Democrat · Jones County, Iowa

Bob Gertsen

for Jones County Supervisor District 4

Thirty‑six years keeping public buildings standing, running and paid for. Twenty‑two years living down a gravel road outside Oxford Junction. Over three thousand doors knocked — and still listening.

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General Election — Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Anamosa Monticello Oxford Junction Wyoming Olin Onslow Center Junction Martelle Morley Scotch Grove Langworthy Amber

36 years in school buildings & grounds

3,250+ doors knocked across District 4

1,000+ neighbors talked with one at a time

2004 living in rural Oxford Junction since

Bob Gertsen at the Wapsipinicon State Park entrance sign — Wapsipinicon State Park

Bob Gertsen at a public land access sign in a Jones County prairie

Meet Bob

A gravel road, a workbench, and 36 years of public buildings.

My wife Tammy and I have lived in rural Oxford Junction since 2004.

I'm retired from the Cedar Rapids School District, where I worked in the Buildings and Grounds Department for thirty‑six years. I started out as a janitor and worked my way up to supervising multi‑million‑dollar construction projects for the last ten years before retirement. For an overlapping fifteen years, I was the district's point person for energy conservation. I also served on a state‑wide board that helped school districts buy natural gas wholesale.

In 2022, I ran for Jones County Supervisor in District 4. I came up short — but it was a genuinely rewarding experience. I knocked on more than 3,250 doors and spoke individually with over 1,000 residents.

Visiting one‑on‑one was a great way to hear what folks, who might otherwise not speak up, were thinking.
Bob Gertsen

Thirty-six years

From pushing a broom to running multi‑million‑dollar projects.

Every rung of it inside the same public institution — which is a fair description of what a county supervisor actually does: buildings, budgets, energy bills, and long‑horizon projects paid for with other people's money.

Started as a janitor

Cedar Rapids School District, Buildings & Grounds. The bottom rung, and the best possible place to learn how a public building really works.
15 years, overlapping
District point person for energy conservation

Responsible for driving down what the district spent to heat, cool and light its buildings — the kind of recurring cost that quietly eats a public budget.
State-wide natural gas purchasing board

Served on a state‑wide board helping Iowa school districts buy natural gas wholesale — pooling public buying power to get a better price.
Final 10 years
Supervising multi-million-dollar construction

Ran major construction projects through to completion — scope, contractors, schedule and budget — before retiring after 36 years.

Where Bob stands

Five things the next supervisor has to get right.

Property Taxes

Along with many residents, I am concerned with rising property taxes.

In January 2026 I organized a property tax forum in Jones County — opening and closing remarks included. Residents deserve a place to ask hard questions about what they're paying and what they're getting.
Data Centers

I support a county-wide moratorium, of at least one year, on new data centers.

This issue is moving very fast, and with long‑term consequences. There are too many unanswered questions. A moratorium would allow thoughtful deliberation and study before Jones County commits to something it can't undo.
Economic Development

I believe we need to look at every opportunity for smart growth.

The Iowa Legislature has put counties, cities and school districts in a box by passing a law restricting revenue growth. The law limits growth to 2% while we see inflation approaching 4%. Services are going to be cut — some already have been — or we need to find ways of generating revenue through economic development.
Aging in Place

I will work to make sure all resources are available to assist homeowners to age in place.

Jones County has an aging population — about 22% of residents are over the age of 65. Staying in your own home shouldn't depend on luck.
Law Enforcement Facility

A new facility should be explored.

State inspectors have reported deficiencies at the current Jones County Jail for many years. All of our county employees deserve a safe workplace.

Serving Jones County

Showing up, on the boards nobody runs for.

Oxford Junction Wregie Memorial Public Library

Former President

Led the board of the town library.

Oxford Junction Senior Housing Board

Secretary — currently serving

Keeping affordable senior housing running in a small Iowa town.

Jones County Historical Preservation Commission

Member — currently serving

Protecting what's worth keeping in Jones County.

Consistent blood donor

Ongoing

The least glamorous, most direct way to help your neighbors in their moments of need.

Chip in

A county race runs on yard signs and gas money.

Every contribution goes straight into reaching more doors in District 4. Processed securely through ActBlue.

$10 $25 $50 $100 $250 Other

Prefer a check? Make it payable to Bob Gertsen for Jones County Supervisor and mail to 4237 10th Ave, Oxford Junction, IA 52323

Off the clock

White oak, tomatoes, and a good mystery novel.

Woodworking Latest finished project — and the one he's proudest of — is a white oak craftsman‑style rocking chair.
Vegetable gardening The other thing that keeps a retired buildings man outdoors.
Reading Avid reader of history and current events, and never says no to a good mystery.
Underwater Certified PADI scuba diver — though these days he mostly snorkels. He and Tammy vacation in the Caribbean.