David Turner (R-Tama).

Ahead of the Nov. 5 election, Tama-Grundy Publishing correspondent Michael Davis sent questionnaires to all the candidates running for the Tama County Board of Supervisors. This week we feature our final set of responses: David Turner who is running unopposed for District 2 as a Republican. District 2 includes all of Otter Creek Township and most of Tama Township including the city of Tama. The office is a two-year term.

David Turner, 68, is the Republican nominee for Supervisor District 2. He lives west of Tama on Hwy E-49 with his wife Marja Leena. Their family also includes children and grandchildren in both Omaha, Neb. and Stockholm, Sweden. Turner is a Retired SMSgt with 21 years in the US Air Force; he also spent 10 years as an after hours supervisor at Werner Enterprises and 10 years as Director of Operations/Maintenance at CRST. Additionally, he lists bundling firewood at CIF in Tama, USCCA/NRA Firearms Instructor, and the Farm Service Agency in Toledo as part of his professional background. Turner holds an AA in security administration from CCAF and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Peru State College, Neb.

1. What is something you wish to change in your role as county supervisor?

More transparency and communication with our constituents. I would like to establish options for the timely means of getting the word out and taking in concerns. Tied to this would be tracking measures to ensure we fully communicate and close the loop. There is a lack of concern and participation in our body politick. Either we are implicitly trusted, or few care enough to voice their concerns.

2. What is the largest issue facing Tama County today, in your opinion?

There are two large issues. First, taxes are too high. Then, lack of public discourse between the people for and against Wind and Solar energy. When you have two sides encamped against the other with no opportunities taken to discuss the issues associated with them to find compromise, they will never come to a solution satisfactory to both.

3. Why are 5 supervisors better than 3?

When I decided to run, I was often told we don’t need five; it’s an easy job you will only work on Monday mornings. This is not true. The Supervisors staff the office, have off site meetings for state mandated boards affecting our taxes and our services. We set the County budget, write ordinances and pay the bills. With five, the division of labor will allow us to be more efficient and able to dig deeper into how our county is affected by these regional boards. We are the advocates for Tama County and must ensure the taxes we pay into these regional boards serve our county. Finally, we can do a deep dive into how we are spending our tax dollars and find means of streamlining, reducing duplication of effort and eliminating waste.

4. Do you think wind energy has a place in Tama County?

In short, yes along with Solar. Our ordinances are not up to date. This is unfair to the citizens of our county and to the Wind and Solar businesses. Without current ordinances there is the potential for Tama County to suffer monetary damages, in turn leading to higher taxes. The ordinances set rules and guidelines safeguarding our citizens and establishing what the businesses can and cannot do. They also put in place actionable legal protections for the county.

5. Why do you wish to be a supervisor?

It wasn’t in my retirement plan. I was encouraged to run. I am a servant leader with eclectic leadership styles; a strict constitutionalist; Christian conservative; I believe your life, liberty and pursuit of happiness should be fully exercised and are worth protecting. I take to heart our state motto: “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.” As a constitutional republic, individual freedom is king. While we use democratic tools, we are not a democracy! A true democracy leads to mob rule.

6. Why do you think the job of a supervisor is important?

I’ve been a positive change agent in the Air Force and while in two major trucking companies. If it didn’t make sense or impeded an issue or practice unnecessarily, I worked until it was changed or eliminated. I was fortunate to work with and for some of the smartest people in the world. I want to look at the law, codes and ordinances, the effect on our county and make sure our application makes sense. If they don’t, get them changed or eliminated.

7. What are your thoughts on EMS becoming an essential service in Tama County?

I advocated for it in person. When one of the public hearings was being held, I texted Curt Hilmer, current board Chairman, from the emergency room (kidney stone) reminding him to add my comments supporting it. Some of the EMS personnel on the ambulances are older than the people they are responding to help. We have a lack of volunteerism in many areas, one of them is EMS. This necessitates hiring people to fill these roles. As with all expenditures, I want to ensure the money is being well managed.

8. If you had a superpower, what superpower would you have?

I have a superpower, my Savior Jesus Christ along with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Do you know Him? Better yet, and more importantly, does He know you?

9. You are stranded on a desert island with one snack and one movie; what are they?

Don’t put yourself in the position to get stranded in the first place. Always have a sustainable food source and a HAM radio to reach out for help.

10. If voters wish to ask you a question, how would they contact you?

kf0gyb@outlook.com. The 0 is a zero. My phone: 319-651-4512. If I don’t answer, please leave a message.