Lonika Utterback.

Lonika Utterback

Age: 42

Residence location: Chelsea, Iowa

Profession: City Clerk

Education: Intercultural Studies, Human Resource Management

Family: Single mom of 4 kids

1) Why do you want to be a county supervisor? What is your motivation for running?

I want to serve the people of Tama County. I believe that those elected to represent the people need to care about the people. I want to listen to Tama County and understand what truly matters to them so they can see the change they want in their communities. I am motivated to run for county supervisor so that we can have a county that our kids are proud to grow up in.

2) Have you previously run for elected office? If so, for what office(s)?

I have not run for elected office in the past.

3) What distinguishes you from the other candidates in your primary race?

As a lifelong conservative Christian, I’ve dedicated myself to service and community. My experiences as a young adult spending four summers working in Botswana, Africa, taught me the value of meeting people where they are and demonstrating that they matter. As a Veteran, I understand the importance of commitment and duty. Currently, I serve as the nursery coordinator in my church, emphasizing the next generation’s role in service. If elected as a county supervisor, I will continue to prioritize the needs of our community and work tirelessly to find solutions that benefit everyone.

For the past four years, I’ve served as the City Clerk in Chelsea. During this time, I witnessed a pressing need for people to feel heard and valued when interacting with public officials. It’s our responsibility to actively listen to their concerns and show empathy. Grassroots communities deserve policies that prioritize their well-being over bureaucratic interests. If elected as a county supervisor, I pledge to continue advocating for transparency, active engagement, and policies that benefit our community. Let’s work together to find solutions that uplift everyone.

4) What changes, if any, do you believe need to be made in Tama County government?

I strongly advocate for transparency with the residents of Tama. It’s essential to dispel any perception that elected officials are concealing their discussions and activities. As a City Clerk, I understand that we have a budget, and sometimes hard choices must be made. There is still a way to include the public in those decisions.

5) What challenges does Tama County face today that you would like to see addressed by the county board of supervisors? If elected, what would you do to help address those challenges?

In our county, composed of smaller communities, we don’t always enjoy the same opportunities and resources as larger cities do. However, we face similar daily challenges, albeit on a smaller and less noticeable scale. I strongly advocate for recognizing and rewarding the ingenuity and problem-solving efforts of our local small businesses. When a business relocates outside our county, it feels like we lose a part of our identity and community. There are certainly issues I would like to see addressed, but I look forward to hearing the issues that matter to YOU.

6) Following the 2024 election, do you believe the county needs to return to a three-member board of supervisors? Why or why not?

No, I believe that representation of the county needs to be diversified across the whole county so that we are approachable and aware of the needs of Tama County residents.

7) The development of utility scale wind/solar energy projects in Tama County continues to be a divisive issue. What is your position and why regarding A) a possible wind and/or solar energy moratorium – temporary or otherwise, and B) property rights as it relates to utility scale wind and solar energy projects?

I am against wind turbines. I have yet to hear any positive benefits that would outweigh the negative. I feel that wind turbines would only benefit a minority of our county and do not bring enough benefit to Tama County residents. Tama County is too valuable to sell off its use to an outsider that does not care about us. I understand that we should be able to do what we want on our own property, but that should not infringe on our neighbor’s property. I am a firm believer of Mark 12:31, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

8) Why should people vote for you on June 4, 2024?

I am a mom and base my values on God and what this country was founded on. As a mom, I know the future of our county is our legacy we can leave for the next generation. I believe that our country was founded on our God-given rights and no government should even consider infringing on those. Our elected officials need to serve us rather than making use a slave to their policies and regulations. The voice of the people should be heard, and changes only made based on what is right and fair to all the people in our county.