The June 5 primary election features no contested races in Union County for the offices of attorney, recorder or treasurer.
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.”
Below are profiles of the candidates running for attorney, recorder and treasurer in Union County.
Attorney
Name: Tim Kenyon
Hometown: Creston
Age: 60
Political party: Republican
Work history: "I was a private attorney for a number of years and then I was part-time county attorney and I've been full-time county attorney since I believe it was 1990. During that time I've been an adjunct faculty teaching part-time at Southwestern."
Why do you want to remain Union County Attorney? "I enjoy the aspect that I'm able to look out for the well-being and the overall safety of the citizens and residents here in Union County."
Why do you believe you are the best candidate for the position? "I've always taken the position that people need to be accountable and responsible for their deeds and misdeeds, and to that end, I can do something whether it's on a small-scale, sometimes on a larger scale, to make things better. That's what I like to do. I like to make things better."
Recorder
Name: Katie Carlton
Hometown: Creston
Age: 31
Political party: Republican
Work history: "I have worked in the recorder's office now for just over six years. Before that I worked for Wells Fargo."
Years served as recorder? "Almost a year. Paula (White) retired last June and I took over for her on June 12."
Why do you want to remain recorder? "Paula took a lot of time to train me for this job and this career, and helping Union County, the residents here, is something I'm very passionate about. It's a job where you're held to a high standard. I like that. I like being held to a high standard and doing things people in this county will appreciate for years to come. These records are here to stay, so we need to maintain them and do the best we can for future generations, as well."
Why are you a good fit for the position? "I feel like I'm a good fit because I know the duties of the office and can successfully carry them out. I have gotten to know a lot of people in Union County and I have great interactions with them. I've come to really love this community and living here. I just really enjoy the customer service aspect and helping people meet their needs."
Treasurer
Name: Kelly Busch
Hometown: Creston
Age: 40
Political party: Republican
Work history: "I have been the Union County treasurer for the last 10 years."
Why do you want to remain treasurer? "It's just a rewarding job to help the citizens of the county."
Why are you a good fit for the position? "I've been doing it for the last 10 years and there's been several changes within the state and within the office with how things are operated. I like to help continue to keep progress moving within the office."