Michelle Smith running for Jasper County Supervisor

Michelle Smith, of Mingo, said the current Jasper County Board of Supervisors roster, which is comprised of three, male Republicans, is “unbalanced.” As the female chairperson of the Jasper County Democratic Party, Smith hopes to provide that balance in November.

On Wednesday, July 8, Smith announced she is running for supervisor.

The Jasper County Democratic Party did not have a “regular” nominee through the normal convention process in March because of the delays sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The county convention recently reconvened, leading to Smith throwing in her name for supervisors seat currently held by Doug Cupples.

“I’d thought about it for a year,” Smith told Newton News. “I believe people should be given a choice for who they vote for. There should always be a choice in democracy. Not having somebody run is a disservice to everyone.”

Prior to Smith’s announcement, Cupples, the incumbent, was running unopposed on the ballot. Thad Nearmyer, chair of the Jasper County Republican Party, acknowledged this in June at the grand opening of the local GOP’s headquarters.

“We don’t expect it will stay that way, but this is a good head start (for him),” Nearmyer said. Of note, the Jasper County Republican Party was able to hold its convention a week before the local Democrats, who inevitably canceled for public health and safety reasons. Much of Iowa shutdown at that time, too.

Even though she is running for supervisor, Smith will retain her role as the local Democratic Party’s chairperson. If elected, Smith said she would maintain her position as chair until her term is up in March 2021, two months after she would assume office. If she wanted to, she could seek re-election as the party chair.

Having a differing perspective or personality on the board may be beneficial to the county, Smith suggested. There is another kind of balance Smith believes is missing from the Jasper County Board of Supervisors.

“(It’s) not just Republican and Democrat, but that they are all men” Smith said. “Women have no voice. A lot of times we can have the same, ultimate end goal. But there’s different ways women and men process … There’s not really a nurturing-type (person) for the community.

“You need that balance of social issues with running the government.”

Almost one year ago, Smith drew attention to a particular social issue to the board of supervisors: homelessness. She argued county-owned buildings — like the Jasper County Community Center — could function as temporary shelters for homeless people during times of extreme heat or freezing cold climates.

The board was unwilling to use the buildings in that way and directed Smith to collaborate with Jody Eaton of Central Iowa Community Services to develop an alternative plan. Board members also suggested Smith utilize other resources that may be better suited to resolve the issue.

Smith said she wants to bring a more “holistic approach” to governing the county.

“One in 10 of our citizens in Jasper County are living in poverty, so if we could cut some wasteful spending and put them into social resources, we can help lift that,” Smith said. “Then that would spur the economic development and we’d have more tax base for the infrastructure.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com