MARENGO — Alan Schumacher has spent his life in Iowa County. Born and raised here, he married his Iowa Valley High School sweetheart 43 years ago, and they have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

Schumacher is one of five Republican candidates on the June 4 primary ballot for two Iowa County Board of Supervisors seats.

“I grew up on a farm,” said Schumacher, and he’s kept his hands in the dirt. “I’ve got about 40 acres northwest of Marengo.”

Schumacher worked in manufacturing and served as plant manager for recycling companies. He’ll retire in June.

Schumacher first ran for office in 2016 but wasn’t elected. “I wanted to see change and communicating to our citizens,” Schumacher said.

“It didn’t seem to me that our county government was really an open book, and it bothered me.”

Schumacher was elected in his second bit for office, in 2020. One of the changes pushed for was getting meetings livestreamed and recorded.

Residents can now know what the board of supervisors is doing even if they can’t get the meetings, “and I’m really proud of the transparency,” Schumacher said.

Keeping the county running with rising costs and limited revenue presents challenges. “I don’t know where you being,” said Schumacher.

“How do we continue to fund essential services? We have to be diligent with our funds and how we spend it,” said Schumacher.

The county is fortunate to have County Engineer Nick Amelon keeping roads and bridges maintained,“ said Schumacher. “He’s good at getting grants.”

Schumacher travels all over the state and says Iowa County’s roads are as good as any.

Law enforcement is “a complex situation,” said Schumacher. Iowa County is so near Linn and Johnson Counties, and the more populous counties can offer wages that are hard to compete with.

“It takes you about two budget years to really develop a cadence … for how the county works,” Schumacher said. “I feel so much better now understanding the roles.”

“I’m grateful for the time that I’ve been here,” said Schumacher. Though as county supervisor he has to be available to residents all hours of the day, Schumacher would like to have another four years.