent that we can find efficiencies to help reduce taxes,” Laube said.

Laube has worked as director of public works since 2009. Prior to his position with Newton, he worked for 20 years in the private sector, a portion of which was at a small business he started and operated.

“My private business experience and government experience are valuable assets I can bring to the board of supervisors,” Laube said.

One issue Laube is focused on is providing public health services to Jasper County residents, he said.

“The county health services were previously done by Skiff Medical Center and paid for with county tax dollars. With the changes at Skiff, those responsibilities come back to county staff,” Laube said. “I want to help make sure that transition goes smoothly. I’ve sat on a county health board previously and am familiar with the things they do.”

Laube is also interested in looking at the short-term and long-term costs of benefits of county services, protecting property rights and not increasing county debt, he said.

Should he be elected to the supervisor position, obligations from the county would most likely effect his full-time status as a city employee. The exact nature of his employment would be determined following the election.

Laube previously ran for Iowa State Treasurer in the Libertarian Party in 2014.

Tuesday’s primary election will determine who will be on the ballot for the Democratic and Republican parties. John Deegan and Sandy Shaver are vying for the democratic nod while Doug Cupples and Mark Sutter are running for the Republican nominee.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com