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With early voting already underway and Election Day approaching, Marshall County voters are deciding on all three of the seats on the Board of Supervisors. In the race to fill the vacancy left by the passing of late Republican Supervisor Kevin Goodman earlier this year, Goodman's son Christian, a Republican who was appointed to the seat in February, is running to serve out the remainder of his father's term through the end of 2028 against Independent Kyle Hall.
Their answers to the second half of the T-R's candidate questionnaire are printed below.
6. Do you feel that secondary roads are currently being adequately addressed, and are there any specific projects you would advocate for if elected?
Goodman: Since being appointed, I've spent considerable time with our Engineer's Office and Secondary Roads team learning how our road system operates so I can better assess their needs and communicate with residents. My education is ongoing.
Previous supervisors increased local funding for Secondary Roads in FY2025 to help address rising operating costs. Looking forward, our aging bridge infrastructure is a significant concern. Knowing the condition of our bridges allows us to prioritize repairs and replacements before they become emergencies. Unexpected bridge issues can result in weight restrictions and extended closures that negatively impact our rural agricultural economy.
More than 75% of our secondary roads are gravel, and heavier equipment and increased traffic continue to put additional stress on them. Improvements are happening, but significant upgrades require capital investment beyond normal maintenance, and available funding determines the pace. I appreciate the resourcefulness of our Secondary Roads team and believe they continue to make the most of the resources available.
Specifically, I'd like to see the 260th Street/Ridge Road restoration completed and potentially paved someday, as well as 235th Street reopened. Longer term, I'd like to explore restoring and potentially hard-surfacing Oaks Avenue. It could provide southwest Marshall County residents another route to the north side of Marshalltown, although I recognize the project would require a significant investment.
Hall: Our secondary road system is one of the county’s most important responsibilities. Agriculture, commerce, emergency services, school transportation, and daily travel all depend on safe and reliable roads and bridges, and I personally live on one of them and use it every day.
I believe that county leadership must continue prioritizing road maintenance and bridge improvements as a whole. While I would want additional input from engineers and staff before endorsing or even requesting specific projects, I believe decisions should be data-driven and based on safety, traffic volume, economic impact, and long-term maintenance needs and goals.
7. With work on the Jail/Sheriff's office project ongoing utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, do you believe further improvements are needed, and would you support putting a bond referendum on the ballot in the future?
Goodman: Marshall County was fortunate to have ARPA funds available to address urgent needs at the Jail/Sheriff's Office complex, including aging HVAC infrastructure and necessary safety and operational improvements. Further improvements will likely be needed to bring the facility to a long-term standard, but I have not seen a definitive plan or scope for a proposed Phase 2.
In March 2024, the Supervisors opted not to put a bond issue on the ballot to complete the entire scope of work, estimated at $12 million to $13 million at the time. While I support working toward a long-term solution for the complex, I do not feel now is the right time to pursue another bond.
Marshall County taxpayers have taken on significant school-related debt in recent years, and a potential EMS levy could represent another property tax obligation. We need to consider these needs together and be mindful of their cumulative impact. I think it may be appropriate to give taxpayers a break before asking them to take on another major bond obligation.
Hall: Public safety is another core responsibility of county government. The current project represents an important investment, and I support ensuring that our law enforcement professionals have facilities that are safe, secure, and capable of meeting community needs.
Before discussing or endorsing additional projects like a future bond referendum, I would want to review a full assessment of current facility conditions, future capacity needs, and any available funding options. Transparency is essential. If future needs arise that cannot reasonably be addressed through existing funding mechanisms, I would support allowing voters to make the final decision through a bond referendum. Taxpayers deserve both the facts and a voice in significant financial commitments.
8. Earlier this year, city and county leaders engaged in a series of discussions about the future of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Marshall County. In your opinion, what is the best path forward, and would you support putting a dedicated EMS levy on the ballot to fund the service?
Goodman: We've been fortunate in Marshall County to have received ambulance services from UnityPoint for as long as we have, and I appreciate their dedication to our community. When I first began looking at this issue, I believed the most economically feasible path might be to reimburse UnityPoint for the operational losses associated with providing what is fundamentally a public service. As I've learned more about the current healthcare environment and the long-term uncertainty surrounding this model, I believe moving toward a publicly funded EMS system where we have greater control over operations makes sense.
I'm optimistic the EMS task force will produce a sustainable plan that allows for collaboration through 28E agreements between the county, City of Marshalltown, and our smaller communities.
I would support putting an EMS levy before voters under Iowa Code Chapter 422D, provided we first have a carefully constructed, long-term plan addressing staffing, equipment, costs, and operational structure. Voters should know exactly what they are being asked to fund and have confidence that the proposed system is sustainable.
Hall: I believe that quality emergency medical services are not optional. They are essential. The challenge is creating a sustainable system that provides reliable coverage while remaining affordable for taxpayers. I believe county leaders, municipalities, healthcare providers, first responders, and residents must continue working together to develop a long-term solution. I would be open to supporting a dedicated EMS levy if there is a clearly defined plan and strong accountability measures. Before asking taxpayers for additional funding, we should ensure the system is structured efficiently and that residents understand exactly how funds will be used.
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?
Goodman: The Iowa River's Edge Trail, when completed, will be an exceptional asset for the counties and towns it passes through. It will help showcase Marshall County while supporting local businesses, improving quality of life, and potentially helping employers recruit and retain talent.
I would like to see the trail finished. A significant amount of money has already been invested, and it will be difficult to realize the full benefit of that investment until the trail is complete.
The challenge is balancing completion with the availability of county funds. I would be cautious about committing additional local taxpayer dollars when we have existing responsibilities that also need to be adequately funded. Even when local dollars can unlock state or federal grants, that is still taxpayer money, and the availability of a grant alone should not justify an expenditure.
I would consider additional funding when the costs are clearly understood, county dollars can leverage substantial outside funding, and our existing responsibilities are not compromised. Each request should stand on its own merits.
Hall: I support investments that improve quality of life, attract visitors, and make our communities more desirable places to live. Trails are increasingly viewed as economic development assets as much as recreational amenities.The Iowa River’s Edge Trail has the potential to connect communities and families, encourage healthy lifestyles overall, and enhance additional tourism opportunities throughout the region.
However, every project must be evaluated alongside other counties' priorities. If county participation can be justified through measurable economic, recreational, and community benefits, I would support carefully investing in the trail’s continued expansion. I believe quality of life investments will continue to play an important role in attracting families and businesses to Marshall County.
10. If it hasn't been mentioned yet, what is a major issue you would like to address if elected?
Goodman: Looking back through these questions, we already have several major issues in front of us -- data centers, renewable energy, property tax reform, and building a sustainable EMS system. I want to stay focused on addressing those issues well before adding more to the plate. I'm grateful for the experienced people who work for Marshall County as we tackle these challenges together.
More broadly, I'm concerned about how far apart we sometimes seem as a society. But as I continue meeting people throughout Marshall County, I've found that locally we aren't nearly as divided as national news and social media can make us appear. I want to work collaboratively with people from both sides of the aisle to find practical solutions that move our county forward. I believe there is more common ground than we sometimes realize if we take the time to look for it.
Hall: One issue that ties many of our challenges together is housing. If we want to continue to try and attract workers, retain young families, support business growth, and strengthen our neighborhoods, we need more housing options. That includes workforce housing, starter homes, and opportunities for redevelopment of existing properties.
I’ve seen firsthand how property improvement and neighborhood investment can transform communities. I would advocate for continued policies and partnerships that encourage responsible development, reduce unnecessary barriers, and support revitalization efforts throughout Marshall County because housing is not just a real estate issue. It is an economic development issue, a workforce issue, and a quality of life issue.
11. Why are you the most qualified candidate for the seat you are seeking?
Goodman: I don't know that I am the most qualified candidate for this job. I applied in February, and since then I've given it everything I have to do this job the way my dad would have done it if he were still with us. I was motivated to jump in with both feet, and that motivation comes from the legacy he left me through the way he lived and raised me.
In my short experience, this job isn't about ego. You have to be able to set that aside because it's about serving others. I enjoy working with people toward solutions. I enjoy learning and digging into issues. I'm curious about everything. I understand there are times to think outside the box and times when restraint is required. I've been through many challenging situations in my life. I don't always come out on top, but I always get up.
Democracy is an experiment in self-government, and it can only function properly if we have leaders who are honest, open-minded, and willing to listen to the people they serve. I want to hear from you, good, bad, or otherwise. I work for you, and I will continue to work to the best of my ability to serve the common good.
Hall: I offer a combination of practical experience, fresh thinking, and genuine commitment to Marshall County’s future. My background has taught me to evaluate problems from multiple perspectives, manage resources responsibly, and focus on outcomes, not circumstances. I understand that county government exists to serve the residents of the entire county, and I will always believe that people support what they help create.
I am not running to maintain the status quo or to follow a political agenda. I'm running because I care about this community and I believe local government works best when its leaders listen, communicate openly, and make decisions based on facts. Plus, our communities are full of independent thinkers and it's time we the people elected one into office.
Most importantly, I believe Marshall County’s best days are ahead of us. I have the energy, vision, and determination to help move our county forward while being a careful steward of taxpayer dollars. If elected, I will work every day to earn the trust that voters place in me.
Contact Robert Maharry at (641) 753-6611 ext. 255 or rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.