Editor’s note: See Monday’s Creston News Advertiser for profiles on candidates running for treasurer, recorder and attorney.
The June 5 primary election is fast approaching, and Union County features one contested race on the primary ballot for Union County Board of Supervisors.
On the Republican ballot, Rick Friday and Jim Stalker are running against each other, with the winner of the June 5 primary set to run against Democrat Dale Cline in November’s general election to fill the vacancy created with the death of former supervisor Lois Monday.
Cline was appointed to fill Monday’s vacancy in May 2017, but must run to continue to serve the final two years of the term.
In the primary election, voters must pick a party when voting.
“It’s just because your Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians are picking their candidate to represent them on the general election ballot,” said Union County Auditor Sandy Hysell. “Your primary is where you have to pick your party. Once the election is over, they can fill out a voter registration card to go back to an independent status, if they so choose.”
Hysell said she hopes for a strong voter turnout for the June 5 election. She also noted this primary election will be the first to feature Iowa’s new voter ID law.
“With this primary is the change in the law where you have to show your ID, which would be your photo ID, your driver’s license or the ID the Secretary of State issued to people who do not have their driver’s license,” Hysell said. “That’s going to be a little different this year.”
In addition to Friday and Stalker competing on the Republican ballot, incumbent Ron Riley is also featured on the Republican ballot to fill a four-year term.
Rick Friday
Hometown: Lorimor
Age: 58
Political party: Republican
Work history: "I started working for the grain elevator in Lorimor when I was about 14. That elevator went out of business in 1981. I worked for Wellman Dynamics and then I started working for Winnebago Industries as a janitor and I worked my way up to plant manager in 1993. I held that position until 2006. They offered me a nice relocation package to manage another facility. I chose to stay on the family farm and I've been on the family farm since then. I'm a fourth generation family farmer. I'm also known as the Iowa Farmer Cartoonist."
Why do you want to be on the Board of Supervisors? "I've had several people come to me when the seat was open. I've been thinking about it ever since. More and more people have contacted me and feel it would be a good fit for me. I thought I'd jump in the ring and take on the challenge. Union County is my home."
Why are you a good fit for the position? "I offer 22 years of manufacturing experience and a lifetime of experience on the farm. The corporation educated me a lot on the principles of lean thinking and cost savings. I have a unique and common-sense approach to problem solving. I maintained a budget with the corporation. I was responsible for creating and maintaining a budget. I feel I'm very good with people."
Jim Stalker
Hometown: Creston
Age: 73
Political party: Republican
Work history: "I spent eight years as a meter reader for Iowa Southern Utilities. I worked for Cohen's for a year or two, and then I moved into the bookstore and ran that off and on for about 40 years."
Why do you want to be on the Board of Supervisors? "Because it's something important I think I need to do. This is something I need to learn. It's an opportunity for me to do something really important. Since I have always been on the outside looking in, as Supervisor, I'll learn how things work, how some things don't work and how we may be able to make those important changes when needed."
Why are you a good fit for the position? "I like to listen to people. There will be a lot of chances to do that. People need a better communication and I think I can do that. Instead of looking in from the outside, I'll be looking from the inside and I'll be able to see how it works."
Ron Riley
Hometown: Creston
Age: 59
Political party: Republican
Work history: "I have been a farmer since 1986, so 32 years. Then I'll be finishing my 12th year as a supervisor."
Why do you want to remain on the Board of Supervisors? "I've served quite a few years now. I enjoy the job and I feel like I've learned it through the years. I have quite a bit of experience, enjoy working with people and I would just like to continue."
Why are you a good fit for the position? "I feel like I've got a lot of experience now and feel like I work well with people. I've always had an open door policy and they can call or contact me any time of the day with any issue and I'll do my best to help resolve that issue to the best of my ability. I think one of the main things is listening to people and being their friends."
Dale Cline
Hometown: Kent
Age: 59
Political party: Democrat
Work history: "I was in agriculture my whole life and I had a 37-year career at the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. I retired from the postal service in 2013. I was appointed (to the Board of Supervisors) when the vacancy arose with the seat of Lois Monday's the last week of May 2017."
Why do you want to remain on the Board of Supervisors? "I personally feel I'm a nice fit to Union County, being both in the private sector and public sector in my work history. I've had quite an experience in my lifetime in contact with legislators. I'm very supportive of agriculture. It's a valuable asset, especially in the Midwest. I want to thank the residents and everybody else involved for the opportunity to serve so far."
Why are you a good fit for the position? "I'm sure there's other people out there just as capable, but I have the desire and passion. I attend every board meeting I participate on. I'm on nine different boards. I delve into the mechanics of anything that may arise. I'm curious. I want to know why things are done a certain way. I can also think outside the box."