I believe in diversity. I believe in our democracy that is governed by what is right and what it can accomplish. Much like what happened over a year ago at our country’s presidential level, Freeborn County is in dire need of a major shakeup in leadership.

Have you ever wondered about our local government? What actually happens at the county level? What and where exactly are our tax dollars being spent on besides roads and ditches? How about salaries paid? Are we overspending on hefty government support role salaries that can use a bit of lean management? Can some of the roles be outsourced? Better yet, what exactly have our county commissioners done for you, for businesses and for growth in Freeborn County? Do you vote because of a recognizable last name when you see a name on a ballot or do you research the person, the education and what he/or she can bring to the role of commissioner?

Sadly, I may be forced to move my family to the metro areas where growth is constant and jobs are plentiful. How about my children? In a few years, they will both be attending college. Will they be drawn to return where they were born, or will Freeborn County continue to dwindle in numbers and opportunities? How many Freeborn County graduates actually stay in Freeborn County? This is a very disturbing trend indeed. Leadership is to blame.

Freeborn County needs to be more diverse — starting with our governing officials. We need change. We need someone who can shake things up a bit and move the county forward instead of backward. As constituents, you need to ask yourself these questions. Especially since two of these commissioner terms will expire this year.

• Where are the females on the board?

• Why do we continually see the same names on the ballots at election time?

• Is the board active enough in our community?

• Does the board truly listen? I keep thinking about the wind farm controversy.

• Is the board an action board or a non-action board?

• Is the board active enough in our Government Center people infrastructure?

• Where is the cultural diversity on the board?

• Why are the board meetings only offered during the day? Wouldn’t an evening option be good for those who would like to attend meetings but cannot because of work or other commitments?

We as constituents need to start holding these elected officials accountable. After all, they work for us!

I encourage you to go to a meeting. Ask questions. Ask lots of questions. Meetings are the first and third Tuesday of every month. Meetings begin at 8:30 a.m. Meeting notes are online at the county website. Read them. You will notice a pattern and soon realize that Freeborn County is so much more than roads and ditches!

Consider running for one of these roles. We need new ideas, new options, more diversity instead of just settling for the status quo.

Susan Tasker

Geneva