Askelson, Thomspon square off in District 3 race

Voters living in county supervisor District #3 will choose between Republican Les Askelson and Democrat Dean Thompson.

Askelson is a long-time county supervisor currently serving as County Board Chairman.  He was born in Northeast Iowa and is General Manager and part-owner of KVIK and KNEI Radio.  He also is the track announcer for the Upper Iowa Speedway.

Askelson serves on ten different boards because of being on the Winneshiek County Board.  He says he isn't afraid to advocate for positions he believes in, having organized two trips to Des Moines to talk to lawmakers about increasing the state gas tax.  Askelson says "It's a hard task," but the county board has held the tax levy steady.  He says the $438,000 county taxpayers give to Winneshiek Medical Center is something the county board can't reduce because the hospital board has levying authority.

Thompson was born and raised in Decorah.  He attended Luther College, then spent 32 years  working for the USDA Soil Conservation Service.

Thompson believes more can be done to make county government transparent.  He says digital video cameras and microphones can be installed to stream the board's meetings live to the county's web site.  He also believes more can be done to reduce county spending, suggesting the county do an energy audit of its properties to find ways to save money.  On the subject of the hospital subsidy, Thompson says he is in "violent agreement" with Askelson that the subsidy cannot be reduced by the county board.

Askelson does not maintain a website.  Thompson's website is http://www.electdeanthompson.com/

Les Askelson

Dean Thompson