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Nan Benson is dedicated to Marshall County

I am writing this letter in support of Nan Benson’s reelection to the position of Auditor/Recorder of Marshall County. I have known Nan for years. We are friends, and we were both blessed to grow up on Marshall County family farms near each other. These are farms we continue to nurture and love. I have witnessed her hard work and dedication to everything she has done-her faith, family, friends, the many boards she serves, and her work as a public servant. As a former Marshalltown Community School educator, I understand working many hours over scheduled hours to meet the needs of ...

In Support of BJ Hoffman for Hardin County Supervisor

I’m writing to express my support for BJ Hoffman, your current Hardin County Supervisor. BJ’s dedication to Hardin County, his family, and its people is evident in everything he does. Don’t be misled by the false claims that BJ is against public education. In fact, his mother just began her 50th year as an educator in Grundy Center. During the pandemic, when the demand for substitute teachers surged, BJ returned to school himself to help fill this need. Despite the negative rhetoric from local Democrats, BJ is a true champion of family farming. He and his brother are actively ...

Socialism destroys community

Socialism is an economic model that advocates collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, requiring control by a powerful centralized government. Socialism seems altruistic, it promises government assistance for the poor, and the public provision of all the necessities of life, from maternity care to geriatric care, and from kindergarten through university. Socialism emphasizes equality. But, to do good the government must first do wrong, taking someone’s property who’s earned it to give to another who hasn’t; the ...

Nan Benson’s experience matters

Nan Benson is a proven leader who prioritizes our election integrity in Marshall County. When Iowa legislators reached out to discuss possible changes, Nan was open and transparent, telling them what processes and safeguards worked and what could be improved. Nan conveyed how any proposed changes could impact not just election integrity, but also voters. Nan’s election experience matters. Nan was instrumental in updating the personnel policy for Marshall County employees. She led the update process after others left the policy untouched for 20 years. Her understanding of human ...

Joel Oliva, better for Marshall County

Recently it was reported that Marshall County is being sued by Perfection Property Restoration for their work on the Courthouse from the tornado in 2018. In researching the project I found that, at the August 3, 2021 Marshall County Board of Supervisors meeting, the board discussed selecting a new contractor. You can find the video of this meeting on the Marshall County YouTube page at the 38:17 minute mark. It shocked me to hear Auditor/Recorder Nan Benson say that she felt as if “we were raped and pillaged” by the general contractor for overcharging fees. Inappropriate and ...

Gladbrook-Reinbeck: An honest reflection about our history and our kids’ future

I wasn’t part of the decision to close the Gladbrook school in 2015, just like I wasn’t part of the decision years earlier to consolidate the two school districts. I have no idea what conversations and decisions took place behind the scenes then, but the consequences of those decisions are a really tough reality to sit with. Our history has often been shaped by decisions made behind closed doors, with the influential taking advantage of those who felt powerless. I know that the pain from these decisions runs deep, and for many, it’s not just hurt feelings — it’s anger, ...