Published: October 31, 2008 03:45 pm            

Candidates Forum held

A candidates forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters and KNIA/KRLS was held Thursday evening.

The first half of the forum featured Republican Jim Van Engelenhoven (incumbent) and Democrat Pat Van Zante, who are running for the Iowa House seat in District 71.

Both candidates were asked their views on numerous issues. The first being the importance of a direct route from the area to I-80. Both candidates thought concept was very crucial, not only to Pella, but to other communities as well.

In regards to the regional airport, Van Zante thought that more research needs to be done and noted that the regional airport in Newton should be taken into account.

Van Engelenhoven commented that it was unfortunate that Knoxville did not get on board with the project and also said that the route to I-80 might need to take in account where the airport is going to be located.

Highway T-14 was another issue that was brought forward. Both candidates felt the bridges along the highway were of concern and wanted safety to be their top priority.

Both candidates felt that the lack of resources for mental health care is a major concern and felt that the service is needed to those fighting mental illnesses.

The V.A. Hospital’s future is still unknown, but both candidates thought that the property could still be used in a positive manner one way or another. Engelenhoven commented that we need to be considerate to the veterans and not expect them to drive 5 hours for treatments. Van Zante said that a number of the buildings that are not needed by the V.A. could still be used in some way.

Both candidates were asked if the V.A. Hospital were to close if they would favor a state hospital in Knoxville.

Engelenhoven said that the concept has a good sound to it, but was worried what the local reaction would be. He also said that he did not want to destroy what the area has with its local hospitals.

Van Zante thought maybe a substance abuse treatment facility might be a good idea and thought this would be a good use of the space.

The Red Rock silt situation was also discussed. Engelenhoven said that there are options to fix the the problem and that we need to work towards those. He also said that some of the land that is causing problems with run-off is either within an easement or is owned by the DNR or Core of Engineers.

Van Zante said that she could not remember when the Core was right about anything regarding Lake Red Rock. She also thought is was important to examine exactly what is going on with the situation and that it is going to take more than just working with farmers. She said that rural and urban decisions need to be made.

The second part of the forum allowed for questions from the audience to those running for County Supervisor and County Sheriff. Those vying for the two supervisor positions are Democrats Jerry Weldon and Paul Kockler and Republicans Sam Nichols (incumbent) and Jim Kingery. Republican Ron Goemaat (incumbent) and Democrat Tim Cox oppose each other for County Sheriff.

The supervisor candidates were all asked their views on zoning laws that would help preserve land and habitat in the area.

Kockler commented that he would be interested in looking into that and that he does not like to see good farm ground turned into housing. Nichols also said he would be interested in the issue and that there s a need to tweak some of the zoning issues in the area.

Weldon said that we all need to be good stewards of the land and that it is important to continue to update zoning laws and address issues as they come forward. Kingery echoed the other candidates, saying that he is in favor of preserving habitat and the woodlands.

The topic of wind energy was also discussed. Nichols commented that he is not opposed to the idea, but felt this was not a matter that the supervisors need to oversee. He said he would promote the idea, but not be responsible for it.

Weldon thought that the idea could be a very valuable source of energy and that the county needs to tap into it. He also mentioned solar energy as a source that may be worth looking into. Kingery wasn’t sure that the county was conducive to wind energy . Kockler was he would be interested in looking into the idea and that the use of biodiesel might be an idea too.

All of the candidates commented that the roads in the county were under a large amount of stress in the last year and that the hard winter did not help the situation.

Kingery said that the tough winter left a number of potholes in the roads and that with less driving from members of the county, that means less revenue coming in the way of tax funds. He said that he will continue to work on the issue and will do his best.

Kockler commented the size of loads these days on the roads doesn’t help.

Nichols said that this is not a new issue and that some negligence was taken on previous engineers. He also commented that the roads were not designed to handle the size of loads that are seen today. He also said that the county is not the only one with this sort of problem.

Weldon said that it is important to check with and get input from those who work on the roads and that simply the lack of funds is a problem.

The idea of making the Sheriff’s Office in Knoxville more accessible was asked to both candidates running for sheriff.

Cox said that this is a concern of his and that better signage is needed and the position of that signage may need to be changed as people come into Knoxville. He also said that he would have an open door policy as Sheriff.

Goemaat also commented that better signage is needed, but that he had not heard a lot of complaints. He said that he has always tried to make himself accessible to members of the county and that this past year has been a very busy one - overall a very busy year.

Goemaat also commented that the meth usage in the county has dropped, but is still a problem. He said the scene is always changing and that he would like to hold weekly management meetings to keep everyone up to date on current issues.

Cox said that he would like to promote a neighborhood watch program and work with all facets of the media to help inform the county about certain issues. He also said that he would be in favor of monthly intelligence meetings with staff.

In closing, Cox said he takes great pride in the office and that he will do the best he can. He also said that this past year was a bad year with all that happened, but the real credit goes to the communities and volunteers who helped with the flooding and storm damage the county saw over the last year.

Goemaat said that after being involved with quite a bit this past year that he thought he managed situations well as the current sheriff and gave credit to his staff.

        

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