Commission candidates, from left, Rod Earnest, Jim Johnson and Alison Hamilton discuss issues at a political forum on Thursday, July 25, at Bunker Hill Community Center in Mound City. (Roger Sims/Linn County Journal)
Story and video by Roger Sims, rsims@linncountyjournal.com
MOUND CITY – A political forum hosted by the Linn County Republican Central Committee and the Linn County Democratic Party gave about 80 area residents a chance to hear candidates speak as well as submit questions for candidates to the moderator, Jackie Taylor, publisher of the Linn County News. The forum was held on Thursday, July 25, at Bunker Hill Community Center in Mound City.
First up were the Republican candidates for county offices, all of whom had no opposition. County Clerk David Lamb and Register of Deeds Kristy Schmitz, are seeking re-election. Joannie Reed, who is the deputy treasurer is seeking to replace the current county Treasurer Janet Kleweno. They introduced themselves and gave a brief talk about why they were running
Up next was Justin Meeks of Fort Scott, a Republican candidate for county attorney. He is currently assistant county attorney under Burton Harding, who opted not to run for re-election. Meeks’ opponent in the Republican primary, Joseph Falls of Ottawa, did not attend.
James Akes and Patrick Huntley, Republican candidates for Linn County Sheriff, were up next. The two candidates had contrasting experience and ideas on the operation of the sheriff’s office and management of the county jail, which has grown into a $1 million business annually. One of those two will replace Sheriff Kevin Friend, who said last year he did not intend to run for re-election.
The five Republican candidates for Linn County Commission – Rod Earnest, Alison Hamilton, and Vicki Leonard who are vying for the Second District seat – and the two candidates for the Third District seat – incumbent Jim Johnson and challenger Richard Morrell – all attended.
The candidates for commission answered questions and debated for more than an hour. Because of limitations of the Journal’s equipment, the commissioner segment is in three parts, each about 25 minutes long.
Here are links to the video of the candidates and their responses:
Candidates for Linn County Sheriff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyVDkTJnYQA
Candidates for Linn County Commission:
Candidate for County Attorney: still being uploaded and unopposed candidates for Clerk, Treasurer and Register of Deeds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuEUZO8NCks
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