Candidate enjoys Iowa County’s outdoor recreation

MARENGO — Doug Simms is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys Iowa County’s conservation areas. That’s why he’s running for a seat on the Iowa County Board of Supervisors.

Simms is one of five Republican candidates on the ballot for the June 4 primary election.

“I grew up, was born and raised, in Marengo,” said Simms. “Lived here my whole life.”

His wife, Michelle, is also an Iowa County native. She’s currently serving as the Iowa County Treasurer.

Their daughter teaches in North English and their son works for Alliant Energy.

Simms has worked in maintenance and as groundskeeper for Iowa Valley High School for 13 years, he said.

“I’m getting close to retirement.”

Simms owned a drywall company for 15 years and worked as a plumber for four years before taking a job with Iowa Valley schools. “I’ve got a lot of experience with construction,” he said.

“I’m really excited about the conservation part of Iowa Valley,” Simms said. “I hunt and fish a lot. I’m down at the Iowa River all the time.”

Simms has noticed public areas of the county that need improvement.

“I’ve actually talked to quite a few people about improving some of the access to the river,” said Simms. Big Bend access by Amana has gone downhill, he said.

Simms has never held elected office, but he’s prepared to research what funding sources and grants could pay for improvements throughout the county, he said.

Hiring a new conservation director was a good first step. Conservation Director Jacob Slings has been on the job for about two months.

“I’ve been listening to the board meetings,” said Simms. Meetings are streamed and recorded and can be accessed at Iowa County, Iowa, Supervisors on YouTube.