(Editor’s note: As part of our ongoing series featuring candidates in contested races in Marshall County, the T-R will spotlight the four hopefuls for two available seats on the Marshall County Board of Supervisors. The final two, in alphabetical order, are outgoing Marshalltown Y CEO Carol Hibbs, a Republican, and Linda Von Holten, a Democrat who works as a volunteer coordinator for Central Iowa RSVP.)

1. What is your personal, professional and educational background?

Carol Hibbs: I was born and raised in Marshall County. I grew up on a farm in the Gilman area, the daughter of Joel and Ruth Ann Anderson. I am number six of seven children. I graduated from SEMCO High School, which is now part of East Marshall School District. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from Iowa State University in communications with an emphasis in science and technical writing. As a new college graduate, I worked as a reporter for the Times-Republican. I married Rusty Hibbs and we farmed in the Albion and Bangor areas of northwest Marshall County. Rusty later became the manager of Crop Production Services (formerly Minerva Valley Fertilizer) at Bangor. Our son Tanner and his wife Katie live near Albion with my granddaughter, Adrian. Our daughter Taylor and her husband Jimmy Goff live in Marshalltown. In 2015, Rusty and I moved to Marshalltown from Conrad. He passed away in 2018 after battling cancer.

For almost 27 years I have worked at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA in various roles. I have served as CEO of the organization since 2007. I will be retiring from the Y at the end of this year. In addition to a long career at the Y, my background includes serving on several local boards over the years that have supported efforts throughout Marshall County.

Linda Von Holten: I was born and raised in Illinois, and I grew up in the small town of Walnut; a great place to grow up! Iowa became my home in 2004, and I live in southern Marshall County with Steve, my husband of 38 years. We are very happy to have chosen Iowa as our home!

I work for the Central Iowa RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) as a Volunteer Coordinator (since November of 2005). I also work as a Volunteer Coordinator and Christian Educator for Hope United Methodist Church (since July 2017).

My educational background was first in paralegal services, and then later, I went back to school for Horticulture. I love learning, and I love growing things!

2. Why are you running for Marshall County Supervisor, and what would your top priorities be if elected?

Hibbs: After spending many years in a career that revolved around serving others in a variety of ways, I am ready to move forward in a new direction. I gave the matter a lot of consideration, before deciding to run for Marshall County Supervisor. I am committed to working with others to bring positive change to our county. My top priorities include: working with department leaders to evaluate spending priorities; assess the current status of the Courthouse construction project and committing to completing the it as soon as possible with on-going communication to the public during that process; and most importantly, working to establish a culture of respect and open communication for employees and all residents of Marshall County.

Von Holten: When I was approached about running for the Board of Supervisors for Marshall County, I knew that it needed some serious consideration. I feel that the way we live and work together needs to change; but sometimes to make that change, you must get involved instead of just sitting on the sidelines.

For things to continue to improve in our county, we must come together and work for the people, making sure that we represent every voice, not just those that speak the loudest; whether that be through fiscal responsibility, local legislation, or working on issues that need to be resolved in our county. If elected, my top priority would be to do just that, working with the other Supervisors and County departments to make sure every voice is heard!

3. What is your philosophy on the county budget and taxation, and what, if any, changes would you advocate for if elected in November?

Hibbs: As I have said in the past, each level of government has a responsibility to use the limited resources available in the most prudent way possible. Our constituents count on government leaders to work together to maintain the infrastructure (bridges, roads, buildings, etc.) used in their daily lives. Infrastructure will be a high priority. The work that needs to be done to maintain roads and bridges is constant and the resources to accomplish it are limited. The way to grow resources is through economic growth which will increase the county’s revenue. No one wants to pay more in taxes, but we have seen our taxes increase in recent years. It will be important to bring together key representatives of the agricultural community, as well as all municipalities in the county to formulate an economic strategy that grows the tax base.

Von Holten: The Board of Supervisors are elected as stewards of the county tax dollars; and as such, I feel that it is important to place our trust that they are making good choices for Marshall County. That being said, it is important to remember that the dollars they allocate come from taxpayers, so that trust must often be earned. It is also necessary that the Board of Supervisors listen to leaders around the county as to where there are gaps in our rural communities, and where we can work closely together to close those gaps.

4. An issue of seemingly constant concern within the county is secondary roads. How would you prioritize repairing and replacing roads in need of improvement if elected?

Hibbs: Establishing a good working relationship with the County Engineer and the employees of the Secondary Roads Department will be vital. The employees, working with the County Engineer, can offer help in identifying and developing solutions for high-priority problem areas. Yes, resources are limited, but engaging employees in addressing problems can oftentimes lead to more creative and effective solutions. I will also work with other governmental and business partners to open the door to greater, more sustainable opportunities for funding to address these issues.

Von Holten: It would be critical to work closely with the County Engineer in deciding where the most need is, and then as Supervisors work within the budget to see that those needs are met. Marshall County secondary roads are not only utilized by the residents living on those roads, they are also traveled by people employed in agriculture within Marshall County, wind tower maintenance crews, etc. Having those roads maintained not only brings people into our rural communities, but also into the larger communities. That equals dollars and cents for Marshall County.

5. What is an issue or initiative not currently on the county’s radar that you would seek to bring to the forefront if elected?

Hibbs: As I have said previously, I would like to see the County work more closely with other entities and organizations to incentivize economic growth and enhance the quality of life for those who live and work in Marshall County. I will prioritize projects that will reduce the number of people who are currently working in Marshall County while living elsewhere. My focus will be on working with others to increase the number of people living and working in our County.

Von Holten: Transportation – Just as there is a need to help our future generations, I believe that there is also a need to find a way to protect our senior population; and I think that one big gap that we can fill is through transportation.

There are many seniors living independently who no longer drive, but they need to go out of county for medical trips, as there are often services that aren’t available here in Marshall County. If they have no family locally, they may not get where they need to go. The best way to keep people in Marshall County is to give them access to the services they need. This is a gap that desperately needs to be filled, and it is simply cost prohibitive for most agencies to take on the responsibility alone, without the support and financial backing of the community.

6. How would you oversee other county departments and work with other agencies if elected?

Hibbs: Public resources are limited. It doesn’t make sense in today’s world to have one governmental entity work independently of others. If elected, I intend to help create an environment that fosters open communication and collaboration. Many positive things are happening in Marshalltown and around the County. Diverse opinions should be respected as people work together to solve problems. Positive progress is possible when we listen to one another and work together.

Von Holten: By being a team player, doing what I can to learn about other departments, the role they serve within the county, and working side by side with them. I like brainstorming with others about how we can be the most effective, and I think every view deserves to be heard.

When it comes to working with other agencies, partnerships in today’s world are everything; and if we all want to make Marshall County the best place to live and work in Iowa, we need to work together to make that happen.

7. What steps would you take to ensure that the county can hire and retain quality employees across all departments?

Hibbs: The current hiring environment is the most challenging in recent history. Competition for quality employees is fierce, and County government needs to explore creative ways not only to hire personnel, but to retain those valued employees who are already serving the people of Marshall County. They are an invaluable resource. I am committed to open and respectful communication, looking at what other employers are offering their employees, and listening to ideas from our own established workforce.

Von Holten: By providing a good wage (comparable to similar positions elsewhere), with benefits that entice good employees to not only hire on, but give them reasons to stay. Also by making sure that our school systems are up to par academically with other schools; by doing this, we give people reasons to want to work here in Marshall County, and also a place they want to raise their family.

8. Why are you the most qualified candidate for Marshall County Supervisor?

Hibbs: Marshall County is a great place to live and work. I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have had to work with others in a wide variety of ways. I genuinely care about the people and this place. I have a long history of successfully working with others to bring about positive change, even in tough times. I have developed a strong foundation of faith, as well as a wide network of family and friends. I look forward to the opportunity to work with others to make things even better for the next generation.

Von Holten: I believe that I am the best candidate for the job because I am here to represent everyone; and to work in tandem with the other Supervisors. I believe that this county will always be at its best if we can all work together!