Thanks to the support of the Butler County Democrats, auditor candidate Liz Williams is running radio ads on KLMJ 104.9 FM and KQCR 98.9 FM.
Liz Williams radio ad #1
Liz Williams radio ad #2
To learn more about Liz, please review our post featuring her interview from The Clarksville Star or visit her Facebook page.
Butler County Democrats have been busy writing Letters to the Editor in support of candidates for the November 3 election. The following letters appeared in the September 30 edition of the Parkersburg Eclipse News-Review. (If you’d prefer to read the letters in PDF format, please click here.)
All eight Butler County precinct polling sites will be open on November 3, 7:00 am-9:00 pm. If you receive your Absentee Ballot but want to vote in person instead, you must surrender your ballot at that time. This assures that no one will be able to vote more than once.
Confused by all of the Absentee Ballot Request Forms you’ve received? That’s because several organizations have been sending them, including the Secretary of State. If you submit more than one request, you will still get only one ballot. A cross-check system is in place that will register only one request. If you already sent or delivered a form to the courthouse, you can track the status of your Absentee Ballot Request at voterready.iowa.gov to make sure it’s been received. If you’re not listed, send or deliver another one to the courthouse by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. Allow plenty of time for U.S. mail delivery.
Absentee Ballots will be mailed beginning October 5. You will receive only one ballot even if you sent numerous Absentee Ballot Request Forms because of the cross-check system. Ballots must be returned to the courthouse by 9:00 p.m. on November 3 either in person or by mail. Allow plenty of time for U.S. mail delivery. You can track your Absentee Ballot at voterready.iowa.gov.
If you don’t receive your Absentee Ballot as expected, you have until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 to send or deliver another Absentee Ballot Request Form to the courthouse. Between October 5 and October 24 you can request your Absentee Ballot and vote at the same time at the courthouse.
If you are not registered to vote, you have until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 to register at the courthouse. You may register to vote (with proper identification) and request an Absentee Ballot at the same time either in person at the courthouse or by sending both forms by U.S. mail. Allow plenty of time for U.S. mail delivery. After October 5, you can register to vote, receive your Absentee Ballot and vote all at the same time at the courthouse. You may also register to vote at the poll on November 3 and cast a ballot at that time.
Contact County Auditor Liz Williams at 319-267-2670 if you have questions. For online information go to www.butlercoiowa.org/departments/elections.
The election is fast approaching and you’ve likely seen yard signs scattered across Butler County. Are you wondering how to get your own?If you’d like to request a J.D. Scholten yard sign, visit https://yardsign.
The Iowa Democratic Party has also created a Request a Yard Sign page with links to various campaign signs, including those for Theresa Greenfield and links to where you can purchase Biden/Harris signs.
Members of the Butler County Democrats Central Committee can also provide assistance helping you locate yard signs for the candidate of your choice.
As a new Associated Press report today warns that Iowa’s failure to enact a mask mandate could result in “significant preventable outbreaks,” Senator Joni Ernst’s face mask hypocrisy is once again in the spotlight.
For months on end, Ernst has lied to the media and voters, claiming that she wears a mask when she’s “out in public” to “set that example.” But photos and videos from her campaign events put her lies on display:
Top: Ernst at the Sept. 4 Pottawattamie County GOP Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner.
Bottom: Ernst at the Aug. 7 Hardin County GOP Sweet Corn Feed
Over 1,200 Iowans have lost their lives to COVID-19 as “deaths rise” across Iowa, but that reality has yet to influence Senator Ernst’s own conduct. Not only is she refusing to call for a mask mandate, but Ernst is refusing to apologize for spreading conspiracy theories that mislead Iowans on the dangers of the virus and undermine the lifesaving work of our frontline heroes.
Senator Ernst has even hypocritically shamed college students for “not following” CDC guidelines, despite her own reckless actions. And a now-deleted post from an Iowa GOP consultant shows Ernst once against at a crowded indoor campaign event without a mask.
“Senator Ernst’s hypocritical refusal to wear a face mask sets an irresponsible and dangerous example that could make Iowa’s outbreak even worse,” said Jeremy Busch, Iowa Democratic Party spokesperson. “Instead of behaving like an out-of-touch Washington politician by holding herself to a different standard, Senator Ernst should start taking this crisis seriously. That begins with apologizing for spreading conspiracy theories that downplay the virus, and joining Theresa Greenfield in calling for a statewide mask mandate and actually wearing a mask at events.”
Incumbent Lizbeth Williams was recently announced as the Democratic nominee for Butler County Auditor. Williams was nominated through the Butler County Democratic Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Williams will face Republican nominee Leslie Groen in the general election on November 3. Groen was nominated in the June Republican primary.
Q: Could you give a little background on your nomination? How do you feel about running as a Democrat now after originally running in the primary as a Republican?
A: I was defeated as the Republican candidate in the June primary, and because of a recent change in the law, candidates are no longer allowed to run “No Party” or “Nomination by Petition” on the General Election ballot. I was nominated by the Butler County Democratic Convention on Wednesday, August 12.
I feel that running in the General Election is essential to Butler County’s stability. I also feel whether I am a Democrat or Republican should not be of issue. My work is in black and white, balancing, scrutinizing expenditures and conducting fair elections.
Q: Why have you decided to run as the Democratic nominee for Auditor?
A: I joined the Democratic Party and was subsequently nominated by convention so the voters will have a choice. I am running because I have the experience, training and dedication to continue to provide good judgement and efficient administration necessary to serve the citizens of Butler County. One of my duties is to administer the elections in Butler County, and I believe it is essential that they be conducted openly, fairly and non-partisan, so the people can have faith in their elected government.
Q: What experience makes you qualified for this position?
A: I am the current Butler County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections in my eighth year of ser-vice. Prior to being elected in both 2012 and 2016, I was employed in the Auditor’s Office where I gained the knowledge and experience necessary for the office I now hold. The previous Auditor, Holly Fokkena, hired me and wanted “to hone me to be the next Auditor.” I am very grateful for that, because I love what I do. I am a Certified Elections Administrator, a member of the Iowa State Association of County Auditors with numerous hours of continuing education in elections, recent legislative changes and budgeting. I clerk the Board of Supervisors, take minutes and produce and monitor the county budget for the Board. I oversee all elections, accounts payable, payroll, human resources, real estate and the maintenance and custodial staff. I certify the county, school and city budgets to the State, apply levies to values, perform the tax billing, prepare various quarterly and yearly reports and am responsible for the condition of the taxpayers’ house and grounds under the direction of the Board of Supervisors. During my terms of service, yearly audits performed by the State Auditor’s Office have always had stellar reviews.
Q: How long have you lived in Butler County, and what is your occupation?
A: I was born and raised in Greene, the daughter of Ray Holtz and the late Rosina Holtz, both teachers in the Greene Community School District. I graduated from Greene High School, and moved outside of Butler County to further my education and seek employment. My background is in marketing research, grant writing and office management. I love Butler County and all it stands for. I had a wonderful upbringing here, so I chose to move my young family back to Greene, where small town values and a simpler way of life still exist. My children are now grown, but Butler County will always be our home. My current occupation is that of Butler County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections.
Q: What is the most important issue facing Butler County today?
A: For the last several months, the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is affecting our economy and everyone’s lives and livelihoods in so many ways. In these trying times, we, as county leaders, have policies and procedures in place and will continue to listen to our local Public Health Department and Emergency Management Agency for guidance and recommendations, so we can best advise and protect the general public and our county’s critical infrastructure employees. We all strive to provide the citizens full services, while following our local, professional guidance. Unemployment numbers are high because of the pandemic, but Butler County investments are producing jobs. Our continued commitment to growth and job opportunities will be important, too. We need growing communities and a strong business environment, so we can continue to expand our tax base.
Q: What needs to be done to resolve that issue?
A: We need to move forward together, trusting the experience and knowledge of our county leaders and our health experts. In this ever-changing and uncertain world, we need county government that is responsive, experienced and embraces change with an ongoing commitment to maintain quality of life, prosperity and fiscal responsibility.
I will continue to utilize my experience with policy and budgeting to help ensure the county maintains compliance with the Iowa Code, while also meeting the needs of the constituents. I will strive to maintain compliance, accountability and transparency in regard to all aspects of county government.
Q: What is your vision for Butler County?
A: I want to see Butler County continue to grow, prosper and be able to offer job opportunities, so people do not need to seek employment away from a place they want to call home.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: I would like to clear up a couple of issues:
(This article originally appeared in The Clarksville Star and is reprinted with permission.)
Teresa Negen of Clarksville was recently announced as the Democratic nominee for District 1 Supervisor of Butler County. Negen was nominated through the Butler County Democratic Convention on Wednesday, August 12.
Negen will face Republican nominee, incumbent supervisor Greg Barnett in the general election on November 3. Barnett won the Republican primary unopposed in June.
Question: Why have you decided to run in this election?
Answer: My work and my interactions with people in the county both personally and professionally led several people whom I respect greatly to encourage me to run for this office. After some contemplation, I really felt the time was right for me to “get involved.”
I have lived in Clarksville for almost my entire life. I have worked throughout Butler County as a physical therapist and gotten to know a lot of families and made a lot of friends. I built and continue to operate two businesses on Main Street in Clarksville, and my husband, and I chose to raise our family here. I care about our county and our communities, and I want to see them continue to thrive. I also feel it is important to have different perspectives and let government work like it should, through democracy. It is important to give people choices and to have people in office who represent all of the people that the government works for, not a certain subset of people.
Q: What experience makes you qualified for this position?
A: So I can better answer that question, I would like to explain a little bit about what the supervisor position entails. Butler County has three Supervisors who represent its 16 townships. The District 1 position represents the following townships: Fremont, Butler, Shell Rock, Jackson, Jefferson and the Northeast section of Beaver, including the towns of Clarksville and Shell Rock.
The supervisor position is the legislative body of the county. Some of the duties of this position include: approving all of the budgets, levying taxes to produce revenue, serving on county boards, overseeing county services including secondary roads and bridge maintenance, public health, planning, zoning and public safety, agriculture, and conservation. No one individual is an expert in all of those things, but they must be able to make good decisions, be well-rounded and be able to decipher information in a meaningful way.
I feel I am qualified for a number of reasons. I have a strong business sensibility from my entrepreneurial experience, and I know how to manage finances and balance a budget successfully for long term stability and growth. I have a formal education which started by graduating valedictorian of Clarksville High School, obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Iowa, followed by a Masters of Physical Therapy from St. Ambrose University, and culminating by graduating with my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Des Moines University with high academic honors. This last degree I earned while managing and operating my two businesses, raising my family, and serving in many community organizations at the same time. I can handle stressful situations, and when I put my mind to something, I not only do the job, but I do it right.
I have the passion to see this county succeed and grow because most of my family and many of my friends live and work right here as well.
My background in healthcare is important in the light of the current pandemic, as I know how to find and utilize quality research and expert opinion to make good decisions.
I have served on multiple boards and organizations as a member, leader, secretary, treasurer, and administrator. These include: Church council, Booster club, Freestyle club, Clarksville Scout Troop 1053, Event planning committees, Parish Education, Clarksville Better Health Committee, City Recreation Sports, Coaching Junior High Level.
I am a mother, wife, and daughter; therefore, I am different from the current people who serve on the Board. If elected, I will be the first woman to ever serve on the board of supervisors, allowing the county to promote diversity and inclusion. I am level-headed, able to problem solve well, determine, and able to multi-task and get things done, even in the busiest of times.
Q: How long have you lived in Butler County, and what is your occupation?
A: I was born and raised here between Clarksville and Shell Rock, went to Clarksville Community School, and then lived out of the county during my college years.
My husband and I moved back to Clarksville to raise our family, which consists of our three boys, Cael, Cole, and Cooper, and we have been back now for 17 years.
I understand small-town values, and I also understand small town fears. I feel my time living elsewhere allowed me to become more appreciative of other cultures and individual differences, and that it was an important time of my life. I am proud to have returned to this area, which is and always will be my home.
I am a Physical Therapist, and I work with my husband, Mike, and Amy Wubbena, who are my Physical Therapist Assistants in our outpatient therapy clinic, Opportunity Therapy.
Q: What is the most important issue facing Butler County today?
A: I feel the most important issue facing Butler County today is COVID-19 and its effects on our health, safety, return to school and functions, and its economic impact. But I also feel that if COVID-19 were nonexistent, the most important issue in Butler County would be keep-ing our towns and schools thriving.
Q: What needs to be done to resolve that issue?
A: The pandemic unfortunately may not be resolved for quite some time. Health experts are continuing to learn about this virus and how it affects people in real time, and the world, including our communities, is trying to recoil from the impact that this virus is having. No one could have predicted this.
In response to the pandemic, I believe multiple things need to happen. We need to rely on our experts and make sure our local services have the funding they need to respond appropriately, whether that be in a health emergency situation or preventative measures. We need to work together to find solutions to continue to thrive, but in a safe manner by using action plans. I feel the Clarksville School has set a good example of how to do this by using a two-week trial hybrid model and then attempting to return to a new normal as safely as possible while following the recommendations of the CDC.
We need to continually assess current situations and make tough decisions as quickly as possible to prevent spread and outbreaks. We need to rein in impulsive behavior, which may be counterproductive to getting through this crisis.
We must not instill fear, especially in the younger people, but instead use education and validation as tools to help people respond to the best of their ability. And we must be aware of the negative impact this pandemic is having on our mental health and encourage each other in a positive way.
We must be patient, and we must support one another, especially in our small towns and schools. We must fight for the ability to make local decisions and not allow the state or federal government to mandate what happens. This virus is not going away, and we have to find a new normal that works by listening and responding to each other.
In regard to keeping our towns and schools alive, I think we have to take a serious look at change. Running things the old way because it worked in the past will always hinder the future. Our communities are different than they have been in the past. We no longer can rely just on agriculture and farming alone. We need to continue to bring in new businesses and people. We need to help Main Street businesses by buying local and supporting each other because the businesses support the communities. We have to strive to keep our communities attractive through visioning committees, local organizations, volunteering, and investing. We need to provide opportunities for all people, not just a select few.
Q: What is your vision for Butler County?
A: My vision for Butler County is growth and support. I want to see the people who are here be able to live happy, fulfilling lives in a safe, clean, welcoming environment. I want to see the current businesses continue, and I would like to see more business and industry enter the area so we may continue to have local school systems and services and quality infrastructure, including roads and bridges.
I would like to see more support for our emergency management systems that are currently run by volunteers, to ensure when those services are needed they are available. I want our public health to be able to not only be in a reactive state, but a proactive state as well with the ability to offer preventative services along with medical management care. I would like people to be better educated on the services that are currently available and be able to utilize these services.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: Being elected to this position will not stop me from being able to serve Butler County through my work as a Physical Therapist. Physical Therapy is my passion, and I will stay committed to this as well. Opportunity Therapy has a wonderful staff including my husband, Mike, and our partner, Amy Wub-bena. Together, we will find a balance to continue to fulfill our mission of “Small town charm with big-time results” and provide professional, high-quality physical therapy services.
I would like to refer you to my website: teresanegen.com for further information and would appreciate it if you would make other people aware of it too. I am also on Facebook @teresanegenforbutlercounty.
(This article originally appeared in The Clarksville Star and is reprinted with permission.)
Absentee ballots will be mailed beginning October 5. Absentee ballots must be returned to the courthouse by 9:00 p.m. on November 3 either in person or by mail. Allow plenty of time for U.S.
mail delivery to:
Butler County Courthouse
P.O. Box 325
428 6th Street
Allison, IA 50602
If you don’t already have an absentee ballot, find the Absentee Ballot Request Form at
https://www.butlercoiowa.org/departments/elections. Fill it out and either deliver or mail it to
County Auditor Liz Williams at the courthouse by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24.
If you’re not already registered to vote, find the State of Iowa Official Voter Registration Form at https://www.butlercoiowa.org/departments/elections. Fill it out and either deliver or mail it to Auditor Liz Williams at the courthouse by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. You may register to vote and request an absentee ballot at the same time either in person at the courthouse or by sending both forms by mail.
To vote on November 3 at a polling site, be aware that there might not be a site in your precinct. There will be fewer polling sites this year than in the past
Nearly six months after the COVID-19 crisis was officially labeled a global pandemic, more than 70,000 cases have been reported in Iowa and two college towns are experiencing spikes in reported cases that are measurable on a global scale.
As a direct result of Trump’s incompetence and intentional downplaying of the true threat of the virus, Iowa City and Ames have emerged as two of the most dangerous metro areas in the nation for coronavirus spread. At their peak, the two Iowa college towns had a higher rate of per capita COVID-19 cases than any country in the world.
The brunt of the COVID-19 failure will not only be felt by students: Iowa’s economy stands to lose $100 million in revenue after the Big 10 canceled fall football due to the ongoing, out-of-control pandemic. This loss will be shouldered by the hundreds of small businesses that rely on sporting events for customers and revenues. The compounding effects of mandatory closures leave thousands of workers — many of them students — and small business owners in limbo.
“President Trump knew about the true threat of the coronavirus pandemic weeks before the first cases in our nation, and he still refused to act and protect Iowans,” said College and Young Democrats of Iowa Membership Director Catherine Harris. “Because of his failed leadership, college towns are caught in the crossfire and have become international COVID-19 hotspots. College students, small businesses, and campus communities are bearing the brunt of Trump’s failures. I, like so many other students, was forced to make the tough decision not to go back to campus this fall for fear of public safety for students and university employees. This isn’t leadership, and it’s why we’re doing everything we can to turn out voters and elect Democrats up and down the ticket in November.”
Over three weeks after the derecho, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue is the first Trump administration official to leave the airport or divert from a political campaign schedule to actually tour storm damage. Perdue’s visit comes 24 days late in a desperate damage control attempt for the years of hardship President Trump’s reckless agenda has bestowed on Iowa farmers.
Trump’s misguided trade war is bearing down on Iowa farmers as demand for corn, soybeans, and ethanol continues to fall exponentially. Yet, Trump’s bailouts have gone to large corporations and overlooked family farms. Bankruptcy for small and mid-sized farms, even before coronavirus, was increasing under Trump’s agenda. No matter what fabrications Perdue tries to spin to farmers today, the facts speak for themselves: farmers are suffering as a direct result of Trump’s negligence and incompetence.
Take a look at the facts on Trump’s disastrous trade war and farm agenda:
“Secretary Perdue’s visit is 24 days too late after the worst natural disaster in our state’s history destroyed at least 10 million acres of farmland,” said Iowa Democratic Party Communications Director Mandy McClure. “Trump and Perdue’s agriculture agenda has left farmers behind and tanked a farm economy that Iowa farmers spent decades building. Trump’s broken promises to help farmers rebuild after the derecho only adds to the compounding economic effects of the pandemic, ongoing Trade War, and Big Oil bailouts. Farmers are bearing the brunt of Trump’s chaotic agenda on every front, and they’re ready to hold Trump accountable at the polls in November.”