Rod Earnest is seeking to represent District No. 2 on the Linn County Board of Commissioners. He is one of three candidates on the Republican Aug. 6 primary ballot.
Why have you decided to run for office?
Our taxes have skyrocketed, straining the businesses and residents of our county. The roads are in dire need of repair, along with lack of leadership, and accountability has caused irritability among the residents of this county. I feel that if elected I could use my knowledge and experience for the betterment of our county. I would like to sit down and listen to all sides and help to bring stability.
What is your background and how has that prepared you to serve your constituents?
I have over 40 years of experience in construction with my last 20 years in management as Superintendent and project Manager. I was directly responsible for the oversight of millions of dollars in budgets. This included managing upwards of 300 employees at times with construction, maintenance, and installation of pollution control equipment on all KCP&L’s (now Evergy) power plants. I was responsible for all venders, subcontractors, and suppliers on the project budgets and management. Every one of these projects were time sensitive and critical to keeping the lights on for the citizens of our county and others. Management experience has taught me that the team you surround yourself with is the most critical component to the success of any organization. My leadership experience inspired my teams to finish jobs in a timely successful manner and within budget.
What steps should the county take on economic development issues?
We should assist and pursue all avenues of help for existing and future businesses. If you can increase even a few advancements in technology it could increase productivity, training, and show the need for equipment thus giving the departments quick access to help see their budget needs as well. Improvements in our infrastructure can aid in the movement and transport of many different commercial and private companies, farmers, ranchers and county citizens.
Are you in favor of expanding the current commission to five commissioners? Why or why not? Are you in favor of hiring a county administrator?
No, I believe adding a commissioner will cause more chaos, not resolve any conflicts.
I also do not believe we need a county administrator. The county commissioners are voted in by the people, for the people, and are the voice of the people. Commissioners need to have direct contact with all offices, and direct communication with all departments and citizens. Adding a county administrator would only add to our tax base not reduce it.
What is your stance on landowner’s rights? This is currently an issue for solar farms, quarries, and feedlots.
As long as the landowners’ ventures do not affect surrounding and adjoining properties, values or peace in an adverse way the landowner has the right to do as they wish within the guidelines of our county zoning regulations.
Solar farms, to my understanding, encompasses 8,000 acres and is up for discussion with the residents of Linn County and has shown that the majority are totally against solar farms with myself being in the majority. I do believe residential solar is good and an option to offset the cost of electricity, by being placed either in their yard or on their roof. I also believe that all buildings in any large city should have solar panels on either roofs, buildings, or yards, this would keep the solar farms from taking pasture or farm ground.
If elected, what would you like to accomplish during your term in office?
I would like to set down with each department and review budgets to see where and how we can decrease the tax burden on the citizens of our county. We need to do our best to bring stability and accountability for each office held. Our rural way of life is quiet and peaceful, and we need to do our best to maintain that quality for future generations.
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