General discussion of Applicants
Slockett suggested that the Board speak about the candidates in the order they interviewed in. Slockett began with Myron Smalley. Slockett said Smalley appeared to be a serious, knowledgeable and capable candidate. He pointed out that Smalley's 20 years of experience with the Farm Bureau would be beneficial to the Board of Supervisors, since the Bureau played such a large role locally. Slockett said the Farm Bureau had a very strong network and voice at the state and national level. Slockett mentioned that current and former members of the Board of Supervisors have been members of the Farm Bureau. Painter agreed that Smalley's background was excellent. She said he was well known throughout the county, and his affiliations with the Farm Bureau would do a great service to the rural segments of the county. Painter said Smalley demonstrated a good solid knowledge of the overall issues. She mentioned his experience with business affiliations and budgeting. Kriz said he agreed with all that had been said, he said Smalley worked hard to view the land use issue as rural rather than simply farming. Kriz said Smalley had a great interest in getting non-farming rural concerns to fit with farming concerns. He said Smalley's only agenda was quality government.
Slockett said Albert Doden was very serious, dedicated and was a well informed individual who had thought out issues in great depth. He said he was particularly interested in his views about land use, saying Doden's views weren't considered politically correct in the county but he was correct in pointing out the major problem, that the County had many plans which were not followed. Slockett said Doden's solution was, since the loss of farmland to residential property was minimal and it would not be a problem in the future, to simply allow residential expansion to happen. Slockett said that this must be considered, that residential development when handled properly was not a problem, to gauge expansions impact on infrastructure and how long dealing with these problems can be avoided. Painter said she was very impressed with Doden's interview, that he was well versed, articulate with strong opinions and a lot of information to support them. Painter mentioned Doden's idea of a 5-7 year sunset clause on the local option sales tax and earmarking the moneys specifically for road improvements. Kriz said Doden had excellent ideas on the farm issue, that Doden was in favor of less restrictive measures for land use but doing it the proper way. Kriz said he was impressed with Doden's understanding of regressive and progressive taxes. Kriz said he brought many good issues to the table.
Slockett said he was totally charmed by Jo Lavera Jones's interview, that she clearly had a top notch intellect backed with tremendous people skills. He mentioned her discussion of decentralized government, and the importance of technology and increasing the County's capabilities. Slockett said he was disheartened when Jones said she would not run for election, that she viewed the position more as a caretaker role, since she was not at the point in her life where she could make an extensive commitment to the position, but that she wanted to pay back the community. Slockett said it was sad but also understandable why someone would say they didn't want to run for election. He said that Jones was the kind of person needed in government, and that he would encourage her to make a larger commitment to government at another point in time. Painter said Jones would be a tremendous campaigner, that she was very articulate and could speak off the cuff well. Painter observed that Jones held an almost corporate view of residents being stakeholders with a share in government, in a thriving, democratic sense. Painter said Jones had a good grasp of budgeting issues, and her notions on restructuring seemed sound, such as loss of institutional memory and the need for an ongoing strong strategic planning document. Kriz said Jones pointed out weak technology, which Kriz felt was true of the Treasurer's Office. He said Jones point on balancing business and economic interests with people and environment, that Supervisors must ask themselves what they were willing to pay, was an excellent way to approach an issue in that area. Kriz said Jones was an excellent qualified candidate who had an excellent pulse for people and people skills.
Slockett said he felt trepidation about discussing Bud Louis, since Louis had said he had been warned that the Committee would praise him then not appoint him. Slockett said he hoped Louis wouldn't feel that Slockett was disingenuous with his remarks. Slockett said that Louis had tremendous assets he could bring to the Board of Supervisors. He said Louis had made incredibly large ties with the community over many years, that Lewis could easily receive input from the community, particularly long-time residents and the business sector. Slockett said Louis could help legitimize many decisions with his support. He also mentioned Louis's strong people skills who could aid in conflict resolution. Slockett reiterated that these were his honest views. Painter said she found Louis a warm and engaging individual. Painter said her favorite part of the interview was when Louis was asked to outline weaknesses in the County government and he answered by saying that the one weakness he could think of was that he was not on the Board of Supervisors. Painter said Louis had much to say about the cities and county working together, avoiding redundancies, and planning together. Kriz said he found Louis charming, that he came from a good sense type background, and that his answers were to the point. He said the knowledge of the County's history that Louis would bring was excellent. Kriz said the Board wanted to give every candidate a fair opportunity to get appointed to the Supervisor post, which is why the selection process was open. Kriz said Louis probably had more knowledge of all that was incorporated in the county than the other candidates, which was a great strength.
Slockett said he was tremendously impressed with Tom Carsner's interview and that Reverend Bob Welsh had said Carsner provided the best letter and resume of all the applicants. Slockett mentioned that Carsner had done more volunteer activity to inform himself about the County than any other applicants. Slockett said Carsner was very knowledgeable about County government and its problems and solutions. Slockett said that Carsner had previously worked in his own office, and that he did a tremendous job taking minutes. Slockett said he had been a good friend with Carsner in the past, and hoped the selection process did not impact their friendship. Slockett cited Carsner's response to question 4, how would you go about selecting from a pool of applicants to serve on various boards and commissions, that he made the point of not simply appointing friends and to maintain race and gender balance on the Board. Slockett pointed out that both of these points Carsner made were not to his own advantage because all of the members of the Committee were friends with him and he wasn't just typing himself and saying things that were only to his advantage. Painter called Carsner an engine of energy and a fountain of knowledge about political and governing issues in Johnson County. Painter said she did know Carsner and Susan Horowitz fairly well, and that she had some familiarity with Myron Smalley and William Terry. She said Carsner demonstrated the kind of knowledge one can possess only by attending vast numbers of meetings and becoming conversant in the many issues that a County Supervisor has to face. Painter said the way Carsner answered the appointment versus election question by saying he would not petition or run for a party nomination, even though he had shown great ability as a campaigner, demonstrated that Carsner was a very respectable individual. Kriz said Carsner was the hardest working campaigner he had ever worked with and that he had a vast wealth of knowledge about County government. Kriz said that Carsner's long range vision went from 5-20 years, and that he looked at all aspects of short range visions becoming long range ones. He said Carsner demonstrated he knew and understood the Comprehensive Land Use Plan well. Kriz said he learned the most from Carsner's interview because of Carsner's knowledge and preparation for the interview.
Slockett said he found Charles Major to be very compelling in different ways than other candidates with his obvious sincerity and honesty, that he might have seemed too blunt in the minutes but showed himself to be genuine and honest when he spoke. Slockett mentioned Major would have to give up a good paying job at the VA Hospital to take the Supervisor position because he wanted to be involved in public service. He said he was particularly interested in Major's position on Fayette County, Kentucky where the County and City re-organized to one government. Slockett said Major would provide a valuable perspective and that he was open to change and creative solutions, such as making a suggestion box for County employees. Painter said Major had the interesting study of and was an advocate for one unified government in Johnson County, like Fayette County, Kentucky, to reduce redundancies. She also touched on his position that the County was steward and protector of the environment, that a certain number of hours be allocated for employee training. Painter concluded by saying Major provided good input and that he would be a strong Supervisor. Kriz said Major's assessment of County government's weaknesses, such as longer hours and customer service, were especially true of the Treasurer's Office, and it showed that Major was well prepared for the interview. Kriz found Major very straightforward and that he provided good input on training. Kriz said Major said he looked at County government from the other side of the table meaning new, fresh ideas, and Major could add much to the Board of Supervisors.
Slockett said he was friends with Carol Thompson, that she was director of Human Services from approximately 1982-92, which is how long Slockett had known her. Slockett said he wouldn't be able to contain his enthusiasm and respect for Thompson's interview. Slockett said he was thinking "Thank you sweet Jesus," during Thompson's interview. Slockett said it was at a level beyond any interview he's participated in and he could see Thompson serving in state office or the national legislature. Slockett said Thompson had tremendous capability, talent, people skills, communication ability, conflict resolution, and problem solving. He continued by saying the collaborative relationship she created with the children's agenda helped children almost beyond his own ability to fully comprehend. Slockett also said Thompson was instrumental in inventing managed care in Johnson County which was transmitted to the State and is a model for dealing with people with problems. He cited Thompson's experience in Human Services and with the judicial system as being extremely important due to the County's, state's and nation's problems with crime. Slockett advocated Thompson's work to prevent and rehabilitate potential criminals. He closed by saying Thompson would continue to be an asset to the County whether she became Supervisor or not. Painter said she did not know Thompson previously and that she was tremendously impressed. Painter said Thompson had a constant stream of good ideas and was able to converse about the different situations that needed to be addressed in the County. She continued by saying she believed Thompson would be able to implement her ideas, that some of her ideas may not appear lofty initially but will become so when they are implemented. Painter cited an example, talking of the program Thompson helped create which helped ensure youngsters from troubled home situations were able to get to school by providing the children with alarm clocks and warm coats. Painter spoke of Thompson's response to her being asked if she would make changes to County government, to which Thompson said "I'm a manager, I put my hands on things and make them work, regardless of the systems." Kriz said he thought the interview was outstanding and that he did not personally know Thompson beforehand. Kriz spoke of Thompson's view that nature can often take care of itself as long as man doesn't take action to deter nature from that, which Kriz felt was an excellent balanced view. He felt Thompson was well-versed on change causing problems, that change for the sake of change was not healthy but change to better something was healthy. Kriz continued by saying Thompson knew County government from the human services and judicial side. Kriz agreed with Thompson not being in favor of the local option sales tax because it was regressive but was still open to doing what is best. Kriz also agreed with Thompson that following the Comprehensive Land Use Plan would be difficult, that the creation of the document was an easier task. Kriz closed by saying Thompson was very dynamic with a great passion for County government.
Slockett said Vic Edwards was very impressive, since he had been a practicing physician for 31 years and also a farmer. He said he found Edwards serious in wishing to provide service, and that he was extremely bright, capable and able to communicate with anyone. Slockett cited Edwards statement that he wouldn't promise to raise or not raise taxes but had no desire to raise taxes and that people should do everything possible to avoid such action, which is a statement which Slockett felt the Board needed to hear. He concluded by saying he would be a very strong asset to the Board and Johnson County. Painter said she was filled with humility when interviewing Edwards due to his length of service and accomplishments. She said Edwards had a good deal of expertise with land use and environmental concerns, such as public health issues pertaining to sewer and septic systems. Painter mentioned Edwards views of performance based budgeting and that it could be used in a negative way if that was the method to determine raises for County employees. She concluded by saying she respected all of Edward's opinions and felt he gave an excellent interview. Kriz said he knew of Edwards from growing up in Iowa City. Kriz said Edwards was very set in his belief and visions, that he brought up new ideas about the Iowa City Airport. Kriz said he agreed with Edwards when he said the strength of the community was its people. He said Edwards felt we needed more development and growth than the other candidates did, but Edwards also cautioned growth had to be paid for by developers. Kriz said Edwards knew Johnson County and had experience on the School Board, which would make him a very credible person for the Board of Supervisors.
Slockett said Cathy Fitzmaurice is the Mayor of Hills. He said Fitzmaurice stated that she was not a representative of any special party or interest, that she simply wanted to provide an option as someone who was against holding a special election. Slockett cited Fitzmaurice's background as an attorney and mayor of a small town. He said he was very impressed with Fitzmaurice's knowledge, a person who would contribute a lot to her City and County, and was an example of someone who would have to make large sacrifices to serve on the Board of Supervisors, meaning she would have to step down as Mayor. Slockett concluded by saying he was very impressed with her manner, demeanor, capabilities, knowledge and communication skills and that she would make an excellent Supervisor. Painter felt it was a unique opportunity to have a mayor apply for the Board, because of the perspective Fitzmaurice had. She said Fitzmaurice demonstrated a show me attitude towards restructuring government, meaning an understanding of an actions benefit before theorizing too much about such an action. Painter also liked her idea about providing dispute resolution between municipalities as it pertains to land use issues before the conflict becomes too volatile. Painter closed by saying Fitzmaurice would bring a lot to the Board of Supervisors. Kriz said he knew Fitzmaurice somewhat previously, and that her ideas on being proactive with dispute resolution were original and should perhaps be implemented. Kriz said one of Fitzmaurice's strengths was looking at a situation from both sides before making a decision. Kriz mentioned that Fitzmaurice had some good ideas about using the local option sales tax. Kriz said he was highly impressed with the interview, and stressed how much he advocated Fitzmaurice's suggestion of being proactive instead of reactive.
Slockett felt that Susan Horowitz had tremendous qualifications, citing her experience as former Iowa City Counselor and Mayor, her activities at St. Wenceslaus Church and the Chamber of Commerce. Slockett said Horowitz had strong conflict resolution skills and was extremely informative in the interview. He cited her unique perspective on the environment, when she cautioned that environmental concerns must carefully consider their impact on the profits of businesses in the community. Slockett advocated her idea of having the County tax bill list the particular services provided by the community and what portion of the tax bill would go to each specific service. Slockett closed by saying Horowitz would be a real asset on the Board and he learned a lot from her. Painter said Horowitz had a formidable resume and was a highly qualified applicant. Painter expanded on Horowitz speaking about her participation in County life and felt that she had a very practical approach to many of the issues the County faced, such as giving the public information about businesses that want to move into the County. Painter also advocated her suggestion of the itemized tax bill which Slockett mentioned earlier. She concluded by saying Horowitz had much to bring to the Board. Kriz said he was amazed by Horowitz's wealth of knowledge, especially since she had only lived in the County since 1982. Kriz felt that Horowitz had a good idea of how City and County government can mesh and work together. Kriz mentioned the new ideas Horowitz brought to the balance of backgrounds for the new Supervisor, such as age balance, township representation and people that could work together. Kriz continued by saying she had a great passion for government and was extremely energetic. He said he liked Horowitz's comment that one must listen to people that disagree with them. Kriz closed by saying he thought Horowitz would make a great Supervisor who would represent the City and the entire Johnson County community well and could teach the Board a lot about City and County government. Slockett added that he had heard Horowitz had done tremendous work fundraising for the Domestic Violence Program and getting them substantially out of debt.
Slockett said he found Norm Bickford to be extremely friendly and would be a delightful, positive and energetic person to have on the Board of Supervisors. Slockett talked of his background living in the area all his life, his service on the City Council of West Branch and his work on their Planning and Zoning Committee. He said he was impressed that Bickford had read the entire Comprehensive Land Use Plan and could compare it to the land use plan developed in West Branch. Slockett spoke of Bickford's experience managing a factory, being self-employed and creating budgets. Slockett closed by saying Bickford would make a tremendous contribution to the Board and he would be a delight to work with. Painter said that Bickford had taken a great deal of time to be involved in County issues, and said she appreciated his comments that people tended to rebel against regulations, and what areas without zoning were like. Painter felt Bickford would enter the Supervisor post with an automatic understanding, and would be a great person to work with. Kriz said the County was fortunate to have Bickford in the County. Kriz mentioned that Bickford had a feel for the issues smaller communities faced and agreed with Bickford's vision that he wanted to see Johnson County as a lead community. Kriz said Bickford's comment that there was no need to restructure just to find good people willing to serve, was valuable and that Bickford had good ideas on maintaining quality of life for county residents. Kriz closed by saying Bickford would fit in, had governmental experience and could quickly learn to be a member of the Board of Supervisors.
Slockett said William Terry had a very strong background in County government with his activity with the Planning and Zoning Department and Commission. Slockett mentioned Terry's willingness to repay the community, and has already done so by his work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and his service on the Agriculture Extension Council. Slockett felt Terry presented an important concept when he spoke of being a team player while maintaining independence and one's own priorities. He said Terry believes the strengths of the County were its citizens, the University of Iowa and Johnson County's debt free state. Slockett said Terry was open to change but only after thorough study to be sure of its effectiveness, and that Terry said he would be interested in a committee's conclusion pertaining to its respective issue before making decisions, which Slockett felt demonstrated Terry's strong grasp of County government. Slockett added that Terry's idea of the County hiring an in-house grant writer was a very interesting idea. He closed by saying Terry was an excellent applicant with detailed knowledge who would be a tremendous asset to the Board. Painter said Terry had a sincerity and open manner which would make him a good person to go to with problems. Painter also said Terry understood the necessity of being straight forward about time commitments which came along with serving on Boards. Painter went on to say Terry was a man of principles and fairness who held a high regard for the virtues of County government. She mentioned Terry's suggestion that developers should pay their way, create infrastructure and replenish what they destroyed in the environment, which Painter liked. Painter closed by saying Terry brought a tremendous attitude, seriousness of outlook and approachableness which would make him a very good person to work with. Kriz stated that of all the candidates, Bill Terry was someone he knew when he got involved in politics. He said he used some of his expertise when running for the Treasurer's position. He explained he had a jump on Slockett and Painter because he did know Terry beforehand. He said fairness was definitely needed and Bill Terry is that kind of person. He stated Terry does his homework well. He explained that the 2 people that know the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and how the Board of Supervisors work are Tom Carsner and Bill Terry. Kriz said he attended a Fringe Area meeting with Rick Dvorak, and Bill Terry chaired the meeting that night very well, amidst a hostile environment. He said Terry brought some new ideas to them about space needs and land swaps. He stated Terry is open, sincere and can work as a team. He said Terry put a lot of work into the interview and did a nice job with it. Kriz said he's done a good job on other Boards and he would do a great job on the Board of Supervisors.
General Discussion of Applicants
Slockett said he strongly indicated his preference previously. He stated he wouldn't mention it again so not to step on anyone's toes. He asked if anyone supported his opinion. He said he didn't know in his mind who Painter and Kriz were supporting. Kriz said he saw 3 or 4 people who were very close in ability. He stated they had to come together and find the right person for the county. Kriz said he looked for a person that can come in running with this Board of Supervisors. He said losing Steve Lacina and Joe Bolkcom is a huge hole to the Board of Supervisors because they represented all sides of the community and that's what the Board is about. He said it's not about being right or wrong, it's about representation of everybody and coming to a consensus along that line. Kriz stated there are 3 or 4 people who could step in and make an impact right away. He said he looks for someone who is really knowledgeable. He said he'd like to find someone ahead of the learning curve and who can step right in. Painter said it felt like a poker game. She said she had 4 or 5 individuals in mind. She said her list crossed party lines and yet she would be comfortable with any of these individuals. She stated it's important for all 12 of the candidates to feel like they are being truly and seriously considered for the position and the decision was a very tough one. She said her respect runs deep for all the individuals.
Slockett asked if they could talk about what qualities they want in the person they choose. Painter said the qualities that are most important have to do with energy, a grasp of the issues and a grasp of the structures involved in order to become effective as quickly as possible. She stated there's an importance to warmth and a good sense of humor that's based on practical experience. She said that helps put a team together that will work well and have some cohesion and some camaraderie that would benefit the County in it's deliberations. She said a familiarity with policy and legislation is important also. Kriz said he looks for someone who can help this Board immediately, has knowledge of City and County Government, and increases gender balance. Slockett said he agreed with all the previously mentioned qualities plus experience in managing people. He said they have had some problems in the County with turnover with the County Engineer and in Human Services. He said someone who has actually functioned as a department head and manager and knows how to deal with people could add greatly to the Board. He said someone who worked for another County in a State position would be a great asset. He said it's very helpful to have someone who understands the budget process and can hit the ground running. Slockett said it can be learned on the job and it would be a tremendous asset.
Slockett said he was willing to pose a name at this point. Kriz said that was appropriate. Painter said she could go first so Tom wouldn't fee like a driving force. Kriz said it would not be perceived that way. Slockett suggested Carol Thompson because she was ideal to meet their needs at this point in time. He said he felt very strongly and had an overriding sense that this was the right person. He stated all 12 were excellent. He said he had observed the Board of Supervisors since 1977 and he had seen a wide range of people function on the Board. He said he was amazed at how they contributed. He stated all the candidates had very different assets and would be very good. He said he wasn't discussing any further details because he felt Carol Thompson was the best for the position. He said if he were forced to look beyond that he would have some other gradations. He stated he nominated Carol Thompson to be the appointment. Painter asked if that was a nomination looking for a second. Slockett said yes. Painter said she also supported Thompson. She said she was most familiar with Tom Carsner because of his broad public participation and his campaigning. She stated her approach was very open minded but Carol Thompson made the deepest impression and the most substantive impression as the best person to fill the job. She stated Thompson was her top pick as well. She said she echoed Tom's comment on different styles and what they can bring. She said the strength of the interview, the experience, the ideas and the practicality at the heart of the things Thompson said at the interview lead her to believe Thompson would be tremendous in this position. Kriz said he was put in an interesting position. He stated his first choice was Susan Horowitz. He explained he liked the balance she has, what she's done for the community and where she's been. He said that did not diminish the other candidates. He stated Horowitz had the slight edge to mesh County and City. He said the County needs a unified push to be the best it can be. He said it only takes 2 votes, but he would want 3 votes because he believes the people were so close in their abilities. He stated it is a shame that 11 won't get the job. He said he hoped they would come back in 2 years to run and it would be a shame if they did not. He said his first choice was Susan Horowitz, but in an effort to push on, he'd vote for Carol Thompson too. Slockett said he appreciated his sentiment. Slockett moved that a unanimous vote be cast for Carol Thompson for Supervisor to show the unity they had talked about. Kriz seconded that motion and all said aye.
Slockett said they would tell the press first because it was the fastest way to reach everyone. Rev. Bob Welsh said they could each take 4 people and inform them. Painter and Kriz said they should try to contact them. Slockett said he would take the first 4 interviewees, Painter could take the next 4 and Kriz would take the last 4. He asked how they should inform the press. Kriz asked how they had done it in the past. Slockett said the press had been here in the past. Welsh said they could call them and have Supervisor Jonathan Jordahl announce it at the publicized meeting that night. Slockett said the word would get out. Kriz said he sensed the media would contact someone. Slockett said he had a message to contact someone about how much the sales tax would bring to the County and a run down on the people they interviewed that day. He said the press will want to know. He stated he had no desire to do it. Welsh asked if the County had e-mail. Slockett said they had a fax set up to go to all the press. Welsh said making a statement tonight was appropriate. Slockett asked if they could attend the Board of Supervisors meeting that night. Kriz and Painter said they could attend. Slockett asked what they should put in the press release. Kriz said Slockett could write something up and they could approve it and then it could be disseminated. Painter said that was fine. Slockett said he would work on the press release right away while Painter and Kriz made calls. He said he would make his calls after he wrote the press release.
Kriz said it had been a pleasure working with both of them on this appointment. Slockett said it was frustrating to have 2 new County Officials and not be able to talk to them because of the Open Meetings Law. He said he was looking forward to having the communication lines open to talk about other things. Welsh said he appreciated their efforts. Welsh said he was leery about giving the questions out in advance, also about interviewing all 12 candidates. Welsh stated he learned things he wouldn't have if they hadn't interviewed all 12. Welsh volunteered to make a list of the things the Supervisors might look at from the suggestions made. Welsh said he also had put Thompson at the top and would have chosen her. Kriz said it was nice to know there was interest in the matter. Kriz said part of the reason the system works is because people do support people and write letters. Kriz said he looked at Bob Welsh as the Irving Weber of County government. Kriz said the current Supervisors would learn from what the candidates brought to the interview process. Slockett thanked the members of the community who attended the candidate interviews that day, Reverend Robert Welsh, Claudine Harris and Marianne Milkman. Milkman suggested that thank-you letters be sent to each candidate that interviewed. Slockett and Kriz agreed. Slockett thanked Bob Welsh for sitting in on all of the interviews and contributing to the process. Kriz thanked Recording Secretary Casie Parkins for her work. Slockett agreed. Kriz moved to adjourn. Slockett seconded. Everyone said aye.
Adjourned at 1:27 p.m.