Meet the candidates: District 3 and District 5 Supervisors

There are two contested races in the District 3 and District 5 Montgomery County Board of Supervisors primary election. In the District 5 Supervisors race, Jill Cooper and Alex Burton are running for the seat following the announcement that incumbent Donna Robinson would not seek re-election. The Red Oak Express reached out to all of the candidates, and has corrected for spelling and grammar only.

Jill Cooper, Real Estate Agent and Auction Clerk for Bergren Real Estate and Auction LLC.
My husband of 29 years this June is Dennis Cooper. I have two step children: Tony Cooper and wife Shawnie of Red Oak and Jenny Collier of Olathe, Kan. Grandchildren are Hunter and Keygan Day of Red Oak and Mariah and Aleah Collier of Olathe, Kan..
Why are you running for Supervisor?
My motivation for running for office stems from my genuine interest in serving the people and contributing to the county’s continued progress. My extensive interactions with individuals across the county through my work in real estate and auctions have provided me with valuable insights into their needs and concerns. As a representative of District 5, I am committed to representing the collective aspirations of my constituents. While it is understood that achieving universal satisfaction is challenging, I strive to make decisions that align with the best interests of the majority. Having resided in Montgomery County since 1987, I am proud of our accomplishments but also recognize the potential for further improvements.
Have you served as an elected official in the past? In what capacities?
I have not served as an elected official in the past.
If elected, what are your top two priorities, and why?
My priorities, if elected, would be to address the concerns of District 5 residents regarding the proposed wind turbine project and support their opposition to any such projects in the county. I would also focus on maintaining the positive trajectory of our county, which is a wonderful place to live and work.
Are you a member of any clubs/organizations/boards?
I have had the privilege of being a member of numerous clubs in the past and also served on the local National Wild Turkey Federation committee for seventeen years. Additionally, I currently hold a position on the County Eminent Domain Board.
What skills will you bring to the board of supervisors if elected?
Should I be elected, I believe my extensive network of connections within the county will prove to be a significant asset. Furthermore, I am an enthusiastic learner and eagerly anticipate any responsibilities entrusted to me.
Who inspires you?
My mother has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life. At the age of 94, she continues to live independently, demonstrating remarkable resilience and self-sufficiency. Her unwavering support for our endeavors has been instrumental in shaping our beliefs and aspirations.

Alex Burton, Owner, Hometown Inspections
My wife Lori and I have been married for 10 years and we just welcomed our third child into the world. Our son will be in second grade next year, our older daughter will begin kindergarten and our youngest is 6 months old. We were blessed to move into the home that I grew up in north of Villisca when my mom moved into town.   My wife’s parents live just a few miles away on the farm where she was raised. Our children make memories with their grandparents everyday.   
Why are you running for Supervisor?
After Donna Robinson announced she was not running, a couple people approached me after a Villisca City Council meeting and encouraged me to run. I have prioritized attending the Villisca City Council meetings for about a year now.  I have been involved in other organizations, but nothing compares to the satisfaction of making an impact in my hometown.  I have always had a desire to serve and make a difference; my dad Terry actually made me “catch the bug” and want to serve.  
I believe the role of supervisor is to be a good steward of the resources, like property taxes as well as natural resources. I will listen to those I represent and get feedback on how I am doing. I am willing to reevaluate my position to ensure my vote is based on facts, not emotions, and carefully consider the impacts of my vote. I will consider possible outcomes for the decisions we are making both today and for the future. Many of the decisions made today will have a tremendous effect on our children’s future, and I want them to be proud of the choices we made.    
Have you served as an elected official in the past? In what capacities?  
While I have not served in an elected position I have served in roles that have equipped me with the skills and experience to take on the role of supervisor.  I previously served as director of a non-profit centered around mental illness. A portion of their funding at the time came from the Mental Health and Disability Services Region (MHDS) of which the supervisors play an important role. Currently there are changes being implemented that can affect the way individuals in our county receive services, I look forward to digging in and learning more about these changes.  
I spent several years as a 911 dispatcher and volunteer firefighter, and currently I am on Villisca EMS. My time in emergency response has been some of the most rewarding and most challenging, you cannot supplement first hand experience.  My perspective on these issues would be unique to the board. I am able to see emergency services issues from both sides. I would look at what we are doing well now and see what tools, resources and training are needed in order to make improvements for both our emergency services personnel and all those they serve.  
I am also currently serving as the President for the Villisca Community Betterment Association. Serving on the Betterment is a great way to see issues and solutions from more than one angle. We really need to be partnering our local organizations with local government so we can reduce redundancy and pool our resources to accomplish common goals.  
I have enjoyed attending all of the weekly Board of Supervisor meetings since I announced my run for Supervisor, and recently I attended an Adair County Board of Supervisors meeting to see how our neighbors are doing things. Attending the meetings is the best way to see the board at work, what the job entails, and what kinds of challenges I will be facing. It would be difficult to step into the role of Supervisor having never attended a meeting and not understanding the current issues and challenges.  
Recently, in preparation for becoming a Supervisor, I attended a Zoning Workshop held by the Iowa State Extension Office.  Zoning and ordinances will be an important part of the Board of Supervisors work in the next few years. At the foundation of zoning is keeping incompatible land uses apart, in conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan. Montgomery County needs to look at what the future may hold and be prepared.  The workshop provided essential, foundational knowledge for anyone wishing to hold office or serve on a zoning board.         
If elected, what are your top two priorities, and why?  
I want to prioritize protecting the things that make Montgomery County a great place to live. We have a lot of assets in our natural resources, small town sense of community and traditional values.  A common topic of discussion as I’ve been talking with folks in the 5th District, is wind energy and the potential impacts. Montgomery County will need to find a solution that is fair and equitable for all landowners and preserves the quality of life and home values for property owners. I have attended several zoning meetings in Adams County about their wind and solar ordinance that have been very insightful.  On average 40-50 people show up to voice their opinion; I would anticipate a similar turn out if Montgomery County had a similar format.  I have worked hard to understand the potential results of wind energy initiatives in our county and I have some real concerns.  If you spend too much time researching on social media you may become consumed by information that is overstated. On the other hand, information from supporters’ arguments seem to be incomplete and misleading.  Although a few are in favor, most residents I have talked with are not in support of wind energy expansion in our area.  After speaking with representatives in several Iowa counties with different ordinances in place, I believe at the very least there should be reasonable setbacks that protect the quality of life for people living in the proposed areas. Using a blade length multiplier to determine setback guidelines is better than a stated distance, as technology has already changed and blade lengths have increased. Using a blade length multiplier, if the blade length of a turbine were to increase, a greater set-back would be required. 
Another common concern I hear from residents regarding commercial wind turbines, are the constant red blinking lights at night. The industry has also acknowledged this issue and now many turbine projects are equipped with aircraft detection technology (ADLS). With ADLS, the lights are off unless a nearby aircraft is detected by radar, then red lights kick on to warn pilots of the turbines.  As a Supervisor I would prioritize including this in the ordinance; however I understand there are hoops to jump through for this with both the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communications Commission. 
Maybe the most lasting impact to consider when considering wind turbines is what happens to the land after the turbine is no longer used? From what I have found most easements include money set aside to decommission the turbine at the end of its useful life.  It is unclear just what the costs would actually be, and whether the money set aside would be enough. I would like to see the ordinance include strong language that makes sure the owner of the wind turbines, not the landowner (or taxpayer), is responsible for these costs. Additionally, we should find the best practice to obtain accurate cost estimates on a regular basis.
I recently attended an informational meeting about the proposed Summit Carbon Pipeline, hosted by those strongly opposing the proposed pipeline.  The proposed carbon pipeline is a pressing issue at hand.  Setbacks for pipelines are commonly 50 feet, this is most often a natural gas line that serves residential and commercial customers.  Natural gas lines are all over the county and a strong argument can be made in favor of locating a natural gas line down the center of a residential street in order to serve both sides.  A carbon pipeline, which carries carbon dioxide, a byproduct of ethanol production, is not the same as a natural gas pipeline. The Iowa Utilities Board is the state entity that has the authority to issue permits for hazardous liquid pipelines.  Shelby County created an ordinance regarding carbon pipelines and that has landed them in court. At the informational meeting, Steve Kenkel, the Shelby County Board of Supervisors Chairman, spoke about this.  Steve explained that the case is currently in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals and a ruling will likely be given in the fall.  At the end of the day, I can’t promise to stop the proposed carbon pipeline, no one at the local level can.  I will however continue to research and carefully watch the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals for a ruling, as I would encourage all of you to be doing as well.  Additionally, if there will be a new hazardous material pipeline project in our county, I would prioritize researching what the emergency response and training should look like and make sure we have adequate resources to respond if needed. 
My biggest concern with the carbon pipeline however would be if eminent domain came into play.  Unfortunately, if eminent domain does come into play, the county would be limited in our authority and influence.  Personally, I cannot see the environmental benefit of pumping a waste product all the way up to North Dakota to store it in the ground. At the informational meeting, one of the panel speakers mentioned the rationale for the pipeline boils down to the 45Q Credits for carbon sequestration. Another panel speaker said “when you are looking for an answer, follow the money.”  I find it hard to believe there are zero environmental impacts from the underground storage of carbon dioxide at that scale, as it is being claimed. I do have much more to share on this topic but have limited space here.  I encourage everyone to continue researching this issue themselves, you can be sure I will be doing the same.
Are you a member of any clubs/organizations/boards?
 As I mentioned I am currently serving as the President for the Villisca Community Betterment Association(VCBA) and volunteer with Villisca EMS.  I also serve as a Deacon at Faith Community Church in Red Oak. 
What skills will you bring to the board of supervisors if elected? 
In addition to my relevant skills already listed, there are a few I would like to point out.  I firmly believe that knowledge is the foundation to sound decision making.  I know that the role of Supervisor is not just showing up for the meetings, or sitting on various committees. As a Supervisor, I am the person who will represent several thousand residents in Montgomery County, so I understand I should have a deep knowledge of the issues to support my decisions. I have always had a strong desire to seek out facts and understand all angles of a problem. As a supervisor this trait is invaluable. 
Lastly, the skill I find most valuable is a willingness to admit fault and learn from my mistakes. In my conversation with current and previous supervisors I consistently hear that it is a continuous learning venture.  The moving pieces change over time and a willingness to grow is necessary to remain on top of relevant issues.
Who inspires you? 
My dad Terry King inspires me, although he has now passed.  My aunt and uncle Terry and Sharon King adopted me when I was 11 after a somewhat difficult early childhood. My uncle quickly became my dad and taught me more than I can list here today.  He was on the Villisca City Council and served as Mayor Pro Tem, he enjoyed serving the community.  He also ran the Bluejay Perch in Villisca, a youth center that was where the laundromat is today on the square in Villisca.  He taught me to always look for ways to do the right thing even when no one is watching.  He also taught me to have a strong foundation in God and to spend time in prayer and in the word.  My faith is a big part of who I am and I would not be where I am today without God.  My dad inspires me to continue growing in my faith and to teach my children about God everyday.
Anything else you would like to add?
I would be honored to represent the 5th District of Montgomery County as a supervisor.  I do not seek this role lightly and rest assured I will do my very best to represent my district.  I look forward to hearing from residents in my district and advocating for the best outcome for the 5th District and Montgomery County as a whole.  I will strive to be polite and professional but never at the expense of doing and voting for the right thing.  We must continue to protect all of the things that make Montgomery County great as we plan for future growth.  Thank you for your time and consideration and I hope to see you June 4th for the Primary Election.

In the District 3 Supervisors race, incumbent Randy Cooper is being challenged by Bryant Amos.

Randy Cooper, works full-time for National Beef, buys cattle out of Southwest Iowa, also owner-operator of a couple of farms in Montgomery County.
My family has some deep roots in Montgomery County dating back to the 1900s. I met my wife, Denise, in Red Oak High School and we’ve been married for 47 years. We have three children by this marriage: Jon and Josh that live in West Omaha, and Liz that lives on a farm in the Red Oak area. All of our children are married and we have nine wonderful grandkids, seven boys and two girls.
Why are you running for re-election?
Good question. It’s taken me two to three years to figure out how some of the political aspects work while in office. I have found that there are many different points of view and it’s important to communicate and work together to make the most common sense decisions for the county.
There are several things in the works that need to get finished up and I would like to be involved.
Have you served as an elected official in the past?
Yes, in my current office as District 3 Supervisor. This is the first elected office I have held.
If re-elected, what are your top two priorities and why?
If I’m re-elected one of my priorities is to continue the relationship that we now have with the railroad. We have gotten more done in the last three years than the supervisors have gotten done in the last 20 years. Let’s keep this good relationship going. My other priority is that we have two serious ordinances to get done, for wind turbines and pipelines.
Are you a member of any clubs/organizations/boards?
I’ve served on the Mills/Montgomery County Cattlemen for more than 30 years, now serving as president.
I have served on the Red Oak Airport Commission for more than 30 years, now serving as co-chairman.
What skills will you bring to the board of supervisors if re-elected?
I have several skills beneficial to the board that include having extensive knowledge about the county and the community. I have an agricultural background and consider myself a hard worker.
Being successful at my own business ventures is a big plus. Let’s run the county like you would run your own business.
I consider myself a conservative person. I believe our taxpayer’s money should be spent on needs and not wants.
Finally, a county supervisor needs to be able to work well with others and be honest. Listen to the district’s concerns with respect and give them feedback.
Who inspires you?
I admire Joni Ernst for her accomplishments in the political field and her military service to our country.
Anything else you would like to add?
Montgomery County has a battle ahead of it. There is only so much revenue that comes in from our taxpayers and expenses to keep going up. We have to cut spending or do away with some services.
I have at least three grandsons that will grow up in Montgomery County any maybe someday will farm in the county. Lets continue to keep Montgomery County a place to live and raise a family.

Bryant Amos, retired
My wife, Chris Amos, and I have been married for 44 years. We moved to Red Oak in 1982 where we raised our two daughters. Whitney is our oldest child. She lives in Council Bluffs with her husband Jacob Fort and my two grandsons: Payton and Blake. Mallory is our youngest and she resides in Red Oak.
Why are you running for supervisor?
I have always had a very deep interest and passion in Montgomery County. I thoroughly enjoy helping it to be the best that it possibly can be. Industrial development will soon be coming to Mills County, and I want to be sure Montgomery County takes advantage of any opportunities and growth it can gain from those advancements.
Also, from the feedback I’ve been receiving, many people feel they are not being represented properly and have encouraged me to run again. Leadership/management has always been in my blood. I’ve served on many boards and committees. I also owned and operated a distributorship for 20 years followed by 12 years of manufacturing shift management.  I know with my experience and knowledge, I can make a positive impact.
Have you served as an elected official in the past? In what capacities?
I served on the Red Oak City Council followed by the Red Oak School Board. Three of the years on the school board I served as president. I was then elected as a County Supervisor where I remained for 16 years and 12 of those years, I was chairman. 
If elected, what are your top two priorities and why?
First and foremost, I’ve always placed responsible spending high on my priority list. It’s plain and simple: Being smart with funds dramatically increases the ability to meet responsibilities owed to citizens as well as the county’s employees. 
Secondly, I’d like to take advantage of any growth – businesses, housing, economic growth - to help reduce property taxes for everyone while avoiding wind turbines. I’m passionate about not selling out to wind energy. 
Are you a member of any clubs/organizations/boards?
I served 17 years on the Red Oak Volunteer Fire Department and am now a retired member. This is where I gained a huge respect for first responders and emergency management.
I currently serve on the following for Montgomery County: Planning & Zoning Board, Compensation Board, and Board of Review.
What skills will you bring to the board of supervisors if elected?
I have served in many different areas of the city and county to gain the experience and knowledge to serve Montgomery County to the best of my capabilities. From my previous 16 years on the board, I know how county government works and the branches that stem from the board. If it’s not something I know, I want to gain the facts from those who know best. My thoughts are (when it comes to this election), you cannot hire an employee with zero experience and expect them to make great moves with no knowledge of the inner workings. I have the knowledge and skills to know exactly what my decisions, opinions and stances affect.
I’m also a very personable and approachable individual. As a leader, I find it important that I’m approachable for citizens and employees to voice their concerns or ideas. I find it important to always listen. I give praise where praise is deserved and I’m not afraid to provide constructive feedback.
My experience also shows that I have a great ability to lead and/or be a team player. My focus is never what will benefit me personally. My focus is always on what will benefit the county as a whole.  Also, with that experience, I have a better understanding of what is possible and what isn’t. Therefore, I won’t promise anything that is likely to not happen.
I am firm and very straight forward in my beliefs. When it comes to opinions, I do not sit on the fence very long but I’m still open and respectful of other opinions. I’m fact based and I know I do not know everything. So, I’m also very open to being convinced otherwise when it comes to important initiatives.

Who inspires you?
Almost everyone who steps up and runs for a public office. It takes a lot of courage and thick skin to stick your neck out publicly. It’s important to fight for what you believe regardless of the criticism that comes along with your opinions and stances. It’s easy for most to identify issues. It takes a special diverse team with an undying will to come up with good answers.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Almost anyone can win an election by making false promises. It’s easy to just tell people exactly what they want to hear. A true county representative will tell you not what you want to hear but what you need to hear along with the facts that come along with it. I will stick to the truth as I know it and continue to never make false promises to get elected.
It is important to me that my experience, skills and accomplishments speak for themselves in this election. I played a large part in many of the following accomplishments and more …
• Replacement of the Coburg Road and O Avenue to the Grant road even though traffic numbers did not support it.
• A new Hawthorne bridge, intersection and resurfacing of that road.
• The widening of old Highway 34 with mostly grant money.
• Made improvements within public health and veterans affairs. These two programs do a great job at directing our citizens to the right programs, not simply handing out county dollars.
• The improvement and repairs done to county structures including the courthouse roof, windows, heating and cooling along with many improvements to the Highland Annex building.
•  A new law enforcement center shared with the city.
• An emergency management building (furnished with grant money) also shared with the city of Red Oak which is now a very popular place for meetings.
• I wholeheartedly supported the hiring of a full-time emergency management director. This director brings in grant money to support our fire & rescue and law enforcement teams.
• The new communications system – which is now better protecting and assisting our first responders and the public.
• I’ve also played key roles in supporting the Montgomery County Development Committee.
This is a shortlist of my accomplishments.
So, lastly and most importantly, I want to thank all the past and current support I receive because that is what really makes a difference. I believe I can make a positive difference for this county once again and it means a lot that others feel the same way.