Distinctions Drawn During Supervisor Candidate Forum

A heated exchange took place between candidates Steve Wanders (standing left) and incumbent Van Weelden (standing right) in regards to secondary roads.

By Hailey Brown

(Oskaloosa, Iowa) – All four Republican candidates for Mahaska County Supervisor took part in a forum hosted by Oskaloosa News at Penn Central Mall Tuesday night. Former Mahaska County Sheriff Paul DeGeest, Steve Wanders, Steve Parker, and incumbent Henry “Willie” Van Weelden squared off on hot topic issues such as secondary roads, plans to build a regional airport, and a new radio system for Oskaloosa 911/Mahaska EMS.

Video of the entire discussion is available at the bottom of this article.

Both Parker and Wanders said they are against a planned regional airport, while both Van Weelden and DeGeest said they have no intentions of stopping the airport from being built once legalities are sorted out.

“I’m against the airport, I don’t see why they need an airport,” said Parker, in reference to international companies that would make use of the regional airport.

DeGeest emphasized the need for progress and finding common ground.

“I’ve said before, I’m not any more for [the airport] than I am against it,” said DeGeest, citing that the project is currently being held up in court. “Once [the court decision] comes out, I believe, my feeling is, let’s move forward with this.”

Always a topic at the forefront of discussions at the county level, secondary roads popped up throughout the evening. All four said that managing roads is an important aspect of being a county supervisor. However, at one point the conversation grew heated as Van Weelden confronted Wanders about his opinion on the current state of the roads, which he claimed had flip-flopped at various points.

Another passionate topic continued to surface as multiple first-responders stood in line to ask questions was how far Parker and Wanders would be willing to go to invest in a new radio system. Both have said they are willing to invest in a new system, but would rather weigh the “cost to benefit ratio” to go with a cheaper option, although no official figures have been confirmed. Wanders expressed frustration at the questions, blaming the “mess” on a lack of forethought by first-responders.

“A year and a half ago we had a one-cent sales tax vote,” said Wanders. “This would’ve been a great opportunity to invest in a new radio system. All these people you’re talking about think that I don’t want to spend money, none of them spoke up and said we need a new radio system.”

Mahaska County Deputy Ben Johnston confronted Wanders about whether or not he had made a comment about first-responders “assuming the risk” of their jobs in reference to the current outdated radio system. Initially, Wanders stated that he did not make the comment, however, after a transcript of the conversation was read confirming that he had made the statement, Wanders stood by the comment.

“It’s too bad when you have a conversation with somebody in a hall and have someone record it but it is what it is,” rebutted Wanders. “Welcome to America.”

When confronted about whether there were any differences between himself and candidate Wanders, Parker asserted the two are not “carbon copies,” but could only cite differences in “pea gravel” when pressed for more information.

“On the roads deal, he’s got a little different slight than I do,” explained Parker. “They’re putting this pea gravel on and he’s kind of for it, I think, but I’m not so sure it’s so great to be doing out there on these hills,” he said. “… I’m not real crazy about that. But as far as the airport issue and the other things, I kind of agree with [Wanders].”

Penn Central Mall estimated around 175 people in attendance at the forum, which sparked an array of questions asked by moderator Kathy Rothfus-Stroup as well as the general public during a span of two hours.

Eventually, Oskaloosa resident Wyatt Russell wanted to hear about more than just secondary roads, the airport, and the EMS system. After asking each candidate what cause or project each would champion if elected, barring infrastructure, airports, or radio systems, each still gave the same answers: roads, roads, roads, and roads. After being confronted by Russell about their inability to answer the question, only Wanders and DeGeest gave the question another shot as Parker, and Van Weelden were silent.

“Studying new businesses,” replied Wanders. “…But first, you’ve got to save your businesses that are leaving.”

“Mental health,” asserted DeGeest. “That’s a huge issue nationwide and statewide. They’ve closed a number of mental health institutes within the states and that puts it back within the counties.”

When each were asked by Oskaloosa resident Wyndell Campbell what role each of them believes county supervisors play in attracting new residents to the county, DeGeest said he believes supervisors should work closely with the City of Oskaloosa to attract industry to the area. Wanders stated that he believes property taxes should be kept in check and that if elected, one of his primary goals will be to keep property taxes as cheap as possible. In contrast to DeGeest, Wanders believes city and county can work together, but as far as intermingling, he believes each are very separate and represent different populations.

Parker echoed Wanders’ comments about property taxes when it was his turn to speak. Van Weelden picked up steam with DeGeest and added that working with the Oskaloosa Area Chamber &

Development Group would also help to attract new citizens to the area.

“I think the first primary thing is to work with the businesses that are here,” said Van Weelden. “You’ve got to work together.”

With the June 5 primary election on the horizon, the forum will likely play a critical role in helping both city and rural voters decide which two candidates to vote for. Early and absentee voting are already underway in Mahaska County.