News Supervisor Candidate Profile: John Long

Editor's Note: Vinton Today has asked candidates for Benton County Supervisor to tell us, in their own words, about their life experiences and their vision for the future of Benton County.

John Long of Belle Plaine, a long-time educator, is one of two Democratic candidates for supervisor in District 3, which includes the southern areas of the county. 

Below is John's story, in his own words: 

I grew up in Vinton, Iowa and left there in 1973 to attend Luther College in Decorah for my undergraduate studies. I arrived in Belle Plaine in 1978 and was hired as a teacher and coach by Norm Nielsen. I currently live at a rural Belle Plaine residence with my wife Stephanie who is a third grade instructor for Belle Plaine community School district and our three children. John Patrick who just completed his sophomore year at Coe College and our daughter Julie will be a senior in high school as well as our son Josh who will be a sophomore in high school

I later worked for the Anamosa school district as an Assistant Principal Activities Director from 1998-2000 and then was the pre-k-12 principal for The HV community School district until I retired in June of 2011. I am currently working for Friedman Distributing, Inc. In Belle Plaine as a salesman of fabric (hoop) style structures.

I am excited about the opportunity of working for the residents of Benton County to help with short and long term planning to make this an attractive and viable place for people to live and raise their families. I want to see a safe, well-maintained infrastructure that provides for the needs of our patrons at a tax level that is attractive for existing and potential businesses.

I was a former member of the Benton County conservation board and I have always supported a recreational opportunity which makes our county and attractive place to live or visit. This is obviously good when our dollars remain in the county. I am a very honest and approachable person who knows how to work with people using the proper channels of communication. I definitely know how to get things done and I will approach all issues with an open mind always considering what is best for our entire county.