(Atlantic, IA) – Cass County Democrats have scheduled an event for this weekend intended to inform people about what those serving on county boards and commissions do, and how you can serve in those types of positions if you are so inclined. The event, “Interested in Running?” takes place Saturday, Feb. 28th, from 10-until 11-a.m., at the Atlantic Public Library (507 Poplar St., in Atlantic). The event is free, non-partisan, and open to the public. All people, regardless of party affiliation, are encouraged to attend. Panelists scheduled to share their experiences include Russell Joyce, Mary Ward, Jody Lorence, Denise O’Brien, and a representative for the Cass County Agricultural Extension Council.

• Russell Joyce will be speaking predominantly about the County Supervisor position. He started his public service career as a township trustee, served on the Cass County Extension Council, spent time as an Assistant Soil and Water Commissioner, followed by two terms on the Board of Supervisors, before becoming the Cass Atlantic Development Corporation (CADCO) Director. He retired from that position in 2018; The County Supervisor positions for District 2 (incumbent Mark O’Brien) and District 3 (incumbent Wendy Richter) are on the ballot this November.
• Mary Ward is running again for the position of Cass County Recorder in this year’s upcoming election. She has held the position since November of 2014.
• Jody Lorence has actively served on the Cass Health Board of Trustees since 2018 including serving in the role of Board Secretary. Jody’s position on the Board of Trustees will be on the November ballot this year along with those of Julie Pollock, Michael Klocke, and Roger Herring.
• Cass County Agricultural Extension Council members serve four-year terms, and the following seats will be on the November ballot: incumbents David York, Bradley Pellett, Jeb Peck, Chad Becker, and Todd Weppler.
• Lastly, Denise O’Brien will serve as the panelist for the Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District Board. Denise served as Assistant Soil and Water Conservation Commissioner in the years 2018 through 2021. Soil and Water Conservation District positions which are on the ballot this fall are for the seats of incumbents John Hansen (Grove Township) and Greg Zellmer (Pymosa Township).

Other local positions on the ballot this fall are: Cass County Treasurer (Tracey Marshall); County Attorney (incumbent Vanessa Strazdas); Edna Township Trustees (incumbents Kevin Stender, Patrick Erickson); Edna Township Clerk (incumbent Travis Erickson); Union Township Trustees (incumbents Richard Hoffman, Clark Gerlock); and Union Township Clerk (incumbent Cheryl Christensen).

Doors will open at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information on the Cass County Democrats, or to join the Cass County Democrats email newsletter, contact casscountyiadems@gmail.com or follow the Cass County Democrats on Facebook @CassCountyIADems.