Folk

Editor’s note: Ahead of the June 7 primary and the upcoming candidate forum this Thursday, the Times-Republican sent questionnaires to each of the four Republican Marshall County Supervisor candidates seeking two available seats. Answers from the first two candidates in alphabetical order, Evan Folk and Jarret Heil, are printed in today’s newspaper, and the answers from the two final GOP candidates, Carol Hibbs and incumbent Dave Thompson, will be printed tomorrow.

What is your personal and professional background, and why are you running for Marshall County supervisor?

Folk: I am 57 years old. I’ve lived in Marshall County since 1989 when I came here to work for RACOM. Currently, I work as a network administrator for another county. I previously spent more than 19 years working in IT for Marshall County and worked with all the elected officials, department heads and their employees. I have served on the Laurel City Council as either Councillor or Mayor since 2008 and serve on other County Commissions as part of that responsibility. I work as a communications volunteer for Marshall County Emergency Management. I have taught at MCC, and another vocational college. I decided to run to offer my ability to solve issues and be a strong leader for the voters.

In your view, what should the county’s spending priorities be, and how, if at all, would you change them if elected?

Folk: The primary responsibility of the government is to provide infrastructure and safety. We need to continue to focus on our roads and bridges. Make our buildings as efficient as possible and keep the costs of operation low. Just as important is that we make sure that our public safety people are funded and working efficiently with those funds. I would like to be able to get all our county, city, and rural fire agencies to plan and work together on goals using their combined buying power to acquire the equipment they need.

The prolonged closure of the courthouse after the tornado has been an ongoing concern for residents of Marshall County. Do you think the project is back on the right track, and what, if anything, would you have done differently through the process?

Folk: Yes, I do think the courthouse is back on track. As rural Iowans, I think we tend to sometimes trust too much and think that vendors, insurance companies, etc., will do the right thing. Generally that is true. I believe the supervisors had to deal with several items to get to the point we are now, and in the world we live in today sometimes more goes on than we realize. Just because there is the illusion of nothing being done, that does not mean nothing is accomplished. It means no physical change can be seen. As you are aware, we live in a litigious society, and so one sometimes has to tread lightly. I am sure that had something to do with the pace at which things were done. It is hard to say what if anything could have been done to expedite the restoration, especially if you are not sitting in the supervisor’s chair as things occur. So it would be improper of me to voice a different process without all the facts.

Marshall County has received over $7.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations. Do you believe these funds have been set aside for worthy projects, and are there any changes you would advocate for if elected?

Folk: I believe the funds were used properly and will benefit the taxpayer in the years ahead. Capital projects were funded holding off the even greater expense five years down the road. Adding efficiencies in energy use starting sooner than expected is a win for the taxpayer. That focus on maintaining infrastructure will prove to be an advantage.

Is there a project not currently on the board’s radar that you would like to tackle if elected in November?

Folk: I believe there are some prospective quality of life things we can do to draw people to Marshall County, but I also feel those are secondary to making our infrastructure more solid. Our conservation parks, campgrounds, lakes, river access, hiking and off road trails are a jewel that needs to be polished and presented as a draw for residents and visitors. I think we can get folks to come visit and spend more here if we are able to offer better recreational amenities. I’d like to see the campground at Green Castle project get done.

How would you work with other county and city agencies if elected?

Folk: Spending time with electeds, department heads and their employees is pivotal in understanding how things function. I’ve had a unique opportunity to do that already in the years I spent at Marshall County. And while serving on the different commissions, I have had the same access to mayors of other cities in the county to share ideas and work together setting goals and policies. It’s important that you communicate with an open mind and a clear head. You must be able to look at things from the other person’s perspective. Learning what people’s jobs are and the challenges they encounter makes you a stronger leader. Complementing progress is huge in keeping morale strong and I try to use discipline as a teaching opportunity whenever possible.

Why are you the best choice to represent the citizens of Marshall County?

Folk: I am uniquely qualified in that I am the only new candidate with governance experience. I’m happy to say we’ve always had a balanced budget. I’ve a proven record of working with my government peers and others, and I am excellent at fostering relationships, working through challenges and conflict resolution. I constantly look to create efficiencies. I’ve had the opportunity to work with every department in two Counties and have the respect and trust of those I have worked with. I look forward to being able to bring the skills I developed over the last two plus decades, to keep Marshall County moving ahead in the uncertain times before us.