John Swanson is a believer in strong fiscal discipline. He will prioritize economic development as a means to expand our tax and employment base rather than continue tax and fee increases.
RESPONSIBLE BUDGETING
John is accustomed to finding government waste in our state agencies. He believes the public is tired of being played with in “budget games.”
John will aim to fund core county services first - and then we can have an intelligent debate about extras with funds left over.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Clean and safe neighborhoods are required for the present and future viability of our county.
Polk County Sheriff’s deputies, nonprofits, and health care providers do work for our communities that are vital. We are facing ever-increasing substance abuse and mental health issues. These add weight to those shouldering the responsibility.
John will make sure our Sheriff’s office has proper staff and equipment. He is a committed supporter of law enforcement.
TRANSPORTATION
Safe and well-maintained roads, bridges and highways are critical.
John has deep experience with state-level transportation policy and aims to use that expertise as Polk County seeks regional transportation solutions.
County road funding and quality should not see any deterioration. On the horizon will be a state legislative conversation about a transportation funding package.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is the heartbeat of Polk County. It is a primary driver of our local economy, and engrained in our heritage.
Our farmers and foresters deserve encouragement and support from government - not lip service. We need to find ways ease the pressures they face from taxation and overregulation. Right now we have to import timber and produce from overseas that could easily be grown and processed right here - but regulatory overkill has made it unaffordable.
John will always be a strong voice for farming and forestry in Polk County.
OUR FAIRGROUNDS
Stabilizing the Polk County Fairgrounds is a major goal for John. Our fairgrounds is the county’s main evacuation hub, as well as a cultural and economic driver with over 700 events per year.
John supports finding private funding solutions first to offset taxpayer costs. He has put his own campaign money into the Fairgrounds, hosting both his kickoff and election night events in Building B.
TACKLING HOMELESSNESS
John is interested in not just talking about homelessness, but taking action. He has strong relationships with leadership in our neighboring affected counties, and can help bridge divisions that take place across the different jurisdictions to minimize finger pointing.
He believes in rolling up our sleeves and going hard after drug dealers that haunt camps. Dealers take action to keep addicts in, who may otherwise pursue help.
John is helping to encourage more private entities to step up and solve this once and for all. He doesn’t believe in permanent shelters with an endless flow of taxpayer money to fund them - but will work with local jurisdictions and programs so that people can get the help they need.