Critchfield elected chair of local GOP Central committee

Marshall Critchfield was unanimously elected chairman of the Jasper County Republican Central Committee at its monthly meeting in Baxter on Monday.

Critchfield, 37, has been a Republican activist since high school and has held numerous leadership and support roles over the years. Critchfield lives in Newton with his wife, Stephanie, and their two daughters.

“Marshall is the right choice. He will be an enthusiastic leader,” former chairman Patrick Payton said.

The group also welcomed remarks from United States Senate candidate David Young, State Senator Amy Sinclair, and Jasper County Supervisor Dennis Carpenter. David Young highlighted his views about cutting the budget to the United Nations, the need for a constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget, and his disappointment with the policies of President Obama.

State Sen. Amy Sinclair reported she was pleased to be a part of one of biggest tax cuts in Iowa’s history. She also discussed her proposed alternative to a gasoline tax.

Jasper County Supervisor Dennis Carpenter was asked if the effects of the Affordable Care Act were being noticed at the county level. Effectively known as Obamacare, Carpenter stated the program was going to “cost Jasper County, and ultimately the taxpayers of the county, an additional 3.8 percent for healthcare costs for the county employees.” He said this would translate into an additional $36,409.75 from June 2013 to June 2014 and an additional $81,182.09 from July 1, 2014, to July 2015.

The Jasper County Republicans expect to have their fourth outreach meeting in Monroe on Nov. 25 and they can be found on Facebook under Jasper County Iowa GOP. The public is invited.