Election Central Questionnaire: Jasper County Supervisor: Jeremy Beukema

Name: Jeremy Beukema

City: Newton

Office sought: County Supervisor

Occupation: Farmer

Education: A.A.S. in Police Science, Hawkeye Community College

Elected offices held: NA

1. What do you feel is the most important issue Jasper County will be facing during your term as a supervisor? What suggestions do you have to deal with that issue?

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office is an issue that I find to be incredibly important for Jasper County. As a former Louisa County Deputy Sheriff, I commend the outstanding work of all Jasper County employees. This line of work at times, unfortunately, can be thankless.

There are three reasons why this surfaced as a top priority. First, many Jasper County residents have been impacted by thefts, including me and my family. The county cannot afford to lose any deputies as these men and women in uniform are our first line of defense.

Second, I find it incredibly disgusting seeing trash, appliances, furniture, etc. that people have dumped along our county roads. Our county roads are not the dump and we need stricter penalties in place to charge those caught illegally dumping. A step I would take is to work with the Sheriff and County Attorney to have an ordinance established with harsher penalties.

The final area related to the Sheriff’s Office is the lack of mental health resources not only in Jasper County, but throughout the state. By not having adequate mental health facilities, Sheriff’s Office staff are called upon to assist with emergency committals and assist Skiff Hospital staff until a place at a mental health facility is available. Depending on the severity of the situation this means a deputy is pulled off the road. I have had conversations with Sheriff’s office staff as well as Jody Eaton, CEO of Central Iowa Community Services (CICS), regarding this issue. Jody explained that this past March CICS started Mobile Crisis Response, a mobile service that provides on-site mental health services. This new service has been an incredible resource for Sheriff’s Office staff to utilize and most importantly, for those experiencing a mental health crisis.

2. What are some important principles county supervisors should keep in mind when determining how taxpayer dollars are spent in Jasper County?

First and foremost, every county employee, including Jasper County Supervisors, need to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. As a farmer, a question I ask myself before purchasing new equipment, technology upgrade, or additional inputs, what is my return on investment - ROI? There are endless opportunities to enhance my farming operation, but I only have so much money in my budget. As a Supervisor, I will be committed to asking tough questions of departments to ensure purchases are justified. In addition, County Supervisors need to be committed to listening to the concerns of residents, the taxpayers. As a landowner, I too, want to be assured that my tax dollars are not being wasted on purchases that add little to no value. In addition, I find it is important to explore options for projects to ensure we are getting the best deal. This doesn’t mean the cheapest bid wins – you get what you pay for.

3. What can be done to address Jasper County's infrastructure needs to keep ahead of maintenance needs?

I recognize that through the years the types of vehicles and farm implements traveling on roads have changed. When my grandpa farmed he used wagons to haul grain. Fast forward to today. We have a semi hauling 80,000 pounds out of the fields. Farmers are using larger equipment that is putting pressure on roads. Unfortunately, it appears the county has not kept up and has fallen behind with infrastructure maintenance and improvements. I truly believe the county mindset needs to change from reactive to proactive. I have heard from Jasper County residents that the lack of maintenance, specifically on gravel roads, has led them to be impassable. This is unacceptable. As a county supervisor, I would work with the county engineer to discuss opportunities to advance infrastructure to today’s standards.

4. The future of the Jasper County Annex building is still undetermined despite discussion by the current board. What do you think should be done with the structure?

First, county leadership needs to learn from this issue. For far too long the building has been neglected and the county is now in an unfortunate situation. Second, I recognize whatever decision is made, not everyone is going to agree with the outcome. If the county is going to put taxpayer dollars into the Annex Building it needs to be completely occupied by county departments. County offices are located in multiple buildings and I would like to see consolidation of office space to decrease overhead costs. Another option is to let Jasper County residents vote on the future of the Annex building.

5. Why do you think voters should support your candidacy for supervisor?

As a County Supervisor, I will not settle for status quo and will work for Jasper County residents, the taxpayers. I want to be a part of the solution to resolve issues related to infrastructure, law enforcement, mental health and other issues that will arise during my term. In addition, I am not a politician. I am no different from any other taxpayer in Jasper County. If elected, I will be open-minded, approachable, and will provide direct answers to tough questions. Finally, I have been a county employee in my previous career. I fully understand what it means to be paid by the taxpayers.