Vicki Leonard is seeking to represent District No. 2 on the Linn County Board of Commissioners. She is one of three candidates on the Republican Aug. 6 primary ballot.
Why have you decided to run for office?
I am seeking the office of Linn County District #2 to serve and represent our citizens in an honest, fair and transparent manner.
What is your background and how has that prepared you to serve your constituents?
My background consists of serving for 10 years as the District #2 Commissioner from 2009-2019. Having served in the position gives me knowledge of our county budget and how our county operates as a whole. I was a small business owner for many years and a Residential Manager for Triko Inc. I currently work at the Register of Deeds office part time.
What steps should the county take on economic development issues?
Our commissioners need to be very positive, open-minded, and supportive to new businesses that are interested in locating within our county. Economic development is crucial in providing jobs and services, helping to broaden our tax base and will be instrumental in helping our county progress in the future.
Are you in favor of expanding the current commission to five commissioners? Why or why not? Are you in favor of hiring a county administrator?
My concern would be the cost to the taxpayers. I believe our county has worked well with a commissioner representing each district and I don't feel that it is necessary to have a county administrator at this time. It would cost the county hundreds of thousands of dollars to add these positions when figuring staffing and benefits. I don't think that our taxpayers would want the extra burden on their taxes.
What is your stance on landowner’s rights? This is currently an issue for solar farms, quarries, and feedlots.
I am very respectful of landowners' rights and we have an excellent planning and zoning committee and laws that are put in place for very through research and study of all conditional use permits brought before the county. I believe the commissioners also need to do research to ensure that they are educated on each issue that is brought before them. The commissioners and planning and zoning committee need to work as a team to help our county prosper and succeed.
If elected, what would you like to accomplish during your term in office?
I would like to carefully research all issues brought before me using commonsense, educated decisions and the desire to help our county move forward in a positive way. I would like to seek areas to help increase revenue while searching for ways to help save our tax payers money. My goal will be to leave Linn County in a better place upon my completion of my term in office. Our citizens are very deserving of having a good quality of life and to thrive while living in our beautiful county.
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