Commissioners may come from all walks of life; all you need is an interest in protecting our natural resources. If you are qualified to vote in a general election, you are eligible to be a candidate for election to the board of the Allamakee Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).  You must reside in Allamakee County. Only one commissioner may reside in any one township.  Townships open in the next election are all but Makee, Center, and Taylor.  Five commissioners are elected at general elections on a nonpartisan basis for staggered four-year terms. There will be 2 terms culminating at the end of this year.

As a commissioner, you’ll help decide the direction of soil and water conservation programs in you county, and have the opportunity to influence state and national conservation programs. Your involvement will include activities such as soil loss complaints, establishing acceptable soil loss limits, publishing an annual report, approving soil conservation plans, and assisting in the management of district funds and personnel. 

You are reimbursed for expenses and protected from personal liability. Commissioners are expected to take part in regular monthly meetings, become knowledgeable of the SWCD laws and programs, develop and carry out soil and water resource conservation plans, and help direct financial incentives programs.

Nominating petitions can be picked up from the Allamakee SWCD office at Waukon, Iowa. The next general election is Tuesday, November 4, 2014. Nomination papers need to be signed by 25 electors and filed with the County Auditor, Waukon, Iowa by the closing time of the auditor’s office (5 p.m.) on August 27, 2014. Questions regarding becoming a commissioner may be directed to Allamakee County SWCD at 563-568-2246 extension 3.