FIVE CANDIDATES VIE TO FILL THREE COUNTY POSITIONS

As brightly-lettered yard signs and campaign flyers indicate, the June 6 primary is fast approaching. This year, five candidates seek to fill a total of three positions in county government; only four will continue on to the November election.
Among those seeking to represent their peers as local decision-makers and leaders are Republicans Bill Roe Jr., incumbent, vying against Duane Meier for the position of county auditor; Bill Clark, incumbent candidate for the Board of Supervisors; and Tim Heiderscheit, sole candidate for county sheriff seeking to replace Neil Becker, who plans to retire with the end of his current term.
Tom Hustvet has filed as a Democratic candidate, seeking election to the Board of Supervisors in competition with Clark.

VOTING INFORMATION
Absentee voting for the Tuesday, June 6, election may be done in the Allamakee County auditor's office via mail request or in person prior to the election.
To request an absentee ballot, submit to the auditor's office name and signature of voter, address to which the person is registered to vote, address of where the ballot is to be sent if different than voter registration address, name of election (primary election), and date of election (June 6). Voters are also asked to select a political party preference (Republican or Democratic ballot).
Absentee ballot requests are to be mailed to the Allamakee County Auditor's Office, 110 Allamakee Street, Waukon, IA 52172-1700. Those who plan to cast their absentee vote in person may visit the auditor’s office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.
Note: The last day to register to vote in the primary election is Saturday, May 27. The auditor's office will be open that date from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The auditor's office will be open Saturday, June 3, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accommodate those who wish to vote absentee. The final day to vote absentee is Monday, June 5, at the Allamakee County auditor's office.
Those who plan to cast their preferences during the June 6 scheduled election date can do so at their respective polling sites between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. For a list of polling sites, candidates for township clerks and trustees seeking first-time election or re-election, or for general voter registration information, see the “Notice of Primary Election” in the legal’s section of this newspaper.
For more information, contact Auditor Bill Roe Jr. at (319) 568-3522.

Bill Clark
Republican incumbent Bill Clark seeks re-election to the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors for a second, four-year term of office.
Clark is a life-long resident of Allamakee County and presently resides with his wife, Marilyn, in rural Waukon. He is the father of two daughters, Denise of Waukon and Deb of Anoka, MN, as well as one son, Dave Clark, also of Waukon.
Bill Clark is a well-known businessman in Allamakee County as owner of Clark Tire Center in Waukon, where he has accumulated over 35 years business experience.
In citing factors that he feels lend him the leadership skills necessary to represent voters, Clark lists over three and one-half years experience on the board of supervisors, stating, “My experience as supervisor gives me an advantage through knowledge of the position.”
He also reverts back to the business experience he has gained in his personal career.
In goal-setting, Clark says he has set his sites on such pertinent topics as devising a plausible solution to the rural waste collection dilemma that has plagued the county in recent years, and resulted in higher costs to rural taxpayers provided the service. Specifically, Clark plans to work closely with township representatives to devise a plan to resolve the issue of excessive and illegal waste disposal cluttering township waste collection sites.
“Property taxes is also always an important issue among taxpayers, and we, as supervisors, continually try to make the best possible use of those funds,” added Clark in addressing predominant concerns among constituents.
And finally, Clark cited a third priority in improving county roads to accommodate larger trucks and machinery, a goal in the process of being realized through a joint effort with the county engineer’s office through the department’s five-year secondary roads plan.
His message to voters: “The time I have spent as a supervisor has been a learning experience. I have likely made mistakes, but feel that, with the help of voters, I will be able to work towards an ever-improving Allamakee County.”

Tom Hustvet
Democratic opponent to Bill Clark in seeking to represent county constituents on the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors, Hustvet feels his most promising asset is his energy and background for the position.
Specifically, Hustvet refers to over 30 years experience in the human services field, working closely with both county and state boards to achieve common goals. Hustvet has worked mainly in administrative positions in neighboring Minnesota.
“Though the majority of my experience is not Iowa-based, the issues are similar in respect to rural economics versus big city interests. Additionally, county representatives in nearly every state deal with similar issues in cooperation with state and federal governments,” says Hustvet. “What is most important is the ability to work closely with people at different governmental levels, and understand the appropriate governmental routes necessary to accomplish certain goals.”
Specifically, Hustvet studied human services at the University of Minnesota, after which time he began work in the field in delivering general relief programs to the people of downtown St. Paul, MN. From there, he climbed his way up the chain of command, working as manager in Ramsey County, MN; state reviewer for the State of Minnesota; director for Cook County, MN; then administrator in human services for the three-county system of Faribault, Martin and Watonwan counties in the same state, then in the same capacity in Braham in Chisago County, MN.
Most recently, Hustvet worked in a human services administrative position in Houston County, MN, despite the drive from his rural Waukon residence, purchased some three and one-half years ago as Tom and his wife, Marlene, opted to relocate their family to NE Iowa. Slightly over two months ago, Hustvet resigned from his position in Houston County, which he says will allow him to devote the time and energy necessary to the board of supervisors position.
“I considered running for election as supervisor two years ago; however, opted not to pursue the endeavor at that time,” said Hustvet. “The timing now makes great sense in that my position on the board will not complete with another career, something I feel would be a great asset as the position of supervisor requires both time and energy, or should.”
Training, in addition to occupational experience, that Hustvet deems to be an asset includes a course in civil mediation training, achieved through a law school in Minnesota. “The program consisted of a four-day intensive training session that dealt with effective ways to negotiate civil conflicts and bring parties together to reach acceptable conclusions.”
Hustvet also cites assets gleaned through a year-long spirituality and leadership program recently offered through Franciscan Skemp in La Crosse, WI. Hustvet took part in the program during its pilot, and says he gained valuable knowledge pertaining to ways in which leaders can deal with their responsibilities in combination with their value systems and beliefs.
“I took these courses as a source of personal development,” says Hustvet, “and to expand upon my own abilities.”
Hustvet also points out his experience in employee union negotiations.
In citing his goals, Hustvet named says he plans to focus on issues of the rural economy and the sustainability of traditional farming practices, the consideration and enhancement of tourism potential within the county, and means by which to keep youths employed and living within the county.
In regard to responsible use of taxpayers dollars to fund local programs, Hustvet believes that issues of what we can afford will always be important. “We need to determine the quality of services we need and are receiving and assess what we should fairly be paying for these services.
“It is also important to look beyond the county tax dollar in regard to alternate sources of funding,” adds Hustvet. “We’ll simply have to look annually at how much we can reasonably expect people to pay.”
In conclusion, Hustvet notes, “I have no preconceived notions as to the way things should go. I believe it’s important to hear people’s concerns, try always to be fair, and to be accountable for the decisions we make, which means admitting mistakes.” He adds, “Even the decisions that seem small are important in the overall scope of things.”
He continues, “I’m running as a Democrat, which is what I have been for most of my life, though county issues are rarely Democratic or Republic in nature, but rather rural issues.” He adds, “Given changes at the state level in terms of parties, however, I do feel it’s a good time to be a Democrat.”
Tom resides two miles north of Waukon with his wife, Marlene, a nurse at Tweeten Lutheran Hospital in Spring Grove, MN; and three sons, Ian, in sixth grade, Torm, ninth-grader, and JR, in tenth grade. The couple’s eldest son, Derek, works in St. Paul, MN, as a respiratory therapist.

Tim Heiderscheit
Tim Heiderscheit, chief county deputy, has filed as the sole Republican candidate for Allamakee County sheriff, seeking to replace Sheriff Neil Becker, who plans to retire with the end of his term.
Heiderscheit has been a life-long resident of Allamakee County, excluding his college years, during which time he earned a four-year degree from Winona State University in Winona, MN, in the area of criminal justice. Following college graduation, Heiderscheit attended and successfully completed requirements of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
“I have since gained experience in all areas of law enforcement, including, but not limited to, criminal investigations, jail procedure, civil procedure, courtroom proceedings, etc.,” said Heiderscheit. Since 1997, at which time the officer was appointed chief deputy, Heiderscheit has also gained experience in administration and budgeting procedures.
“I became interested in the position when the county sheriff announced his plans for retirement,” comments Heiderscheit. “I feel that I have the educational background and experience within the sheriff’s office to represent the elected branch of law enforcement in Allamakee County.”
If elected sheriff, Heiderscheit has cited a number of goals he plans to pursue. “Initially, I plan to attempt to increase the jail capacity by contracting out-of-county prisoners to raise revenue. In addition, I hope to work with the judicial system in regard to use of the ICN (Iowa Communications Network) to hold court proceedings via close circuit television in hopes of reducing the number of transports of juveniles and adults being held out-of-county.”
Public feedback, adds Heiderscheit, indicates a strong concensus that the county law enforcement system maintain a progressive direction and continue to advance with the times. Heiderscheit reassures constituents that the sheriff’s office is currently updating 9-1-1 and other records through computers and that advances in those areas will continue.
In an effort to discuss and address any other concerns that county residents may have regarding the office of the county sheriff, Heiderscheit has also confirmed that he would be available to speak to civic groups or other organizations in an open forum setting.
Heiderscheit resides near New Albin with his wife, Jill, and two boys, Coady, age eight, and Matthew, age six.

Duane R. Meier
Duane R. Meier has listed as the opposing candidate to Bill Roe Jr., incumbent county auditor. As both are registered Republican candidates, only one will progress pass the June 6 primary.
Meyer, a graduate of Waukon Senior High, now makes his home in neighboring Lansing. However, the past three decades have been highlighted by a number of educational, military and occupational experiences that have lent Meier the experience he deems necessary to be the best candidate for the county auditor position.
Following Meier’s graduation from high school, he continued on to earn a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Wartburg College in Waverly. Soon after, he enlisted in the military and served two years and ten months in the Army, eventually discharged as First Lieutenant of the 82nd Airborne Division.
After serving his country in the armed forces, Meier then relocated to Chicago, IL, where he pursued a career in data processing. There, he spent seven years as a computer programmer and 25 years in data processing management, organizing and maintaining data centers for life insurance and property management companies. He was also employed as a computer programmer for Sun Times News.
More recently, specifically 1997, Meier opted to return to his hometown area, where he and his sister, Joyce Fish, continue to manage the family farm just eight miles west of Ludlow. Though they do not farm the land themselves, the property is leased and remains operational.
Currently, Meier works as a security officer at Miss Marquette Casino in Marquette.
In citing his qualifications for the position of county auditor, Meier notes 25-plus years experience in managerial positions for diversified industries, which he says, yields itself to both office and management skills.
“While serving in management positions, I have overseen the work of over 30 employees at a given time. In addition, I have had the opportunity to work with budgets of significant size, and have gained valuable experience in a number of customer service oriented organizations.”
Says Meier of his personal qualities, “In my many years experience, I’ve learned the importance of delegating responsibilities and following through on goals. I pay close attention to detail and would enter this position with a ‘get the job done’ attitude, completing my responsibilities thoroughly and accurately the first time. In essence, I would do whatever it takes to get the job done in a quality manner.”
He continues, “The position of county auditor is a responsible job; I’m looking for responsibility and visibility in my work. I’m originally from this area and would like to give something back.”
Meier resides in Lansing with his wife, Marian (Halverson). His daughter, Cathy May, has relocated to Cedar Rapids, where she works as a massage therapist for St. Luke's Hospital. John Meier, son, is pursuing a degree in culinary arts at Des Moines Area Community College.

Bill Roe, Jr.
Current county auditor and Republican candidate for re-election, Bill Roe Jr. will vie for the position against opponent Duane R. Meier in the hopes of serving a third, four-year term of office.
“In seeking re-election to the position, I feel confident that the assets I can lend to this position are valuable. Not only do I have eight years experience as county auditor, but have continually maintained an open-door policy and a willingness to listen to the concerns of county taxpayers.”
Roe continues, “If re-elected, I plan to continue to serve Allamakee County residents with respect and promote projects that are in the best interest of the county.”
According to Roe, a focal point for constituent concern seems to be the lack of property tax revenue on state-owned lands. To address this issue, Roe plans to propose legislation through the auditor’s affiliation requiring the state to pay property taxes and fully reimburse the county for forest reserve exempt value.
“I believe I have done a good job for the county in the past and look forward to continuing this service in the future.” Roe adds, “Above all, I would like to urge everyone to exercise their right and get out and vote.”
Stand-out qualities that Roe hopes will separate him from his opposing candidate is his personable attitude, honest reputation and encouragement that county taxpayers continue to have a voice in their county government.
Bill Roe Jr. lives at 706 Allamakee Street in Waukon with his wife, Bev (Syverson), and two children, Kelly, age 18, and Matt, age 15.
Prior to initial election to the position nearly eight years ago, Roe held occupational positions at Quandahl’s Food Ranch and Village Farm and Home, both in Waukon.