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A state senator representing Cedar Rapids and a small-business owner are running against each other for a seat on the Linn County Board of Supervisors.

Molly Donahue, an educator and Democrat in the Iowa House, faces Brandy Zumbach Meisheid, a business owner and community volunteer, in the Nov. 5 election.

Donahue is an educator who has served in the Iowa Legislature since 2019 — first in the Iowa House before being elected in 2022 to represent Iowa Senate District 37. The Senate district encompasses Marion and part of southeast and northeast Cedar Rapids.

Molly Donahue

Zumbach Meisheid, a Republican, will run for District 3 in hopes of succeeding her father, incumbent Supervisor Louis Zumbach, who announced in February he will not seek re-election “due to some soul searching and health issues.” She has managed her father’s campaign and works remotely as director of development for Buena Vista University.

The seat represents Marion, Robins, Lisbon, Mount Vernon, Springville, Bertram, Prairieburg, Coggon, Central City, Alburnett, Center Point and Walker, as well as most unincorporated rural areas of Linn County. It is the only supervisor seat on the ballot this year.

Zumbach Meisheid said priorities on the most important issues facing the county can vary “significantly” among residents. If elected, she would focus to ensure all voices are heard and represented to make Linn County a place where people want to live and raise their families.

Brandy Zumbach Meisheid

Zumbach Meisheid she would make sure the county’s property taxes reflect services people want and need.

Donahue said it’s important to ensure tax dollars are being used “efficiently and transparently” to provide public services people expect, such as public safety and safe secondary roads and bridges.

Donahue wants to address economic development in rural areas and small towns, including affordable housing, strong public schools and recreation to create communities where people want to “live, work, play and to raise their families,” she said.

Health care and mental health

Establishing a strong public health system — especially in rural Linn County where access to health care, mental health and rehabilitation services can be more difficult — also is a priority for Donahue, she said.

“We need incentives to draw in more mental health professionals to the state and into the county, as well as facilities with beds for those in need,” Donahue said.

Zumbach Meisheid said counties have a “vital role” in making sure people who need mental health services know where to get them. But with the passing of House File 2673 earlier this year , counties have less of a role in funding, providing and overseeing the delivery of mental health services.

The legislation creates seven unified behavioral health districts, answering advocates' calls to treat the issues under combined funding streams. Previously, the networks were made up of 32 regions in the state — 13 for mental health care and 19 for substance use issues.

“I want to make sure that the Linn County General Services Department works closely with the new mental health district to make sure that residents of Linn County have the information on who to contact to access these services for themselves or their families, should the need arise,” Zumbach Meisheid said.

Affordable housing

The county should play a role in ensuring affordable housing is available to residents, Donahue and Zumbach Meisheid agree.

Zumbach Meisheid said that should include cooperation and partnerships with other municipal entities as well as private and nonprofit sectors of the community.

Donahue said the county’s role in affordable housing is in coordination, funding and support, including enforcing policies that promote affordable housing initiatives and zoning reforms to facilitate development.

This should be done by working closely with municipal governments and engaging nonprofits to combine efforts, share resources and develop comprehensive regional strategies and encourage partnerships with private developers, Donahue said.

Wind and solar energy

When it comes to wind and solar energy, both Donahue and Zumbach Meisheid say alternative energy is an important part of creating a cleaner environment by reducing air pollution.

Donahue said the ordinances in Linn County “balance development with community concerns.”

“As technologies evolve, it may be necessary to adapt the ordinances in the future ...,” Donahue said. “Economically, solar and wind will both lower energy costs and create good paying jobs. Changes that the county could make would include enhancing incentives for both residential and commercial installations with covered parking lots, roofs tops, and building roofs.”

Zumbach Meisheid said she would support requiring companies that propose wind and solar projects to post a performance bond, that would guarantee the land of property owners be restored to its original value after the project is completed.

“Personally, we have found that solar systems work well on our family farm, significantly reducing our electrical costs,” Zumbach Meisheid said. “While I believe privately owned solar is the most beneficial for individuals, I would also advocate for a change in Iowa Code to support community solar initiatives that could broaden access for more residents.”