Tomorrow will start my first full week as County Supervisor.  Tuesday morning at 9:30am will be my first public meeting in that role, and I will move a ballot issue to allow the people of Story County to vote on the issue of 3 or 5 Supervisors as laid out in the Code of Iowa.  Make no mistake, it is a complex issue and (for a change to 5 by district) requires two ballot measures, a Redistricting Commission, should have a Citizen Committee to determine the appropriate duties, responsibilities and time requirements and  a recommendation from the Compensation Board on the salary (based on those duties and responsibilities).

It is a process that would take two years to complete (from passage of the first ballot measure) as laid out by the Code of Iowa.  That process begins by the question of 3 or 5 Supervisors being placed on the ballot which can either be forced by the public (with a signed petition of at least 10% of the number that voted in the Last General Election – about 45,000 in 2008) or by Resolution of the Supervisors before August 25.

Please feel free to call or email me with thoughts or questions.

August 17, 2010

Just got home from a wild day.  I am honored to have been appointed as County Supervisor for the next 12 weeks and excited to get to work for the people of Story County.  There is no doubt that this complicates the campaign, but I love a challenge.  I have talked and written for 30 months about my vision for Story County and the type of Supervisor I would be…now the rubber meets the road.

Thank you to everyone, please email me your comments and suggestions.

August 12, 2010

Challenging week but really encouraging as well.  The first half of the week was pseudo normal campaigning.  Great coffees with several groups…there is no doubt that this appointment to fill the open seat has captured the attention of many in the community. Most people seem to feel that the best person available should be appointed.  I have expressed my interest in filling the position and will leave it at that. 

Tuesday’s BOS meeting was the first since Strohman’s departure and felt disjointed.  Wednesday morning we got 5am call requesting volunteers to fill sandbags, so Calli and I got the boys out of bed and headed to S Duff to assist.   We spent about 6 hours with almost 100 other volunteers working to provide sandbags to those in need as the water rose…this community is amazing!  The rest of the week will be wild with the clean-up.

81 days remaining.

August 5, 2010

James Strohman just announced his resignation from the BOS effective on August 9^th.  I have expressed my interest in filling the vacancy and will wait to hear what happens next.  Apparently, the vacancy is filled by a three person committee – the Auditor, the Recorder and the Treasurer.  While it would make the final 88 days of the campaign more hectic, I truly believe that I am the most prepared, best qualified person available, and that I would be a benefit to the citizens of Story County over the next several months.

August 1, 2010
Who really believes that the best way for the U.S. to get moving in the right direction is to tax, borrow and spend MORE???  Come on!  The simple fact is that ALL taxes are funded by us…the property owners, earners and job creators…either directly or indirectly.  The prudent way forward at all levels of government is to set clear goals and priorities, fund the things we must do and the things we should do, and hold off on ALL unnecessary spending.  We can and must do it.  This is not a partisan issue…it is an American issue.

Disappointing day at the Supervisors meeting today, and sadly, further confirmation of just how broken and dysfunctional the current system employed by the Supervisors really is. 

The details: On Monday, while reviewing Tuesday Board Agenda, I noticed an item on the Consent Agenda (no discussion) that I felt strongly needed further consideration…A one year extension of a consultant to the Board at $100 per hour.  I immediately wrote a quick email to the Board asking that the item be removed from the consent agenda and asked that citizens (including all three Supervisor candidates) be allowed to have input on the matter as it would affect the FY12 Budget (for which the new Board will have responsibility).

On Tuesday, I arrived to the Board meeting early, filled out the required “request to speak” form and waited for the meeting to begin.  Prior to the meeting Wayne told me that he would use “Chair’s prerogative” in determining if he would “allow” me to speak to the issue, which I found strange.  Once the meeting began, I was pleased that Supervisor Clinton pulled the item for discussion as requested.  The Supervisors had a discussion about the issue, all the while I waited to offer my perspective along with (possibly) the other candidates that this issue may impact.

At that point Wayne decided that his power as Chair of the Board entitled him to declare that no members of the public would be allowed to speak to the matter…relevant audio (6 minutes and 7 seconds) here.  I need to also point out that I have witnessed several occasions where Wayne has allowed members of the public to speak to an issue that they deemed important, but not today.

So, I used an opportunity at the public forum to question how items are put on the Consent Agenda and my expressed displeasure at not being allowed to speak to the issue prior to its decision in a PUBLIC meeting.

Finally, tonight I sent Mr. Clinton a follow up email expressing my frustration at his handling of the situation and Story County’s complete lack of adequate procedures for the conduct of their meetings…the complete email string is available here.

Things have to improve…the days of avoiding public input, secretive and veiled decisions being made by the Board have to end.  It matters.

Oh yea, and how sadly ironic is it that on the day that our Supervisors approved a waiting list (for the first time ever!) for our citizens with mental health issues, they also approved a one year extension for a $100 per hour consultant for their office… what are our priorities?

July 19, 2010

Back in good ole Story County after a great trip (with some much needed R&R in Montana.  Ready to get back at it!

July 11, 2010
Things are really starting to take shape.  It was another great week full of meetings, door knocking and events.  Standard BOS meeting Tuesday followed by an outstanding town hall with Congressman Latham…over 120 enthusiastic people engaged in a conversation about the direction of our country.  Tuesday night was an exceptional Story County GOP fundraiser at the new ISU Alumni Hall.  On Wednesday, I had some great donor calls followed by a Planning webinar to discuss the new Iowa Smart Planning legislation.  Thursday and Friday saw more meetings, more door knocking and a fun gathering of the Story County Farm Bureau for their Annual Meeting.  A great parade in Colo, ribbon cutting at the new FLC of YSS and a large canvas by our local GOP (thanks for pulling it together Jim and Bob). All said and done, we passed 2,000 doors knocked, got some wonderful commitments of support and continue to be enthused about the possibility of a couple additions to our local ballot.  Things are taking shape!

July 5, 2010
Phenomenal week.  We hit the 1500th door in door knocking, are halfway through the parade season and can feel the momentum starting to build.  There is no doubt that more people are aware of the actions of and challenges facing the Supervisors this year than in 2008.  I had several outstanding one-on-one meetings this week, and the possibility of strengthening the local GOP ballot has me (and others) feeling that 2010 could be a special year here in Story County.

June 28, 2010
Good day of meetings, Rotary and a Pork cook-off of 4 FFA groups in Nevada.  Colo-Nesco, Collins-Maxwell, Gilbert and Nevada all did great jobs with product supplied by Fairway.  Good to visit with my pork producer friends.

June 26, 2010
Had a great morning in Collins for breakfast and the parade.  Great to see so many friends.  Then on to the State Convention with 1,350 GREAT Iowa Republicans.
See the full album at:
http://s1027.photobucket.com/albums/y340/callisanders/Collins%20Day%20Parade%20and%20Celebration/?action=view&current=IMG_7998.jpg

June 25, 2010

I had a SUPER day today! It was a long week in California (for NAIA meetings) and I am really glad to be back in good ole Story County. Back on the campaign trail with several great meetings this morning followed up with door knocking in Collins...a super day! Happy 25th Anniversary Paul and Linda

June 19, 2010

Friday was my first rural door knocking of the year and the first time I was caught in a storm.  It presents a different dynamic in that (due to the distances from door to door) you drive rather than walk so fewer doors hit, but probably more value per door knocked.  Today, I will spend some time at the Izaak Walton League – Jax 2010 Shootout.

June 17, 2010
Another day, another event.  This was the coming out party for candidate Renee Twedt hosted by Bill and Monica Fedeler. She is a great candidate and really fun to be around. 

Door knocked parts of Beach, Cessna, Friley and Gaskill…lots of d’s but mostly really nice people, a couple “yellow dog” democrats (someone needs to explain to me how anyone could be proud of being such an ideologue that they admit that they would support a “yellow dog” if it was a democrat) one of whom was downright rude.  Ahh yes…just part of the deal.

Attended the Campustown revitalization town hall at 6pm...fascinating concept, worthwhile project but lots of moving parts and a long way to go.  Get informed, get involved and make your voice heard.

June 16, 2010
RPI hosted a wonderful event for Tim Gartin at Dick and Genie Johnson’s house.  Great to see so many friends and neighbors at the packed event.  Lots of energy and enthusiasm and (dare I say) hope for November 2010.  The plain fact is that government cannot continue to spend more than it brings in and expect any result other than catastrophe.  Here in Story County, since 2006 (and including the new budget), we have spent $16.6 million MORE than we have brought in, and we have borrowed $12.5 million!!!  This is Story County…we deserve better than that.  Our kids and grandkids deserve better than that.  I am happy to report that the public gets it.  This is not a partisan issue and in door knocking (400+ doors so far – just getting started) it makes no difference what party someone normally supports, we all agree that we have to control spending and make sure that we live within our means.  I AM FIRED UP!

June 15. 2010
WOW! Packed house at the Victory Tour at Latham Headquarters. Great to hear from Governor Branstad, Matt Strawn, Matt Shultz, Brenna Findley and our own Dave Jamison. I got to speak along with Gartin, Bacon, Sevde, Deyoe and Twedt. I shared the fact that here in Story County, our Supervisors have spent $16.6 million in excess of revenues since 2006 and that in that same period we have borrowed $12.5 million for our children to repay. Lots of energy in the room...even one dem who was checkin us out.

Video of my 2 minute talk at the Iowa Victory Tour

2. QUEST – a job training program started in San Antonio

3. Promoting sustainable communities in Story County

I understand that the Tribune will be covering the event, and I would expect Amesnewsonline.com to be there as well.  I will share my thoughts and views on the meeting in my next post.

May 18, 2010

Back at it on the campaign trail with a party meeting last night (OUTSTANDING!), a 25 minute Board of Supervisors meeting this morning, and our first Forum Thursday night.  Hope to see you soon.

May 3, 2010

The next 2 weeks will be all Midwest Collegiate Conference business as we enter Spring Championship season.  I will pull a lot windshield time but really enjoy the work and the experience offered to our Student-Athletes.

April 27, 2010

Tuesdays are always fun for me.  Today, I spoke to the Supervisors during the public forum.  I informed them that the 8 minute audio of their April 13 Meeting on my website had been accessed and listened to 1261 times since I posted it on the 15^th (which has climbed to 1287 as I write this).  I believe that the level of interest in the audio clearly demonstrates that the citizens of the County would like more access to the actions of our Board.  I asked that the Supervisors strongly consider making the audio of all meetings available to the public on the Story County website.  There would be no ongoing cost to the County and it would help lift the veil of secrecy that we currently seem to have.  I did not get any response to my request during the meeting, but Supervisor Clinton did thank me for bringing this to their attention.

I hope that they will consider this simple action but I am not optimistic…more to come

April 21, 2010

At the Story County Emergency Management meeting this evening, I got to sit next to Supervisor Halliburton and had a truly enjoyable conversation about past actions of our Emergency Management team, we looked at photos of past disasters and discussed her shoes.

At the conclusion of the meeting, as we were walking out, she said that I needed to reevaluate my campaign strategy because she was not running, and therefore I did not need to be “beating” her up on my website.  I replied that I did not see questioning her involvement in (what I see as) poor procedures and ineffective operations as “beating her up”, but rather as clearly demonstrating the differences that I have with our current process.

While there may be some candidates who are, I am not running for Supervisor Halliburton’s 8^th term.  That said, I would be remiss if I did not state my continued admiration for Jane’s long service, her work in Conservation, Mental Health, Geo-Thermal, Emergency Management and many other items and issues the last 25 years.  There is no doubt that whoever is fortunate enough to win the election on Nov 2, will have some very big shoes to fill.

I will continue to point out areas of disagreement with our current Board, but hope that it will be taken in the spirit intended.

April 20, 2010

As always, my morning with the Supervisors was interesting and enlightening.  At the conclusion of the Board meeting, Supervisor Clinton asked to visit with me.  We went to his office and had a very cordial, open and frank discussion about several issues for about an hour.

Our conversation started with Wayne sharing his concern that my commentary on the April 13^th BOS meeting (below) and the audio clip attached do not note that at the conclusion of the meeting, Wayne took time to apologize for “losing his cool”.  I told Wayne that I would include that info from this point on.

Our second topic was a discussion on Supervisor Halliburton’s reference to the May 12 Board action approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Ames and Nevada as somehow being relevant to the issue of open meetings referenced below. In this case, she refers to an action that has absolutely no relevance at all to the issue at hand…i.e. approval of the expenditure of $3,000 from the CEC, so that she can claim that everything was done appropriately.  We must do better for the people of Story County.

Lastly, Wayne and I discussed the use of “acknowledge” and “affirm” in reference to Supervisor actions.  It is a tool used by our Supervisors to allow a single Supervisor to take an action obligating the Board to something without the issue ever being discussed or approved by the entire Board.  There are some very limited circumstances where it may be absolutely necessary for the Board Chair to take action in lieu of full Board participation, but even then, an emergency meeting of our FULL-TIME Board of Supervisors would seem the better course of action.  According to the State Auditor’s office, Story County is the only county in Iowa using this method.  It is bad procedure and I hope that our current Supervisors will cease its use.

Like I said at the beginning, our conversation was very cordial, open and frank.  I do not believe that we agree on many issues, but I also don’t think that we are that far off on some.  I do appreciate his willingness to spend the time discussing our thoughts and views.

April 15, 2010 
Here is the audio from the Supervisors meeting on Tuesday.  If you can spare 7 minutes and 30 seconds, it will give you an outstanding demonstration of the mode of operation of the Board and the improper conduct of business out of view of the public. 

 CLICK HERE FOR THE AUDIO  (7:34 in length)

Here is a synopsis of what is going on: 

·         A motion has been made to pay an unbudgeted claim for $3,000
·         Strohman refers to a meeting where the Supervisors were informed of a grant being obtained for this project, and his recollection was that it would not cost the County any additional money
·         Halliburton’s recollection was that it would cost the County some $$$
·         Strohman asks to review the minutes or recording of the meeting
·         Clinton loses his cool toward Strohman
·         The Sheriff notes that a meeting occurred in late July to “inform” the Board
·         Strohman asks again where approval was granted to expend funds on this project
·         Halliburton attempts to shut Strohman down by telling him that no decisions were made in this off the books meeting, therefore no record of the meeting is necessary
·         She continues that all decisions were made in a Board meeting
·         Strohman asks when the Board meeting that Halliburton is referring to occurred
·         Halliburton says “May” (in fact the issue did not come up until July, and then never in a public meeting…as all 3 Supervisors know full well)  
·         Strohman says that he would love to see the minutes (that they all know do not exist)
·         The vote is called (passes 2-1)
·         Halliburton decides to take one more swipe at Strohman and tries to turn it all into a Strohman vs. the Sheriff rather than an improper meeting issue
·         Strohman counters that in his mind this is entirely about Halliburton and Clinton making decisions to spend funds at meetings that were not held in public
·         The rest of the discussion is Clinton and Halliburton attempting to justify and explain how nothing out of the ordinary occurred, and this is how they conduct business all the time…

The sad part of all of this for me is that it is business as usual.  From my perspective, this has nothing to do with the Sheriff, but everything to do with the Supervisors.  They continue to try and walk that thin line between “administrative” duties and matters for the public and missed badly in this case.  What’s worse, they all are clearly aware that a mistake was made, but only one of them will admit to it.

We have to start to live up to the SPIRIT and INTENT of all open meeting laws…clearly we do not do it very well right now.

Supervisor Clinton rightly asked that I be sure to include the fact that at the conclusion of the meeting he apologized for losing his cool.  He did. 

April 13, 2010
After a week in Cincinatti for the NAIA National Convention, I returned to the politics of our County Supervisors this morning.  As soon as I get the audio tape of the exchange between Clinton/Haliburton and Strohman. I will post it here for everyone to hear.  There is no way I could do it justice, so I will simply wait until I have the actual audio. 

April 6, 2010
The Tuesday morning meetings of the Supervisors always energize me.  Today, three things stick out in my mind…one positive, one concerning and one comment that leaves me shaking my head in amazement.

First, the concerning item – County Engineer, Darren Moon (who does a GREAT job) presented a draft of the 5-year Road Construction Plan that must be finalized and approved by the Supervisors by April 15.  We continue to underfund our ongoing road construction needs.  Simply put, we have 210 miles of paved County roads…if we resurface/repair 7 miles per year, then it will take us 30 years to complete the circuit.

Unfortunately, we do not consistently budget to handle that mileage, and we continue to fall further and further behind.  Future bonding is not an appropriate answer.  We must start budgeting to realistically address our needs without passing the problem (or cost) to future generations.

Second, the positive item – Facilities Manager, Al Hahn (who also does a GREAT job) presented an update of Story County’s Green (environmental) Initiative.  The fact is that Story County is absolutely a nationally recognized leader and innovator in Geo-Thermal use and energy savings by a public entity. Al Hahn and Leanne Harter have worked really hard on this program, and Jane Halliburton’s leadership and vision on this issue is something that we should all acknowledge and appreciate. If we would apply the same creativity, innovation and dedication to our budgetary shortcomings, imagine the progress we could make.

Finally, the head-shaker – At the conclusion of Al’s outstanding power point presentation, Supervisor Halliburton pointed out that “members of the public need to understand” that without the $1500 trip that Al took in the late 1990’s, we would not have been able to become a leader in this area…implying that somehow one trip justifies the excessive dollars we spend annually on travel (three times more than we budget for Economic Development activities) and that there were no other methods for Al to get the information.  Amazing!

April 5, 2010
We must work to reign in the tax and spend mentality that prevails today.  The simple fact is that all government spending ultimately comes from us…either directly via taxes and fees, or indirectly via costs of good and services…spending MUST BE CONTROLLED.  To be clear, I firmly believe that Government is a vital, necessary part of our wonderful way of life, but it must be limited and monitored continuously.

As Thomas Jefferson once said, “Any government big enough to give you all you want is also strong enough to take all you have”.  Please join me in ensuring that our Government never gets that big or that strong.

Happy Birthday Mom! 

April 1, 2010
Spoke to the Ames Conservative Breakfast Club this morning.  Uploaded the entire talk (in four parts) to YouTube…please watch it here.

Part 1 of my talk - 8:32 - "Get Involved"

 Part 2 of my talk - 4:15 "Government should ..."


I answer questions on the budget and open meetings - 8:24


Final thoughts - 9:59

March 29, 2010

Joint meeting (in the beautiful new Roland Community Center) of Roland’s City Council and EDC, Story City’s Council, EDC and GCC, and the Roland-Story School District, as well as Story County.