Amosson wraps up service as supervisor

Calling it the most interesting job he’s ever had, Bob Amosson officially steps down as a Cerro Gordo County Supervisor at year’s end.  

After 14 years of service, Amosson decided not to seek re-election to his District 2 seat, which encompasses Clear Lake. The farmer and former state mediator says he is ready to pass on the responsibilities that go along with running one of the county’s largest businesses.

“People have asked me over the years, how come we pay you? Or how come we pay you so much?” says Amosson.  “I  tell them we run a $30 million business with 250 employees.  There’s always something going on.”

Amosson is quick to give credit to his fellow supervisors, Jay Urdahl and Phillip Dougherty.  The three have worked together more than a decade with marked success-- and even more impressive, little drama.

“We’ve got enough faith in each other.  We trust each other and we know we will stand behind each other.  It’s been a good working relationship.”

Amosson also recognizes the contributions of Administrative Officer Tom Drzycimski, who he calls “the glue that holds it all together.”  On average, Amosson said he spends about 25 hours a week on the job and checks in daily at the courthouse.

A major part of the appeal of the supervisor post has been delving into interesting topics. 

“Law enforcement, taxes, the health department-- I never had to deal with those things before.  It’s just been super interesting,” he said.  

He has also found himself in the midst of issues which had never been raised in North Iowa.  Most memorably, a push by Sparboe Farms to purchase land to construct an egg laying plant adjacent to the Union Hills Waterfowl Production Area south of Ventura-- and the public’s resounding opposition-- put Cerro Gordo County in the national spotlight.

“Two hours after we placed a moratorium on such a project I got a call from the LA Times.  Shortly after it was being discussed on the State House floor,” said Amosson.  “We didn’t know we were setting a precedent.  We didn’t know any better.  We were just doing what we thought was right.”

The county’s support of the construction of the $400 million Alliant Energy Plant, the first energy plant built in Iowa in 30 years, along with construction of a new Law Enforcement Center in 2004 also rate among Amosson’s most proud moments as a county supervisor.   But it is the CLEAR Project which he is, perhaps, most proud of.

“The CLEAR Project is a great example of private, city, county, state and federal all working together.  It was truly an enjoyable process,” said Amosson.  The locally created and led water - Read More Via e-Edition