Meet the candidates running for supervisor in the new Warren County District 4

Three candidates are competing to represent Warren County Board of Supervisors District 4, which includes Indianola.

It's the first election for this seat, as supervisor districts were redrawn and approved in early January. The change also added two more districts.

Republicans Stephanie Erickson and Mark Kickbush will square off for their party's nomination in June. The winner will face Democrat Eric Martens.

To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal, Des Moines area legislative and local candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

The primary election is scheduled for June 4 ahead of the Nov. 5 general election.

More: Early voting has started for Iowa's June 4 primary election. Here's what you should know:

Who is Stephanie Erickson?

Age: 42

Party: Republican

Where did you grow up: I was born in Dayton, Ohio. Later, my family moved to Manchester, Iowa, where I attended elementary school and eventually graduated from West Delaware High School.

Current town of residence: Indianola

Education: Some college

Occupation: Mayor of the city of Indianola

Political experience and civic activities: Deeply committed both personally and professionally, my extensive involvement in Warren County organizations has enriched my understanding of our community. I serve as vice chair of both the Warren County E911 Board and Emergency Management Commission, roles that enable me to contribute to our county’s safety and preparedness. Additionally, as a board member of the Warren County Philanthropic Partnership and co-chair of the Indianola Town and Gown Committee, I promote unified community development. My broad perspective enhances my ability to represent our diverse district effectively.

Who is Mark Kickbush?

Age: 57

Party: Republican

Where did you grow up: Warren County

Current town of residence: Indianola

Education: Bachelor of Science

Occupation: Retired Air Force pilot/contractor

Political experience and civic activities: None

Who is Eric Martens?

Age: 43

Party: Democrat

Where did you grow up: Martensdale

Current town of residence: Indianola

Education: High school graduate

Occupation: Facility manager and small business owner

Political experience and civic activities: My management abilities have served me well as I have taken on various positions within the hot air ballooning community and the boards that keep us operating. I have previously served as the vice president and safety chair of Fuelink, Inc. I served a term as both vice president and president of the Iowa Balloonist Association and remain an active board member. I am the current president of the National Balloon Museum board. My ability to work under pressure and through difficult circumstances has been a huge asset in navigating the hoops the museum had to jump through post-fire.

Why are you running?

Erickson: I am running because Warren County deserves a renewed vision on our Board of Supervisors—one that assumes every resident is striving to do their best, and supports this with effective governance. My goal is to foster a participatory environment, where decisions are made with you, not for you. In addition to my passion as a servant-leader, I have the professional experience, local government experience, and community involvement to best represent the District 4.

Kickbush: I intend to bring a different perspective to issues, relying on my diverse background and experience to help see issues in a different light and move conversations in a different direction to create motivation to solve issues. I am not a politician. I believe I can help Warren County prepare for the future and be the best it can be.

Martens: I decided to run so I can provide the people with a representative who is open to their needs and will listen to their concerns while providing realistic feedback. To channel those thoughts into bringing not just my own voice but the voice of Warren County's people into the boardroom. I pride myself on my empathetic nature, I am genuinely interested in the needs of others and aspire to be a helping hand to others feel comfortable turning to. I have a no-nonsense approach to the financial implications and limitations a strict budget provides, with an ingrained "waste not want not" mindset.

What is the most important issue facing Warren County and how would you address it in office?

Erickson: Restoring the trust and confidence of Warren County residents is our foremost priority. I aim to foster a government that engages you directly in decision-making, ensuring our actions reflect your input. By promoting transparency and collaboration, we will rebuild community trust. Additionally, effective communication is vital. I will use diverse platforms to keep everyone informed and engaged, including social media, monthly community meetings, and a quarterly newsletter. These steps are essential for maintaining open communication and nurturing an informed community.

Kickbush: Taxes. Core services. Growth.

Martens: Rural roads and emergency services for those folks. I also would like to change the meeting times so more people can attend the meetings and work sessions. Warren County citizens should be allowed the opportunity to feel they are part of their county's financial and decision-making process. While I believe the current board has attempted to do what is financially best for our county, having looked at the budget, I feel there are numerous areas we could make changes and/or cutbacks. I believe we can continue to provide the services our residents rely on while also trimming unnecessary spending. We aren't spending someone else's money; we are spending our money.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet the candidates for supervisor in the new Warren County District 4