Dear Editor,

Recently after hearing I was the subject of a write-in campaign for supervisor in District 2 in Benton County and after telling the Benton County Democrats and others since probably March 1st that I did not plan to seek the office, I have now reconsidered because of recent and past issues.

For starters, questionable firing and hiring in the courthouse and some county budgets spiraling out of control. We need to continue to bring integrity, accountability, and affordability back to the office.

Integrity means no more lawsuits.Accountability means admitting you made a mistake and try not to repeat it, and hopefully you learn from it.Affordability means being a good steward of the taxpayer’s dollar.

I am a retired farmer after 40 plus years. I have always been concerned about losing prime farm ground to industry for private gain. My experience comes from being involved in civic, community, and church activities my whole life and serving one term as your county supervisor ten plus years ago.

I and my wife currently live in Atkins, IA after being displaced from the farm north of Newhall after the 2020 derecho. We have a son and daughter, two granddaughters, and a great grandson.

To have my name placed on the general election ballot on November 3rd, 2026, I understand I must file an affidavit of candidacy and political party convention certificate and it appears the filing deadline is August 26, 2026 by 5 PM.

I would appreciate your vote and support.

Terry Hertle