Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
With the Nov. 8 general election approaching, I am submitting this open letter to those who will be voting. My subject is township officers who are elected by you. I have found an amazing lack of awareness of the very existence of these positions in county government and the responsibilities that go with it. I feel justified to discuss this as I have served as Red Oak Township clerk since 1986 and Red Oak Rural Fire Protection Association president since 1989.
The problem becomes that very few votes are cast for the candidates.
I want to first explain that this is, in fact, where county government begins. This is truest grassroots government in a pure form. Each township’s officers consist of three trustees and a clerk. In the early beginning of county government, each township functioned almost as a small county in itself.
These officers have three responsibilities. They include mediating fence disputes, and maintaining and preserving county cemeteries that have been deeded to them, many of which are designated as “pioneer.” The last duty is mandated by the Code of Iowa. That is to provide, for the rural residents, fire and emergency medical services.
Red Oak Rural Fire Protection Association is a taxing entity within a specific district boundary. That area of protection contains all or part of eight townships and the city of Coburg. The government board is made up collectively of the township officers within the district. The association then in turn has a contract with the city of Red Oak to provide these services.
Helping meet the needs of the people at critical times in their lives is our most important governing duty. It is a duty taken most seriously. I hope you appreciate the fact that these services come from an extremely well-trained, equipped and professional provider in the Red Oak Fire Department.
I hope I have enlightened you to who and what are your township officers and their importance.
Please exercise your constitutional right and privilege and support them with your vote on the ballot whenever you choose to vote. Speaking on behalf of my fellow township trustees and clerks, we appreciate your votes of support.
Gordon Arnold, Red Oak