Linn County Supervisor Brent Oleson gave the main address at today’s 12th annual State of the County luncheon at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids during National County Government Month. His theme was “The Power of One, The Power of Many.” The State of the County luncheon was open to the public and hosted by the League of Women Voters of Linn County.
In his remarks, Supervisor Oleson noted how the collective work of individuals is the force behind exceptional things. “What is the power of one? I think the answer to that question is demonstrated each day at Linn County,” he said. “Our stellar financial condition has allowed us to position ourselves for success in the future with key infrastructure improvements, acquisitions of land, and program developments.”
Among the projects he highlighted were the new Linn County Public Health and Child & Youth Development Services building, currently nearing design completion that will be LEED certified and include community amenities; land acquisitions for Morgan Creek and Squaw Creek parks that will preserve greenspace for future generations; trail improvements; and investing in human resource programs and tools that are transforming Linn County’s Customer-Centered Culture efforts.
Supervisor Oleson was joined by three other Linn County leaders who gave supporting presentations. Linn County Auditor Joel Miller spoke about the Elections Modernization & Integrity Act (Voter ID). Les Beck, Director of Planning & Development and Chair of Linn County’s Customer-Centered Culture Steering Committee, spoke about Linn County’s ongoing work on culture transformation to create a customer-centered culture throughout all County departments. Linn County Risk Manager Steve Estenson highlighted Linn County’s response to the 2016 flood and the County’s efforts to minimize disruption of County services.
In his closing remarks, Supervisor Oleson stated, “I challenge each one of us as citizens to harness the power of one individual making a difference in the community. When we do that, we become the power of many. We become a powerful and progressive community. Making changes big and small. Ladies and Gentleman, the state of our County is strong, because the state of our County is as resilient and robust as the ones behind it who make it work, who lead it, who use it, and who live in it.”
The presentations by the speakers are available on Linn County’s website at www.linncounty.org.
The Linn County Auditor’s Office recorded today’s presentation. Video of the event is available at https://youtu.be/SbxVe9vi9pk.