Newton Independent
Editor's Note: I've asked each of the candidates for the two open seats on the Jasper County Board of Supervisors to introduce themselves and explain why they are seeking the office in what I plan to be an ongoing series now through the June 8 primary. Today we hear from John Parsons, an incumbent Democrat, who is running for his second term.
I was raised on a farm near Kellogg and graduated from Newton High School in 1969. I served four years in the U.S. Air Force and am a Vietnam War veteran. I graduated from Iowa State University in 1981. I spent 25 years working for county conservation boards.
After retiring from the Jasper County Conservation Department in 2006, I was elected to the Jasper County Board of Supervisors. I really enjoy the duties and responsibilities of being a county supervisor and enjoy working with the public. Make no mistake, these are challenging budgetary times. Conservative fiscal responsibility is an absolute must.
During my term, the Jasper County Board of Supervisors has cut operating expenses, maintained healthy cash reserve balances, and reduced tax levy rates. In addition, I asked for and received no salary increase for the last two years. I'm proud of that. And, because we have been fiscally responsible for the last four years with the taxpayer dollars, I feel we are now on the right track to continue to grow the economy in Jasper County.
Economic development is the key to bringing new businesses to Jasper County. I'm proud of the fact that the county, city and state worked cooperatively together to bring TPI to Jasper County. We put 500-600 people back to work in an exciting new "green energy" business. The economic development ball is rolling in the right direction. I'm optimistic that as the economy improves, we will have the opportunity to put more people back to work in Jasper County.
I have lived most of my life in Jasper County. It is a great place to work, raise a family, and retire. We have seen some difficult times, but with everyone working together, Jasper County will thrive again. In the meantime, I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to work hard to bring jobs to Jasper County, and hold down operating costs while providing the public services that the citizens deserve.
I would appreciate your vote on June 8.
(Full disclosure: Mr. Parsons provided this information to the N.I. prior to TPI's layoff announcement on Wednesday.)
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