News : Candidate Resume: Ron Tippett for Supervisor

With the primary election just a little over a week away, I want to share some information with you all.

I'm originally from LaPorte City and have spent the last 38 years working in Law Enforcement in Benton County. I live in Vinton with my wife, Cindy, and we have 2 grown children and 3 granddaughters. I'm an active member of the Vinton Lions Club, the Benton County Republicans, and the Vinton Presbyterian Church. I enjoy my time as a volunteer coach for the Red Cedar Shooters trap team. I'm a 2nd Amendment supporter and a conservative.

My career started at the Benton County Sheriff's Office in the jail and dispatch area. I went on to work for the Belle Plaine Police Department and then served as Chief of Police there for 11 years. I returned to the Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Sheriff in 2001. In 2017, I began my first term as Sheriff and will retire at the end of this year. My hope is to continue my commitment to public service as a Benton County Supervisor. I have been asked many times why I would retire as Sheriff and jump right back into working as a Supervisor. There are current projects that I would like to keep working with such as the new radio system and the upcoming changes to the Mental Health System. I also believe that that my extensive experience with municipal and county government will be very helpful in all areas.

Benton County has had too much bad press. We need to learn from the mistakes, not dwell on the negative but move forward in a positive direction. The Board of Supervisors needs to work with the Auditors Office, then give directives to Department Heads and Elected Officials when preparing budgets. We need to evaluate our current operations and cuts need to be made. Tax rates are the number one item that Benton County citizens are concerned about. As Sheriff, I have supported local businesses in Benton County, been under budget every year and cut the budget for the fiscal year 24/25.

County roads need to be a high priority. I have traveled every road in Benton County many times over and know the importance of proper road maintenance. Another area of concern is Corporate wind and solar. Benton County currently has protection in place from this and it needs to remain in place. We do need to develop ways to allow for future economic growth. Working together, I believe this can be achieved. As Supervisor, working for the betterment of Benton County will be my priority just as it has been during my law enforcement career