It has been a difficult start to the year at the Marshall County Courthouse with the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Supervisor Kevin Goodman. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him as his passion for life and all that he involved himself in was contagious. While Kevin himself can never be replaced, his open position must be filled. How Kevin viewed his role as County Supervisor is a really good guide to all those willing to serve the public. Kevin was incredibly bright and had a great background in farming, baseball, history and interest in politics. Add in his ability to talk and connect with anybody, made him a natural public servant. Kevin didn’t just insert his opinions into his decision-making. He took the time to listen and learn. From there he would use his research, conversations, background, and opinions to make the best decision applicable to the situation for the people he served. That is what a true public servant is.

Maybe it’s your time to serve. Do you have a passion for Marshall County? Do you have an interest in how your local government operates? Do you have a background or qualities that you can bring to the table as a decision maker for our community? Do you care about your neighbors and people of Marshall County? If your answers are yes, consider applying for the appointment to the Board of Supervisors. Do you know somebody that you believe checks all the boxes? If so, encourage them to consider applying.

The appointment committee is the County Attorney, Auditor/Recorder, and Treasurer. They are taking applications through Jan. 29 at 4:30pm. They will then meet and interview with qualified applicants on Feb. 4. The appointment must be completed by Feb. 16 in accordance with Iowa law. To apply, express your interest to the Auditor/Recorder, Nan Benson at nbenson@marshallcountyia.gov or 641-844-2711, to receive the written questionnaire. Prepare a cover letter, resume, application found at www.marshallcountyia.gov, and letter(s) of reference. If you have questions on the appointment process, contact Nan in the Auditor/Recorder’s office. You may contact me if you have questions about what it’s like to be a County Supervisor, 641-754-6330 or jheil@marshallcountyia.gov.

Lastly, if you have a desire to serve, but being a supervisor isn’t for you, make it a New Year’s resolution to find somewhere you can help others. There are many non-profits, agencies, churches, organizations, service clubs and sports clubs that need volunteers. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and make a positive difference for the people in our community.

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Jarret P. Heil, a Republican from Haverhill,

is the chairman of the Marshall County

Board of Supervisors.