VOTER GUIDE 2012: Ron Welper for Black Hawk County Supervisor

There are six names on the ballot for Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors. Voters can chose three. After reading about Republican Ron Welper, learn more about the race and view profiles of the other candidates.

Name: Ron Welper

Age: 64

Political party: Republican

Running for: County Supervisor

Family: Wife Sharon, two adult children/spouses, two grandchildren

Occupation: Part time contractor/semi retired

1. Why did you decide to run for office?

As an elected official with the city of Waterloo serving in my eleventh year, I believe it's important to avoid complacency. As County Supervisor I can serve much of the same constituency with a different set of problems and perhaps some fresh ideas.

2. What issues do you want to address if elected?

Issues in government are constantly changing. In a Republic it's important to understand all sides of an issue before taking a stand. Those who speak the loudest may not represent the majority. It's up to the elected officials to do what's best for everyone.

3. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this race?

There is a huge learning curve to be an elected official. Experience and good old-fashion common sense are very important. Having compassion for the job and attendance is crucial. In eleven years, I've only missed six meetings.

4. What is your background?

In 1993 I became a community activist. Not only did I establish a high-level neighborhood association, I was credited for the neighborhood movement. Because of my actions to help people, I was ask to serve on the Waterloo City Council.  I'm in my third term.  

5. What is your favorite thing about living in the Cedar Valley?

What's great about the Cedar Valley is that it can be anything you want it to be. We're large enough to have the same entertainment opportunities as big cities, yet small enough to have the small town quaintness. Our growing diversity is allowing us to experience other cultures, while the Vision Iowa project is breathing new life into our greatest asset, the Cedar River.    

6. How long have you lived in the Cedar Valley and what brought you to live here?  

I've been a life long resident of Iowa.Forty-two years of that in the Cedar Valley minus a tour of duty in Vietnam. I married my high school sweetheart and made Waterloo our home. As a business man, I have worked in Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Evansdale. Our children received an excellent education. In the '80s the Cedar Valley was hit hard with high interest rates and unemployment. I believe the Cedar Valley is coming back stronger than before and the credit goes to its people.