Dale Cline, 58, of Creston was appointed to the Union County Board of Supervisors Wednesday.
The decision came after the appointment committee made up of Union County Auditor Sandy Hysell, Recorder Paula White and Treasurer Kelly Busch interviewed nine applicants Wednesday afternoon.
“I was very surprised. I did not even think I had a chance to be considered for the position,” Cline said in an interview this morning. “I feel so honored and I know I can put forth my best effort.”
The position became open after Lois Monday died in April. Cline will join Board President Dennis Brown and Board Member Ron Riley.
“It’ll be a fresh face for the board room,” said Union County Attorney Tim Kenyon. “As the recording secretary, we had the opportunity to have some excellent interviews. It was a challenging decision for the committee.”
The committee took 16 applications and narrowed them down to nine to be interviewed. The nine were Cline, Robert Brown of Thayer, James Crago of Shannon City, Larry Latham of Creston, Cody Miller of Thayer, Tom Spencer of Creston, Jim Brimm of Creston, Donna Cunningham of Creston and Dennis Wimmer of Arispe.
Cline spent 37 years working for the United States Postal Service as a rural carrier in Pennsylvania.
He spent several years helping his daughter and son-in-law on their farm between Afton and Arispe before moving to Creston about three and a half years ago after retirement.
Cline said he doesn’t seek any personal gain or recognition by being on the Union County Board of Supervisors. Rather, he just wants to see the county continue to progress for future generations.
One item he said he’s interested in working on is continuing to pay down the county’s debt.
“Most of my adult life, even when I was a teenager, I got involved with 4-H and the legislative body,” Cline said. “I always thought public office was a dream of mine. I do a lot of volunteer work. I always felt I could help out my neighbors and community in some way, shape or form. I figured I’d give it a try. I’m retired and I have time I can spend on certain issues and the interests of the public. That’s why I applied for the position.”
In order to meet Iowa code, Cline must run in the next general election, which is scheduled November 2018.
Monday was voted in during the last election in November 2016 for a four-year term. Cline must complete the remainder of Monday’s term.
“When you make an appointment, they have to run in the next election to finish out the term,” Hysell said. “It’s actually a four-year term, but, per code, if you’re appointed, you have to go on the ballot for the next general.”
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CNA Managing Editor Scott Vicker contributed to this story.