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August 12, 2008

Senior enters race for Board of Supervisors

Jim Senior has announced his entry into the Appanoose County Board of Supervisors race as an independent candidate. Senior is a Centerville native and lifelong resident of the county.

“Though many decisions that affect us locally are made at the federal and state level, county board of supervisors are the first line of defense in protecting rural services,” said Senior. He points to a failed move by the state several years ago to consolidate district court and other county courthouse services.

“Not only would traveling to Ottumwa create great hardships for Appanoose residents, but it would also have a negative impact on the businesses in the community,” Senior stated.

Senior said he would also lobby Iowa legislators for such things as reinstating the Highway 2 renovation project.

“Adequate transportation is vital in retaining and attracting new businesses to the county,” said Senior. He is well-versed in the subject, having been general manager of the Appanoose Community Railroad before his retirement. He repeatedly lobbied the Iowa Legislature for support of the local railroad.

Senior said government is to provide services that aren’t readily available or practical from the private sector – such as public safety, health, roads and economic development.

As a Supervisor, Senior said he would continue support for such agencies as the 18-80 Club, community libraries and other service agencies.

“Our rural roads and infrastructure are critical to the ag-based sector of our economy and I would work to see that they are properly maintained,” Senior said.

“The Appanoose County Board of Supervisors needs to do everything possible to retain and attract new jobs to the county whether they be in Moulton, Cincinnati, Numa, Moravia, Centerville or unincorporated areas around Rathbun Lake,” he said.

Aiding him in promoting economic development will be his experience as former executive director of the Centerville Chamber of Commerce and Appanoose Economic Development Corporation.

Senior states he sees the Rathbun Lake Resort State Park as a positive resource in expanding Appanoose’s economy, as well as adding to its tax base.

“The resort offers a unique opportunity for creating new jobs and businesses that add to or complement attractions being offered at the lake.

With expenses increasing and tax revenues shrinking, Senior says it is more important than ever to find ways to make county government more efficient. That includes more sharing of resources and services with communities in Appanoose County.

An Army veteran, Senior’s experiences in private business will be an additional resource for the county. He has worked as corporate controller for Hawkeye Molding Engineers in Albia, plant controller for the Centerville Rubbermaid plant, registered investment representative and insurance agent for Principal Financial Group, plant manager and corporate treasurer for the former Levine Company in Centerville and plant accountant at the Centerville Union Carbide plant, which is now Curwood.

Senior has been presented the State of Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award and was named Centerville Citizen of the Year in 2003. He says he has always been actively involved in the community, with memberships in many local organizations, including the Centerville Community School Board, Area Education 15 Board of Directors, New Focus Board of Directors, Rathbun Lake Association Board (treasurer), Indian Hills Community Booster Club (treasurer), Iowa Department of Transportation Rail Advisory Board, Mercy Hospital Advisory Board and Rotary. He is a leader of Compassionate Parents, a grief group. He is also the treasurer and a speaker for the Centerville Presbyterian Church, as well as president of its Men’s Club.

Now retired, Senior says he will be able to channel all his energies into helping the citizens of Appanoose County as a member of the Board of Supervisors. His motto is, “I’ll listen.”

“An an independent, my only allegiance will be to the people of Appanoose County,” said Senior.

Senior’s wife, Dianne, is a pharmacy tech with Wal-Mart in Centerville. His daughter Ann lives in Centerville and as a veterinarian tech is active with the care and concern of dogs, cats and other animals.

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Poll

So, the question this week is, “Will it stay or will it go?” The United States Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. wants to close three Farm Service Agency offices in southern Iowa, which includes the FSA office in Centerville, and consolidate the operations in order to save money. Tuesday afternoon a meeting was held at Faith United Methodist Church to allow farmers and other producers who use the Centerville FSA office to make comments about the closing to John R. Whitaker, state executive director Iowa FSA. Many questioned if the meeting Tuesday was necessary because the decision had already been made.

A. Yes, because Washington will listen.
B. No, because the decision to close the Appanoose County FSA office has already been made.
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