T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM Marshall County Board of Supervisors Republican candidates Kevin Goodman, Ruth Lycke and Bill Schendel answer questions during the forum on Thursday. More than 10 people were in attendance.

Growth, the Iowa River’s Edge Trail, unemployment and more were subjects addressed by Marshall County Board of Supervisors Republican candidates at the Thursday night forum at the Marshalltown Public Library. Hosted by the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, slightly more than 10 people were in attendance.

Candidates Kevin Goodman, Ruth Lycke and Bill Schendel have thrown their hats in the ring for the seat held by Steve Salasek, who is not running for reelection after serving two terms. No Democrats filed to fill the position.

Chamber CEO John Hall served as moderator and opened by asking the candidates to identify the biggest challenge facing the county during the next four years. They all agreed creating growth was the primary issue, and the subject was a frequent discussion topic.

According to Goodman, school systems in the county have to be “top-notch,” desirable amenities need to be present and infrastructure needs to be taken care of in order for growth to be achieved.

Schendel said more focus needs to be placed on small businesses. He added investments need to be made on businesses already in Marshall County, and restrictions removed which hinder business. Building off that and responding to a different question about their philosophies on tax increment financing (TIF), Schendel said it rubs him the wrong way and urged care.

“We look at a new business coming in and fall head over heels for that,” he said. “The same company that’s been here for years and wants to expand and build, [make] new jobs, there’s nothing offered for them. . . . Those who have been here and contributing, they should have every opportunity new companies, big companies get. We have to be careful.”

Hall asked the candidates to identify what they see as growth, examples to aspire to and how Marshall County could achieve it.

Schendel was not sure he could provide an example but was concerned about the high unemployment rate.

“We need to talk to business leaders and see what we can do to turn that around,” he said.

One question Hall had for the candidates was how the county could bring down the routinely high unemployment rate.

Schendel said he recently spoke with a man who moved to Iowa from Florida because there are more services available.

“Maybe that’s something to look at,” he said. “I understand there are people who need services, but let’s give it to ones who really need it and are not just taking advantage and putting it on the rest of the taxpayers.”

Goodman said one of the biggest hardships of Marshall County businesses is finding quality employees.

“From what I hear, there’s a lot of businesses looking for people,” he said. ” . . . I just don’t understand why we got all this unemployment as high as it is in Marshall County.”

Lycke said the problem starts with the way kids are raised, kids who end up living in their parents basement. She added the industries Marshall County attracts will provide big advantages in turning the unemployment numbers around.

While the forum was ongoing, Hall received texts from residents with specific questions for the candidates. One text asked how the county could improve the work with the city of Marshalltown.

Lycke said the challenge is that the majority of the county population resides within the city limits of Marshalltown, and ways have to be found to address city and rural needs.

“We need to make sure personal responsibility is addressed — both at the county level and at the city level,” she said. ” . . . I’d like to see that responsibility come back. I’d like people to see that we have to pull together.”

Hall also joked that as long as the candidates agree, the questions would become more loaded. That way, voters could see the differences between the candidates, he told them. Hall shifted his questioning to taxes and said demands have increased across the county for services. He asked how the county can ensure taxes stay low while balancing the needs of the residents.

Schendel said infrastructure is important, and added the money is already there.

“We just have to use it wisely,” he said.

Hall said there has been news about a grant opportunity for the Iowa River’s Edge Trail, and that $2.7 million local fundraising is required. He said a request will be made of the board of supervisors next week, and the ask will be more substantial than cash on hand and may require bonding. Hall asked if the candidates would support the trail and if they would support bonding.

Lycke said bonding is key as it affects people across the whole county.

“When you’re talking bonding, it’s not the question that is asked as much as what question is asked and how it’s asked, and how it will apply to you,” she said. “I think it’s a phenomenal project, and I would like to see more personal responsibility out of the areas it touches.”

Lycke added she would like to see the trail built in segments, as it might be more easily accepted.

Schendel said he was not sure the county is ready for a bond, but thinks it is a great opportunity for people to get involved.

Goodman said it is not fair for people in the county to pay for a bond, and not see the direct benefit from it.

Hall said it is likely the bond would not be a referendum of the voters, but would be the ability of the county to borrow.

The primary election is slated for June 4. Hall reminded the attendees early voting has begun and is held at the Election Center.

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.