CLINTON — Candidates for state and local elections voiced their opinions on big issues at a forum at Clinton City Hall on Thursday.

The eight candidates got a chance to introduce themselves to voters and show what issues mattered most to them.

Candidates for Iowa Senate District 49, Democrat Rita Hart and Republican Andrew Naeve; Iowa House District 97, Democrat Ted Whisler and Republican Steven Olson; Iowa House District 98, Democrat Mary Wolfe and no-party candidate Carolyn Grimes; Board of Supervisors, Democrat John Staszewski and Republican Tom Determann attended the forum.

Major issues discussed included mental health redesign, economic development, education and tax rates.

Board of Supervisors

Determann is vying to take the county official position from current Supervisor Staszewski. Determann comes forward with 40 years of experience in business and involvement in the community, while Staszewski brings more than 30 years of experience working for the government and time invested in the community.

Both candidates emphasized working with surrounding communities and the legislature to bring economic development to the area. They also stressed the importance of working with the Clinton Regional Development Corp. Mental health redesign was addressed as a major concern for both candidates.

“We have to work together to figure this out,” Staszewski said. “These cuts create problems not only for the people needing these services and their families, but also for law enforcement. When people aren’t getting help they need they could end up in jail and that could lead to overcrowding.”

The condition of the Clinton County Jail was another major concern for the candidates. Determann said the county has done a fantastic job, but the conditions are bad and something needs to be done. Staszewski said the jail is something that needs to be dealt with in the near future, within five years.

Bonding was something neither candidate supported except in dire circumstances. The county has only bonded twice, for road improvements and for the railport project, according to Staszewski. He said the board doesn’t like to place the burden on taxpayers and is careful with their money. Bonding is something that should only be done if necessary for Staszewski. Determann said the county should try to go through TIF funding to avoid affecting county taxpayers.

Iowa House District 98

Wolfe, of Clinton, is seeking a second term. She is running Grimes, also of Clinton.

District 98 covers the city of Clinton as well as the eastern part of Clinton County.

Wolfe stated her opposition of the mental health redesign. She voted against the bill and said there was a lack of understanding of the consequences among legislators. This is something the representatives will review in the future, according to Wolfe. Grimes said the shifting of mandates like this is an unfortunate commonality in the government.

“Everyone should learn to live within their budget,” Grimes said.

The two candidates went separate ways regarding the possible increase of 10 cents in gas tax. Grimes said that while the county needs money for the road use fund, she does not support the increase of 10 cents. Wolfe said she completely supported the increase and that it is very crucial to generate more revenue.

“This increase over a period of two to five years is crucial to improve Highway 30,” Wolfe said. “We need to prioritize. This is a huge economic advantage.”

As far as ideas for economic growth, Wolfe said the county should look into enforcing a 7-percent Internet sales tax for local businesses. She said currently businesses are missing out on this source of revenue. Grimes said she would like to ease the property tax on everyone and urge the government to pay more attention to the county’s small businesses instead of focusing too much on bringing in new ones.

Iowa House District 97

Olson, of Dewitt, faces opposition from Whisler, of LeClaire, as he seeks his sixth term in office.  

District 97 covers the western part of Clinton County and the northern part of Scott County.

Olson brought up the importance of working together to make the best of the mental health redesign. He said the regionalization of mental health services was meant to bring services to all of Iowa and to work toward attracting health professionals to the region.

“I commend our county for teaming up with other counties to improve mental health,” Olson said. “Together we can work smarter.”

Whisler said the redesign will lead to a cut back in professionals and could lead to overcrowding in the jails.

Wholesale tax reform remained a constant platform for Olson, who supported the increase in gas tax for improvements on U.S. 30. Whisler also supported the tax, but said he would rather see a tax of 5 or 6 cents, along with a preference for local contractors for road use fund projects.

In regards to Clinton having one of the highest corporate income tax rates, Olson said the tax system needs to be reevaluated. Whisler said he had no position on corporate income tax, but supports property tax reform for the sake of encouraging job growth.

Iowa Senate District 49

Two candidates are seeking to be the first elected in the newly formed Iowa Senate District 49. Hart, of Wheatland and Naeve, of Andover, will seek the seat.  

Unfunded mandates were firmly opposed by both candidates. In regards to the possible gas tax increase, Naeve said the legislature should wait until the economy is better to revisit the issue regarding the tax, instead of creating a burden while businesses are still weak. Hart said the desire to get more money for roads is great and also to improve safety issues, but that it was really something she would have to think about.

Reducing corporate tax rates is crucial to creating a business-friendly environment, according to Naeve. He said that it is something that the county really needs to do and not pass the burden on to local government. Hart said it was a great concern, but by using balance and common sense, she would find a way to not create a burden for those affected.

Both candidates stressed the importance of enticing businesses and growth to the area. Naeve said the area needs to let businesses know that Iowa is open for business, starting with tax reform, regulatory reform and doing away with uncertainty.

“We need to do a better job of setting the playing field with businesses,” Naeve said.

Hart said bringing in businesses is the number one issue in the area. She said legislature needs to look at incentives to provide new businesses and property tax reform, in addition to having a skilled and educated labor force.

“We can encourage businesses to make an investment here,” Hart said.

Elections will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6.  However, early voting starts Sept. 27.