11/04/2026
I was reading today's Fort Dodge Messenger and came across this editorial -- and couldn't agree more.
While folks were completing their ballots on Tuesday morning, I was participating in our regularly scheduled Board of Supervisors' meeting. It was a long one, not without its share of tense moments. But what struck me the most was what happened afterwards. Chair Hayek leaned over and said something along the lines of hoping that I didn't take it personally that we didn't agree on our vote for a certain agenda item. I let him know that I actually agreed with what he said in the meeting, and that the beauty of what we do is that we're allowed - encouraged even - to disagree. We just had two differing outcomes to the same commitment to our community.
And that's okay.
Austin and I speak on this frequently - about how we likely have very different worldviews. That's to be expected; we have very different upbringings, livelihoods, and constituencies. If you look at our lifepaths, they look almost nothing alike other than we started here in Webster and sit next to each other here in Webster.
But I absolutely love working with him. I value his opinion and counsel. I think he's smart and funny. I appreciate his openness to taking in all sorts of information before making a decision. We are a LOT alike -- dare I say a lot more alike than we are different.
So when I read this editorial, I was filled with a whole lotta pride. Because we're doing it. I have a ton of respect for Supervisor Hayek and am thrilled to be working with him for the next four years. And I sincerely hope that folks can see this example (& more! it's not just us!) and not have to look to the past with Reagan and O'Neill -- instead looking right here in our own backyards to the collaborative efforts we have right here in our own local governments.
The 2026 general election is over. Many folks will breathe a sigh of relief at that thought. We congratulate the winners of Tuesday’s votes, and we challenge them to do two things. First, the easy challenge, for both the election winners and losers. Remove your yard signs and any other promotional...