Jill Altringer narrowly defeats John Forbes to win Polk County supervisor District 2

Republican Jill Altringer will represent District 2 on the Polk County Board of Supervisors, narrowly defeating Democratic challenger John Forbes.

Altringer clinched 50.4% of the votes, according to unofficial results. Forbes got 49.4%, the unofficial results show.

Altringer, 49, an attorney and chair of the Polk County Conservation Board, said she wants to bring a working family's perspective to the board. She said she will prioritize lowering property taxes, government transparency and outdoor recreation for mental health.

"Wow, a flood of emotions: Relief, grateful, enthusiastic, all at the same time," Altringer said of her win. A strong competitor like Forbes, she said, can make a candidate even stronger.

Altringer will represent Urbandale, Johnston, Grimes, Polk City, Alleman, Sheldahl, Elkhart, Bondurant, Mitchellville and unincorporated portions of Polk County.

Altringer defeated opponent Bob Start in the June primary to win her party's nomination. She replaces six-term supervisor Robert Brownell, who announced his retirement in March 2023 following his wife's diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease.

Two of the five seats on the board ― District 2 and 3 ― will see new representation following the election.

Forbes, 67, a retired pharmacist and representative on the Iowa Legislature, ran on "human service issues," including mental health, homelessness and food insecurity.

In a Facebook post Tuesday night, Forbes said he called Altringer to congratulate her on her victory.

"I wish her the best in representing the 2nd District on the Board," he wrote. "We worked hard and I am proud of our campaign. Thanks again to all our campaign volunteers."

More: Meet the candidates running for Polk County supervisors District 2 in Urbandale, Johnston

Altringer prioritizes fiscal responsibility, cutting property tax levy

One of Altringer's top priorities is cutting the property tax levy and focusing on accountability and transparency to help Polk County families keep more of their hard-earned money, she wrote in a Register candidate questionnaire.

Altringer told Register editorial board members her first goal is to develop a strategic plan that speaks to the county's plans or "vision statement" around the budget ― a way to bring supervisors together to think about the county's short- and long-term financial goals. The board would come back each year to make sure it's on track to reach its goals.

"Once you have those priorities, that makes budgeting an easier process because you can look at, 'What do we need?' and 'How do we get there?' instead of, 'How much money do we have to spend?' and 'How are we going to spend it?'" she said.

More: Where Polk County supervisor candidates in Urbandale, Johnston stand on homelessness, taxes

How will Altringer change the face of the Polk County Board of Supervisors?

With a 40% turnover on the county board, Altringer told the Register in an email a structured transition is "essential to maintain continuity in critical programs and community initiatives, while building a shared vision for the future."

She advocates for an onboarding program to integrate board members that should discuss ongoing board challenges and facilitate introductions with key stakeholders to foster relationships.

Altringer reiterated a need for "strong strategic planning" and a comprehensive budget review to "understand current financial commitments and upcoming fiscal challenges, ensuring informed and effective decision-making from the outset."

Altringer, who lives in Grimes, served on Grimes City Council for 15 years starting in 2006, the Metro Advisory Council and the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority strategic planning committee.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Republican Jill Altringer wins Polk County supervisor District 2 seat