Floyd County Supervisor Candidate Q&A – Jim Lundberg, District 3

Each of the candidates for Floyd County supervisor was sent a list of eight questions regarding current county topics of interest. Here are the answers of those who responded:

Jim Lundberg, age 61, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.

Previously elected Floyd County Soil and Water District Commissioner.

Wife Dené (39 years), three grown children: Natasha, Bryce, Caleb (Lauren) and granddaughter Kenzie.

Question 1) – Why are you running for a seat on the Floyd County Board of Supervisors?

I had been approached several times in the past about running for different political offices, so this is something that I have considered doing. When the opportunity arose this past June after the primary election I decided it was time. I have said before that if I did not think I could make a positive difference I would not be running for supervisor. I really believe I have a skill set that can help lead Floyd county in a positive direction. I’m a listener and I enjoy meeting people. Building relationships is the first step in solving problems. I moved to Floyd county in the spring of 1983 to become an agriculture teacher and 40 years later I’m still here. My wife and I had many opportunities to move over the years, but we love Floyd county and it became our home.

Question 2) – Do you support passing an essential services levy in the county to pay for emergency medical services? If yes, how should the use of that tax money be prioritized? If no, how would you propose supporting EMS services in the county?

First of all I believe emergency medical services should be an essential service to every resident of Floyd County no matter the results of the EMS essential services tax levy vote on Nov. 8. After asking lots of questions, and seeking answers, I think it’s a coin flip if the levy will pass. I will support the levy. If the levy does not pass, I believe the county has a responsibility to continue to fund their portion of the EMS bill with AMR. The Floyd County EMS system advisory Council has proposed how the $556,000 would potentially be used to support EMS services in Floyd County and at this point I have no reason to argue for or against it. I have had many conversations with emergency management personnel from each town in District 3, and the question was asked why Marble Rock fire/rescue first responders were budgeted $22,000 but not the first responders in Colwell, Floyd, Nora Springs, Rudd or Rockford.

Question 3) – Have county property tax rates been handled responsibly in recent years, and what, if anything, would you have done differently regarding specific spending?

I believe the concerns with how property tax rates have been handled over the past several years is a legitimate concern and I believe the citizens of the county have every right to question the process and decisions that were made. I was in favor of the new Law Enforcement Center and I believe it is an asset to our county. However, as I look back at how the project was handled from the initial proposal to a project that is still not complete; it was flawed from the beginning. This is where I believe I can be the greatest asset as a supervisor. Fiscal responsibility and transparency to the citizens of the county help build trust and relationships. When the LEC and the

courthouse remodeling began to seriously go over budget, I would have stopped the project. I would have sought advice from consultants on how the project should have proceeded within the planned budget.

Question 4) – Would you favor increasing the size of the board of supervisors to five members? Why or why not?

I am not in favor of increasing the size of the board of supervisors to five members. The new supervisor districts were established as a result of a special election about a year ago that overwhelmingly was the choice of the people.

This year we were fortunate to have a full ballot of candidates to choose from. I’m afraid if we increase the number of seats, it would be more difficult to get enough candidates.

Question 5) – If it was entirely your decision, how specifically would you spend the more than $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that the county is receiving?

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was designated to provide infrastructure and economic development to help boost the economy. Some funds have already been allocated to the ongoing LEC/courthouse remodeling project.

I believe the supervisors need to do an assessment of what needs to be done and what is the total cost to finish this project. It’s time to move on and complete this project once and for all. I think this is the number one priority for the ARPA. Remaining ARPA funds (assuming there are some remaining) should be designated towards a project(s) that require one-time funding and will give a long-term financial benefit to the counties and municipalities.

Question 6) – If the power was entirely yours, what two things would you do the first 100 days of being sworn into office?

There is no question the learning curve is going to be very sharp. The first 100 days will be critical in setting the tone on how the Floyd County government is going to be run over the next four years. My first priority would be to develop a fair and balanced budget to get the residents of Floyd County the best possible investment of their tax dollars. The budget process should be transparent and open to the public. My second priority would be to complete the LLC/courthouse remodeling project as soon as possible which will help return the people’s trust in our county government.

Question 7) – What is the most important single thing you hope to have accomplished by the end of your term in office?

The most important single thing I hope to accomplish is to restore trust in our county government. I want the citizens of Floyd County to know that as a supervisor I will make decisions that will improve the lives of the people of this county. These decisions will be fiscally responsible and the process will be open and transparent.

Question 8) – Why are you the best choice to be elected for your race?

I have lived and worked in Floyd County over the past 40 years. With my educational background in agriculture economics and management I have a strong working knowledge of finances. I enjoy working with people and have the ability to build relationships with people of all walks of life. My previous experience as an elected official was as a Floyd County Soil and Water Commissioner. As a commissioner I worked with Environmental Quality Incentive Programs (EQIP), Agriculture Drainage Districts and the closing of Agriculture Drainage Wells in Floyd County. As a local FFA advisor I just completed my 40th Floyd County fair. I have worked with families from Nora Springs to Nashua and from Colwell to the outskirts of Dougherty. I know the roads of Floyd County, but more importantly I know the people of Floyd County.

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