(Editor’s note: As part of our ongoing series featuring candidates in contested races in Marshall County, the T-R will spotlight the four hopefuls for two available seats on the Marshall County Board of Supervisors. The first two, in alphabetical order, are independent Mark Giannetto, who works for the Marshall County Secondary Roads department, and current County Treasurer Jarret Heil, a Republican. The other two candidates, Carol Hibbs and Linda Von Holten, will be featured in Monday’s edition.)

1. What is your personal, professional and educational background?

Mark Giannetto: My name is Mark Giannetto and I am a lifelong resident of Marshall County where my wife and I have raised our son. Being brought up by a firefighter instilled in me the importance of public service. I have worked in the public sector most of my adult life including the last 16 years working for Marshall County Secondary Roads.

Jarret Heil: I was born and raised in southern Marshall County working on the family farm managing a small hog operation. I’m a graduate of Marshalltown High School. I have a Business Management degree with an emphasis in Finance and a Spanish minor from Central College. I spent four years working in Senator Chuck Grassley’s Office in Washington DC and three years working for Congressman Tom Latham in his Ames office. I’ve been the Marshall County Treasurer for 12 years and the President and the legislative liaison for the Iowa State County Treasurers’ Association.

2. Why are you running for Marshall County Supervisor, and what would your top priorities be if elected?

Giannetto: I am running for Marshall County Supervisor because I believe I can make a positive change. Many people have urged me to run because of my common sense approach to solving problems and bringing all views to the table. A main focus of local government is to maintain infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, and buildings, while also planning and promoting economic growth for the future. I will strive to create more cooperation among all entities in order to achieve these goals.

Heil: I decided to run for the Board of Supervisors because in the last three years as the Treasurer and taxpaying citizen, I’ve witnessed a significant increase in the county’s property taxes. Specifically this year when the Iowa Legislature gave Marshall County a $692,000 property tax cut by taking on the mental health funding. County taxes increased $364,000 dollars for a net $1 million increase and as a Supervisor I will work to pass on state tax cuts to the local taxpayer. My priorities are to be a leader that can work in collaboration with county officials to be more efficient in our processes and work together with other local and state leaders to promote aggressive growth to bring taxes down and enhance the quality of life for our families.

3. What is your philosophy on the county budget and taxation, and what, if any, changes would you advocate for if elected in November?

Giannetto: Taxation is always a volatile subject. As far as the county’s portion of that taxation, we need to allocate funds in a fiscally responsible manner which ensures the safety of Marshall County residents and provides efficient and necessary services.

Heil: We’ve seen increasing operations spending by 30% in the past decade and increased property taxes of over $1 million dollars this year on top of 5% last year and 8% the year before. My philosophy on the budget is to utilize all financial tools available that are advantageous to the taxpayer to get projects paid for with a balanced budget. With massive assessment increases looming next year, it’s crucial that the Supervisors control the spending and not blow through all the added value. With solid long term planning and an obtainable long-term capital improvement plan, we can keep taxes low and move Marshall County forward.

4. An issue of seemingly constant concern within the county is secondary roads. How would you prioritize repairing and replacing roads in need of improvement if elected?

Giannetto: The rising cost of materials in a limited budget has created a constant struggle for prioritizing the repair and replacement of our roads. I will communicate directly with the personnel who, on a daily basis, maintain our roads which gives them the knowledge of the areas that need the most attention. Their input is a vital asset in helping us plan for current needs and future improvements in a cost-effective manner.

Heil: Roads and bridges should be our top infrastructure priorities, especially in our rural farm to market areas to make sure farmers are able to safely get their harvest to market. Many of our gravel roads are in rough conditions and do not have the proper crowns or ditches to drain appropriately. I’d like to get a plan in place to rebuild those gravel roads without narrowing the gravel roads to the old 1960’s design so that the roads can appropriately handle current day farm equipment and vehicles; unlike how recently rebuilt gravel roads have been narrowed. I’d like to have a series of county roads town hall meetings to get the top road concerns from our citizens. Then create a new priority list with our Engineer and build it into our long-term capital improvement plan. Within this plan we give the public routine reports on the schedule and progress of this plan. Ultimately, I want the citizens to have a say in our decision making as they drive these roads every day.

5. What is an issue or initiative not currently on the county’s radar that you would seek to bring to the forefront if elected?

Giannetto: After speaking and listening to citizens of Marshall County, one concern that seems to not be on the radar is the need for more effective and accountable communication. This is an issue that many feel needs to be improved upon. Honest and ethical communication is the key to improving cooperation which leads to results.

Heil: For years the idea has been on the back burner to build a new secondary roads shop. Recent discussions have been to purchase land in the City of Marshalltown for this project. I’d like to revisit the original plans to build near the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office where Marshall County already owns property and determine the most cost effective and practical plan in place to put the project into motion.

6. How would you oversee other county departments and work with other agencies if elected?

Giannetto: I am a firm believer that open dialogue is an effective tool to understand the issues and challenges in any situation and creates an opportunity for cooperation among all involved.

Heil: In overseeing county departments, it’s all about communication, empowerment and providing a clear vision of efficient processes and caring service to the citizens as the top priority. Then allowing our department experts to excel within those parameters. In working with other agencies, I am open to dialogue with anyone who inquires with the county on how we do our work and how we can work with others to improve our community. I’ve served on the Marshalltown Downtown Implementation Committee as a county representative. I’ve worked with our towns on abandoned properties with tax sales to allow our towns to clean up areas of their community. I love hearing the ideas people have to better our community and I am driven by the challenge to put ideas into reality in a fiscally responsible way. As the 15th largest county we must have all local leaders working together for the common good to promote aggressive growth for more opportunities for families to thrive and grow in Marshall County.

7. What steps would you take to ensure that the county can hire and retain quality employees across all departments?

Giannetto: We all know the current job market is competitive; once an employee is hired we need to give them the proper tools to succeed which includes training but also open communication in a positive work environment.

Heil: It starts with regular communication with all departments to find their needs. Then monitoring the market pay and economy to verify we are in the correct salary range. Lastly, building a plan into our budget to make any necessary changes, with looking first to efficiencies and savings to pay for any salary adjustments. Then repeat with regular communication.

8. Why are you the most qualified candidate for Marshall County Supervisor?

Giannetto: As an Independent (labeled no party on the ballot), I will bring everyone’s voice to the table in a fair and consistent manner to address current and future challenges. I will bring change to solving problems with a common sense approach which is why many residents of Marshall County have urged me to take this step. The Marshall County Supervisor position should not be defined by politics. We need to work together to address any concerns moving forward. Communication and cooperation are key assets to creating a strong future for Marshall County.

Heil: I live my life with a servant’s heart. If elected, the people of Marshall County are my boss. I will listen and be open to any idea that could improve our community. My door will always be open as your representative and I will utilize my resources and State and Federal connections to benefit our county. I’m a proven fiscal conservative that guides my decision making to develop long term planning to keep your taxes low today and into the future. I’ve done it as Treasurer, finding efficiencies, reducing staff and saving your tax dollars all while instilling above and beyond customer service to the people of Marshall County. I’ll continue that as your Supervisor you know you can trust! I’d appreciate your vote on Nov. 8!