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With early voting already underway and Election Day approaching on Nov. 3, Marshall County voters are deciding on all three of the seats on the Board of Supervisors. In the race to serve a full four-year term, three candidates are competing for two seats: incumbent Republicans Jarret Heil and Carol Hibbs, both of whom were first elected in 2022, and Democratic challenger DeMorris Dean, a retired Marshall County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) deputy and U.S. Army veteran.
Their answers to part four of the T-R's candidate questionnaire are printed below.
9. What is your position on the continued expansion of the Iowa River's Edge Trail, and would you support putting county funding toward the portion of the project that runs from the Marshalltown city limits north to the Hardin County line?
Dean: I support continued development of the Iowa River’s Edge Trail, provided the county’s financial participation is responsible and the project is pursued in partnership with the cities, Hardin County, trail organizations, grant agencies, and other stakeholders.
The planned trail is approximately 34 miles and connects communities in Marshall and Hardin counties. Partners are working toward completing the remaining portions, with significant grant and private fundraising efforts already part of the project.
I believe the section connecting Marshalltown north toward Hardin County has potential recreational, tourism, health, and economic-development benefits. However, I would want to see a clear funding and maintenance plan before committing significant county resources.
I would support pursuing state and federal grants, private contributions, partnerships, and other outside funding first, while evaluating an appropriate county contribution based on the long-term benefit and fiscal impact.
Heil: I am in support of the Iowa River's Edge Trail, but with the long list of needs to run the county and the uncertainty of the actual budget consequences from the property tax reform law, it's difficult to see the county budgeting significant funds for this project in the near future. Large scale economic development projects with new property tax revenue and/or community benefit agreements with developers would be excellent sources to fund the expansion of this trail.
Hibbs: The plan for the 34-mile Iowa River's Edge Trail is ambitious and when completed, it will be a game changer for the Marshalltown-to-Eldora/Steamboat Rock corridor. Hardin County is making significant progress in developing their portion of the trail. Elsewhere, trails like this one have demonstrated that people will travel from all around Iowa and the Midwest to utilize a well-developed trail, as well spur economic growth in the communities along its path. This is a fact, and it has already happened in many communities in the Midwest (e.g. southwest Iowa and southeast Minnesota). Families considering a move to a community, are looking for amenities like this trail.
Many volunteers have worked tirelessly to seek funding and continue to make progress on this project. It may make sense at some point to invest a small amount of County funds (like what was done to help Le Grand residents improve their park), to leverage a much greater amount from other sources, such as federal transportation dollars set aside for trail development.
10. If it hasn't been mentioned yet, what is a major issue you would like to address if elected?
Dean: One major issue I would address is accessibility and communication between county government and residents.
Government should not feel distant from the people it serves. Residents should have meaningful opportunities to understand what the Board is considering, express concerns, offer ideas, and receive answers.
I would like to establish regular opportunities for residents to communicate directly with county leadership, including consistent office hours, accessible public information, and additional ways for residents to provide input.
I would also like to explore holding at least one Board meeting at a time that is more accessible to residents who work during traditional business hours.
My philosophy is simple: listen first, understand the problem, examine the facts, and then work toward a solution.
Heil: N/A.
Hibbs: Public resources are limited. Working collaboratively with public and private partners to meet the needs of our citizens is not only efficient, but more effective. The current members of the Board of Supervisors have worked cooperatively to serve Marshall County residents. I would like to see this spirit of cooperation continue.
11. Why are you the most qualified candidate for the seat you are seeking?
Dean: I believe my background gives me a combination of experiences that would be useful on the Board.
I have more than 22 years of direct experience serving Marshall County as a Sheriff’s Deputy. I understand the county from the perspective of someone who has worked directly with residents, county employees, public-safety agencies, and community partners.
I am also a retired U.S. Army Major with experience in logistics and knowledge management. Those positions required planning, resource management, coordination, accountability, and making decisions based on information and mission requirements.
My nonprofit leadership has given me additional experience working with boards, volunteers, community organizations, budgets, and stakeholders.
I would bring those experiences to the Board with a commitment to service, transparency, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and problem solving.
My commitment is to serve the entire Marshall County community.
Heil: I love Marshall County, it is home for my family and I have a lot of pride in where I've come from and where I live. I have extensive experience in government and working with finances. I've managed our budget with conservative principles and the results speak for themselves. We have set the table for economic growth and a plan to improve our infrastructure. My management style is open minded to others to find common sense solutions without compromising fiscal responsibility and Christian values that make Marshall County great. I've enjoyed my time serving Marshall County and I'd be honored to have your vote for Marshall County Supervisor on Nov. 3.
Hibbs: I have appreciated the opportunity to serve the residents of Marshall County over the past four years. A positive culture has been established within our county government, and I have worked to bring people together and focus on opportunities for improvement and economic growth. We are dealing with some challenging issues, but I am grateful for the chance to work with others to make things better for the next generation. If elected by the voters of Marshall County, I will continue that work.
Contact Robert Maharry at (641) 753-6611 ext. 255 or rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.