Special Election to be held in Henry County

MT. PLEASANT - After nearly two weeks of deliberation, the Henry County Board of Supervisors has decided to hold a special election for county attorney.

This decision came after three meetings and a week’s worth of debate between the Henry County Supervisors. Citing his convictions as a remember of the Republican Party, Chad White voiced his support for an immediate special election, declaring that the people of the county had the right to decide. Furthermore, White voiced concerns that, if an appointment was made, a special election would likely occur anyway.

“The boil-down on this seems to be that, if one is appointed, the other party will choose to go with the petitions and get the election, and if the other party- it’s either way, it’s both directions. With that said, are we doing anything but prolonging it 14 days?” he said.

Not necessarily opposed to this sentiment, Steve Detrick preferred the county appoint an interim attorney, citing the need for an immediate filling of the office. If the public wanted an election, he countered, they could, within 14 days of the appointment, circulate a petition, and gain the necessary 566 votes. What seemed the most important to Detrick was to keep the attorney’s office, and the county as a whole, functioning.

“We need to take action, in order for us to continue to function as a county government,” Detrick said. “Otherwise [...] we’re going to prolong this another 14 days, and potentially longer, depending on whether we hit all the timelines.”

On the morning of Friday, Feb. 20, the supervisors voted 2-1 to hold a special election in Henry County. White and Marc Lindeen voted in favor, with Detrick voting against.

Lindeen’s support of the election was simple: “I believe we must let the people decide,” he said.

The election is scheduled for March 31. To run, a candidate must gather 50 signatures from Henry County voters, and submit them to the auditors’ office by March 6. The winner of this election, announced officially on April 7, will be sworn in at the next meeting of the Board of Supervisors. Their term would last until Dec. 31, after which the winner of the general election would take over. According to White, the election process will cost the County approximately $20,000.

Call Marilyn Higgins at 319-368-8895 or email her at marilyn.higgins@southeastiowaunion.com