News : Meet the Board of Supervisors candidate: Todd Wiley

Todd Wiley

Editor's Note: We asked Todd Wiley and Ed Sass to share their thoughts about the position of Benton County Supervisor before Tuesday's election. Wiley's response, in his own words, is below:

Todd Andrew Wiley, Candidate for Benton County Supervisor, District 1.

Other than a few years at Iowa State University and a two year stint selling swine genetics in Eastern Iowa, I have been a life-long resident of Benton County. I grew up a mile from our current residence and am the middle of three sons. My parents are Ross and Shirley Wiley, also from rural Walker.

I grew up on a traditional diversified crop and livestock farm where we fed cattle, had a farrow to finish hog operation, and raised corn, soybeans, and some alfalfa hay. As a child I had daily chores and worked with my family on Saturdays and through the summer on the farm. The highlight of my summer was (and probably still is) county fair. As an active 4-H and FFA member, I enjoyed having my own projects and value the life skills both organizations taught me including leadership, parliamentary procedure, and record keeping. I served as a State FFA officer in 1986-87 and worked internationally through FFA in 1988.

After graduating from Iowa State University, I sold swine genetics for two years before returning home to work for my father on his farm. In 1998 he and I started Interstate Swine, LLC, where I remain employed as Managing Partner. My wife, Denise, and I are the current owners of the operation along with a small cow herd and corn enterprise. We have four children ranging in age from 9 to 16. Our six fulltime employees are crucial in the successful operation of our 1100 sow farrow to finish farm.

Community service has always been important to us. The experiences I have had on the Vinton Unlimited Board, Iowa Pork Producer Association Board, and the Vinton-Shellsburg School Board (9 years) have all helped me to develop skills that have proven beneficial as your county supervisor in the last year. We are active members at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton, continuing on our faith journey.

In light of the recent shooting in Jackson County, we need to evaluate security of our county buildings and the safety of our employees. We need to sustain the employee evaluation process that began this summer so employees know where they are performing well and what areas they need to work on. Clearly the Employee Handbook needs updating. I will work to make sure the final document is legally up to date and includes all the pertinent employee policies while not burdening the taxpayer.

I will continue to advocate for the completion of Highway 30 from Highway 218 to Tama. I will support the Benton Development Group in their mission to expand local businesses and attract new economic development. I will continue to learn through the annual budget process and be more critical of how your tax dollars are spent and/or accounted for. I am a thorough, thoughtful decision maker and see opportunities where some only see challenges.

Having served only one year of former Supervisor Jason Sander’s term, I get the unique opportunity for voter feedback much sooner that I otherwise would. I view that as a benefit. I consider myself a public servant and enjoy the challenges and opportunities for growth the position has provided thus far. I was honored to be elected as Benton County Supervisor last November and ask for your support again on November 4.