Peterson, Bruce vying for district 4 board of supervisors
Editor’s note: In the Montgomery County District 4 Board of Supervisors race, George Bruce is running against incumbent Mark Peterson. The primary election is June 7.
George A. Bruce
Outside Lumberyard Foreman at UFC
Why are you running for office:
I have lived around the Red Oak area for a while and have recently seen things happening that I do not agree with. I believe that if elected, I may be able to have a positive impact on my surroundings.
Is this a position you’ve held before? No
What is your relevant experience?
If you are asking if I’m a politician or held office before, that would be no. I believe we need someone that isn’t a politician and is willing to listen.
If elected, what are your top two priorities, and why:
These country roads are top of my list. I see too many things that are happening too frequently and when asking questions get shot down, hung up on, or ignored. My second priority is to make sure that money is not getting spent past the need of spending.
Are you a member of any local clubs/organizations/boards?
I do talk to several of the farmers and community members both during work and after. This will be my first official board and I will say once again I am no politician.
Who inspires you?
Family
Family info: Spouse/children/grandchildren:
I have been married for 37 years to my wife, Carrie. I have two kids, George and Cassie. I have five grandchildren.
Anything else you’d like to add:
I can’t say I will always know what is right, but if you call me about issues that this position will grant me jurisdiction over, I will listen to what you have to say. I will ask others that might know more than myself and I will get back to you with what I have found out.
Will you have another job while serving on the board?
I currently work at the UFC in the lumber yard. I plan on keeping that job and asking them to work with me while I serve the district.
If so, how will this affect your ability to serve your constituents?
I don’t think it will. There have been times in my life where I have worked two jobs. I believe that this will be no different.
Lastly, in your words what is the role of the position you’re seeking?
From what I have heard, read, and seen, this board sets policies for the county. It looks over and approves budgets. Most importantly, I have said it before we need to listen to the concerns of each citizen in the district and understand how our choices can affect them.
Mark L. Peterson
Montgomery County Supervisor District 4
Why are you running for office:
I would like to continue to serve all of the taxpayers in District 4
Is this a position you’ve held before? If yes, when?
Yes. I was first elected in 2014 and reelected in 2018
What is your relevant experience?
Of course my seven years as a supervisor along with many decades in this county, knowing a lot of the folks and territory that I represent. Various work experiences dealing with and supervising people in assorted environments.
If elected, what are your top two priorities, and why:
Continue to work to upgrade the infrastructure of Montgomery County with several bridges at the top of the list while balancing that with being fiscally responsible.
Protect the property rights of my constituents.
Are you a member of any local clubs/organizations/boards?
Vice chair of Waubonsie Mental Health Board
Member of Southwest Iowa Regional Mental Health Board
Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development Board
Hungry Canyons Board
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by anyone with a good can do attitude, past and present.
Family info: Spouse/children/grandchildren:
Spouse, Melanie; children Matt, Mitch, Magnum, Monroe, and Myles; grandchildren Addie and Zak.
Anything else you’d like to add:
Remember to vote for me on June 7 in the Republican Primary if you live in District 4 which includes the cities of Stanton, Elliott and Coburg along with almost everything west and north of Red Oak.
If your voting location is a problem, check with the Auditor’s office for absentee options.
Will you have another job while serving on the board? If so, how will this affect your ability to serve your constituents?
I farm and drive truck. I give my supervisor position priority since the good people of District 4 have entrusted me with working for them. If needed, I “farm” out some of my personal workload to others to give my Supervisor role top priority.
Lastly, in your words what is the role of the position you’re seeking?
I really enjoy working as a Supervisor in Montgomery County. While roads are important it is so much more than just dealing with the rural roads.
There are so many ways to interact with people for the betterment of the county in general. We need to strive to make our area a great place to live and work.