Dear Editor,

I appreciated seeing the issues surrounding the proposed plant receive additional attention in my opponent’s September 24 letter to the editor, and particularly the recognition of the Benton County Supervisors’ opposition to the project.

As I attended the Benton County supervisors’ meeting on September 15, I personally thanked the supervisors for sending their letter of opposition to the Linn County Board of Supervisors. I also thanked them for filing as intervenors with the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC). I have been advocating since this past spring for Benton County to file as an intervenor. That gives our county a seat at the table when it comes to decisions being made surrounding the proposed Morgan Valley power plant. I have stated publicly, at events and at the doors, my belief that the proposed plant would bring 100% of the negative impacts to Benton County while providing 0% of the tax revenue that Linn County will see if the plant does get approved. This is not a good thing for Benton County.

That position was shared on my campaign page on August 13. 

My experience advocating in Des Moines for the successful passage of two pieces of legislation shows that not only do I have the passion to fight for necessary action, but also familiarity with championing causes that are otherwise seen by big money groups as marginal.

Since announcing my candidacy in August 2025, I have been consistent with my issues: integrity, property rights, fiscal responsibility in our county budget, and strengthening our land-use plan. I believe that when voters look at the consistency in messaging and combine that with my experience and passion for getting things done, they’ll see that I am the candidate who will best serve Benton County.

Bethany Hantz, Candidate for Benton County Supervisor