Q&A With District 2 Supervisor Candidates

There's a primary election on in the race for the District 2 Supervisor's seat. The seat is currently held by long-serving incumbent Karl Helgevold, who was also elected President of the Wright County Board of Supervisors this year. Helgevold faces a challenge from former Rowan City Council member Ashley Bosch.

I posed a series of questions to each candidate. These were their responses:

Karl Helgevold (incumbent)

Why are you running for Wright County Board of Supervisors? What is the one change you hope to bring about in Wright County?

My first goal would be to foster additional business growth for the continued improvement of our economy. The supporting business and service industry development expected in Wright County should be ushered in with an organized plan for development. Through preparation, we can work to avoid some of the chaos that growth can bring – making it an ongoing positive occurrence.

Second, our county services must be supported and improved where necessary. As our county grows, so must our capabilities. It is important that we maintain fiscal responsibilities while improving our capabilities through technological advancement and intelligent management of all available resources. 

Finally, Wright County is a great place to live and raise a family. I believe it is incumbent on our leaders to not only maintain our quality of life but to diligently work to improve it. That is what I have been doing and what will be a primary goal in all of my decisions moving forward

How do you plan to approach budgetary decisions as a county supervisor, balancing fiscal responsibility while meeting the needs of various county departments and programs?

Sound fact-based budgeting is key to the financial success and stability of a county.  Being able to discern from needs and wants is key.  The job of a supervisor is to develop and manage a budget so the day-to-day needs of the county citizens are met, as well as maintaining our current buildings, infrastructure, and planning for the future. Maintaining our current equipment and putting those items on a rotation for replacement also keeps consistency in budgeting. Meeting with each department head and reviewing their individual budget is critical to the process of formulating a county budget. Large swings in levy rates year to year are not good budgeting, consistency is the key. I am proud to say we have kept our levy rates the same for the past 3 years

How do you plan to ensure equitable access to public services across different communities within the county?

Wright County has always been a leader in equitable access for our citizens. All of our meetings are open to the public with agendas posted at the courthouse and on our website.  We strongly encourage participation from our citizens. Our Supervisors meetings are streamed live every Monday morning at 9 with a public comment period around 9:15.   You do not need to be in person to make a public comment in our open form.  

What initiatives would you prioritize to promote economic growth and job creation in our county?

Tax increment financing (TIF) is one of the most popular incentives used in rural Iowa but it is one of many. TIF allows the city or county to borrow against the future tax revenue from a particular project for a specific number of years, these dollars can be used to improve infrastructure such as roads, water, and sewer. This takes the burden off the local taxpayers for those improvements.  When the taxes of the new business come in those taxes will be used to pay off the improvement debt obligation.  When those obligations are paid off the property goes on the tax roll which increases our tax base.  

Initiatives can be the lifeblood of a county's economic success if used in a responsible proactive way. Used correctly it can stimulate new and existing businesses to grow creating better employment opportunities which leads to a larger tax base, an increased student enrolment,  and the building of more housing. All of this builds a strong vibrant county.  The state gives every county the same incentive tools in the toolbox but it is up to the county to select the best tool to use in each circumstance and weigh the benefit of providing the incentive.

How would you engage with citizens to understand their needs and concerns, and how would you advocate for them at the county level?

Supervisors are on the front line. I am always receptive to comments and concerns of local citizens although we may not always agree on every topic; your thoughts are not less relevant.   

What is your strategy to build relationships with state and federal officials to advance the interests of our county?

The State and Federal government plays a large role in regulating what county supervisors can do. It is imperative we stay on top of pending and future legislation with our legislators where it limits local control. It is so important to stay in contact with our state and federal politicians.  

As your supervisor, I have been very active with our state and federal legislators. I have been elected by my peers in 2019, 2021, and again in 2023 as their District 2 president and legislative liaison to the Iowa State Association of County Supervisors District 2.  This district represents 18 northern Iowa counties. I was also fortunate to have been personally invited to the White House on two separate occasions the first was in 2017 to a forum to discuss rural county and the role of federal involvement at the local level.  The second time was in 2020 to attend the China trade agreement signing. On both visits, I also scheduled meetings with our Congressman and Senators to discuss local issues that our county was facing.

Ashley Bosch (challenger)

Why are you running for Wright County Board of Supervisors? What is the one change you hope to bring about in Wright County?

I'm campaigning for the Wright County Board of Supervisors to not only make a difference in our county but also to make Wright County an exciting and inviting place to live, work, and raise a family. The change I hope to bring about in Wright County is paying attention to how the tax dollars are spent, seeing how to get home healthcare reestablished, and also be more present in the community. 

How do you plan to approach budgetary decisions as a county supervisor, balancing fiscal responsibility while meeting the needs of various county departments and programs?

By allowing adequate time to look over the budgets of each department or program and making sure we put first the necessities of the county.

How do you plan to ensure equitable access to public services across different communities within the county?
By making sure information is readily available for those who need or request it. 

What initiatives would you prioritize to promote economic growth and job creation in our county?

Being open-minded about potential business opportunities that come to us as well as seeking out and getting feedback from the community about potential businesses that would be a great fit for our county. 

How would you engage with citizens to understand their needs and concerns, and how would you advocate for them at the county level?

I would like to attend City council meetings on a quarterly basis to build relationships and be available if questions or concerns arise. I would advocate by taking those questions or concerns to the proper department or back to the board for discussion.

What is your strategy to build relationships with state and federal officials to advance the interests of our county?

By being a voice, for our county, with those officials. Communicating with them to let them know what our county would benefit from and what could potentially hurt our county. Being present, at the Capitol, for conversation and education opportunities. 

Favorite quotes:

Ashley Bosch: District 2 Supervisor hopeful Ashley Bosch shared this quote from fellow politician Ronald Reagan, "There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right." Bosch can be contacted through phone at 712-541-8195, and email at dabosch103@gmail.com.

Karl Helgevold: Supervisor Karl Helgevold shares his favorite quote from politician John Quincy Adams, “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” You can reach Helgevold at; 515-851-1344, khelgevold@wrightco.iowa.gov, Facebook and online at karlhelgevold.com.