I took some time of my “busy” big city Seattle schedule to look in on the election process back home in Iowa. The Gazette Online held a brief online forum for the Linn County Supervisors candidates for District 2 this morning. In that district we have incumbent Linda Langston being challenged by John Erceg (Navy, Ret.).

I posed a question regarding the $1bn flood protection plan put forth by some high priced consultants hired by the City of Cedar Rapids (they like consultants… a LOT). I got a non-answer from both candidates which I can actually let slide for now because the plan is BS and not well understood by anyone other than the high priced consultants. However, one quetsion from Iowa GOP State Central Commitee member David Chung (Dist 2):

David Chung:
Q: How are you qualified to help lead Linn County through the lengthy process of flood recovery?

Candidate John Erceg:
A: Yes I am. I first was involved with disaster recovery after the largest volcano explosion in the last century Mt. Pinatubo the Philippines. I finished my Navy career as head of Safety and Health for the Submarine Force Pearl Harbor a position that needs no mistakes. I was Environmental Health Supervisor for Linn County Public Health which included caring for Jones County . I have a bachelors in Safety and Health and a Masters in systems management.

Candidate Linda Langston:
A: One thing that I think has been useful was my experience at the Kennedy School of Government. I spent three weeks in their state and local official program. The training has been really useful and allowed me to access assistance thru Harvard and KSG. Also, I am working closely with the Iowa Association of Counties and the National Association of counties. I appreciate the assistance of colleagues from around the country.

[via Gazette Online]

Now, to be completely honest I had a chance to hear Mr. Erceg speak several times during my stint on the Linn County Republican Central Committee as he was kind enough to come to our meetings and take questions and explain his positions. This is the first time, however, that I have had any insight as to what Mrs. Langstons background is and might I say it is … enlightening. There appears to me to be a wide gap in relevant experience between these two candidates and I would be more than willing to suggest that the incumbent be tossed out on Nov. 4th in favor of some fresh perspective. I think Linn County needs some of that right now.

Consider also that Linda Langston played a central part in the controversy over Supervisor salaries earlier this year.