Three Jefferson County residents nominated to state boards

FAIRFIELD — Three Jefferson County residents have been nominated to serve on state boards and commissions after they were selected by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Dee Sandquist, Nate Weaton and Tim Bower are the three people from Jefferson County who Reynolds selected for various boards. These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate.

Sandquist was appointed to the Justice Advisory Board, while Weaton was assigned to the Finance Authority Board, and Bower was given a spot on the Board of Educational Examiners.

Sandquist, who is also a Jefferson County Supervisor, said she has just finished serving out the final year of a term on the Justice Advisory Board, and has been reappointed to serve another four years. She said her committee meets quarterly, and includes 28 members, but only nine voting members. Her board is tasked with researching judicial issues and making recommendations to the Iowa Legislature. It includes representatives from the Department of Justice, Department of Corrections, Department of Parole, and others.

Weaton, the president of Weaton Companies of Fairfield, said his term will be for six years.

“I was approached about this role, and when the Governor asks, that’s an honor,” he said.

Weaton said the Finance Authority Board plays a role in reviewing grant requests that come to Iowa Economic Development Authority, led by director Debi Durham.

“The mission of Iowa Finance Authority is to provide opportunities for communities in terms of their infrastructure, housing, water quality, farming and more,” Weaton said. “It’s great to play a big part in community development, and learn about what we can do to grow our infrastructure.”

Bower, who is also a member of the Fairfield school board, said he was appointed to the Board of Educational Examiners in 2019, so this will be his second appointment.

“I am very excited to be appointed to this position with the changing landscape within Iowa education systems,” Bower said.

Bower said the board’s purpose is to establish and enforce “rigorous standards” for Iowa educational practitioners to address the needs of students.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com