Appanoose County primary election candidates

May 21, 2008 09:36 am

— From the Ottumwa Courier
Appanoose Co. Sheriff
CENTERVILLE – Two Republican candidates, incumbent Gary Anderson and Matthew Messamaker, will face off during the primary June 3 to see who will campaign against Democrat candidate Michael Barber in the race for Appanoose County Sheriff.

Gary Anderson
Gary Anderson wants to continue being sheriff in Appanoose County.
“We have built an experienced sheriff’s office and I want to continue that experience for the citizens of Appanoose County,” he said.
Anderson has a couple of programs he’d like to initiate if re-elected.
“I would like to increase the awareness in the Triad program, which is a program targeted at reducing crime against the elderly,” he said.
He would also like to start a countywide animal control agency.
“I would like to try and cooperate with local towns in the county to see if we can get a countywide animal control agency that could be utilized by all incorporated and unincorporated areas in county,” he said.
The third issue the National Association of Counties drug card program.
“I want to expand it and have it utilized more,” he said.
Anderson said he believes he is the better candidate because he is the only certified peace officer with experience in daily operations and administration in the sheriff’s office.
“I’m the only candidate that has managed and planned a sheriff’s office budget,” he said.
He also implemented and managed the enhanced 911 system in Appanoose County.
“I want to continue to serve Appanoose County the best I can and that is what I hope to do,” he said.

Matthew Messamaker
Matthew Messamaker said he would like to make some necessary changes if elected Appanoose County Sheriff.
One issue that he would like to concentrate on the sheriff’s budget.
“I would like to trim it down to where not as much is being cut out,” he said.
Right now he said the sheriff’s budget is around $1.3 million, and he thinks there are things that can be cut from that which will make it more efficient, such as unnecessary travel and some training.
“We have had our sheriff go to several classes and he doesn’t pass what he learns onto the other deputies,” Messamaker claims.
He also said he would like to begin another D.A.R.E. program, working with middle and high school students.
“We want the kids to be able to trust us and know that we are here if they have a problem at school or home, and that they can call us and we can help,” Messamaker said.
“I know what the people want,” he said. “With all the money that is being spent on law enforcement, the people aren’t seeing anything in return.”
Messamaker said county residents trust him and he believes he possesses qualities that would make him a good sheriff.
He has served three years on the Centerville Police Reserves and is a native of Centerville. He said he was asked by residents to run for public office.
“I think I have what it takes to provide better service to the citizens in Appanoose County,” Messamaker said.
Appanoose Co. Supervisors
CENTERVILLE – Three Democratic candidates are competing for two seats on the Appanoose County Board of Supervisors. The top two votegetters will move forward to the November general election where they will square off against Republicans incumbent John Arnold and Leland Hatfield.
The three Democrats include incumbent Jody McDanel, Linda Rouse and Connie Wright.

Jody McDanel
Jody McDanel believes his experience in the county government seat is an asset to Appanoose County.
“First of all, when you are on the outside you really don’t know the workings of the county government and how you can spend the money. Since I am an incumbent, I know some of that,” he said.
McDanel said there are several issues that he would like to address if re-elected.
“The main issue is money and how the county is going to spend the funds in a fiscally responsible way. One place is on the roads. We have worked all this year and we will be working into the future,” he said
Another main focus is to hold the property tax levies at the present rate they are at, while supplying more services to citizens of Appanoose County.
“I have been to Washington, D.C. for the Farm Bureau,” he said. “I have also tried to lobby for issues for Appanoose County. I have been to the state legislature at least four times this year and talked with legislators on issues dealing with District 5.”
McDanel has lived in Appanoose County nearly his entire life.
“I’m going to do what I can, when I can and how I can for each and every citizen of Appanoose County to grow Appanoose County,” he said.

Linda Rouse
Linda Rouse believes she has the ability and the determination to make progress happen in Appanoose County if elected supervisor.
“I think of myself as an advocate, particularly for citizens of rural southern Iowa. I am conscientious and committed. I will work diligently to promote the interests of Appanoose County,” Rouse said.
She also has a number of priorities to tackle if elected.
“Money for local government is always at a premium, it is important to me for county officials to assure those citizens who are most vulnerable will continue to receive services and that the enhancement of those services is a priority,” she said.
“The groups,” she said, “which come to mind, include the elderly, children who are wards of the state, the mentally ill, mentally retarded, and disabled veterans.”
Rouse would also like to lobby for funding to accompany mandates that are put on the countys shoulders.
“The state of Iowa, through the administrative or legislative process, continues to mandate to counties responsibilities which are costly and for which accompanying funding are not provided,” she said. “I will advocate for policies that ensure the funding accompanies mandates.”
Rouse said she cares about her county and wants to work from the inside to try and make Appanoose County a better place for all its citizens.

Connie Wright
Connie Wright believes in being involved in her county.
“I have the time and skills to dedicate to the service of the citizens of Appanoose County. I feel that the best way to improve government is to work from the inside,” she said.
Wrights list of priorities includes economic development and future progress of the county.
“I believe that the county’s image and economic development is the No. 1 issue,” she stated. “We need to use our resources, to help create a unified image of the county as a whole.”
She said every community in the county must work together to be recognized as a great place in the state.
“A common theme expressed,” she said, “has been that Centerville runs the county.
“I know this is not true but again it is the image. Then there is the visual image projected by the county,” Wright said. “We need to instill pride in our home.”
The skills she said she could bring to the office of county supervisor are willingness to listen to all suggestions and comments, do research and make decisions.
“Being supervisor would be the best use of the skills I have acquired from running construction companies and doing research. I spent years working with engineering departments researching ADA pedestrian ramps, successfully bidding over 30 government contracts, each involving several hours of research,” she said.
“I am a better candidate because I think outside the box.”

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