LEE COUNTY – Lee County Supervisor Chairman Garry Seyb announced during the GOP caucus earlier this month that he would be seeking another 4-year term as a Lee County Supervisor.
Seyb said it took some time and consideration before deciding on whether to run for another term, citing the commitment that is required of the post.
Seyb defeated long-time supervisor Gary Folluo in the 2020 election by about 250 votes and has served as either Vice Chairman or Chairman of the board of supervisors for three of his four years.
Seyb joins current Lee County Supervisor Ron Fedler and current Lee County Auditor Denise Fraise in announcing their intentions to seek a spot on the board. Fraise will challenge Fedler for the District 1 seat.
Seyb said he’s made a commitment to reduce taxes in the county and he wants to see that promise through.
“I told voters four years ago that I was going to reduce taxes and I want to see that done, even though it may take another two or three years to get it done,” Seyb said.
But that battle is being made tougher as state legislators continue to frame county budgets with a mandated $3.50 general fund levy maximum by July 1, 2028. Seyb said he thinks legislators are taking a closer look at that mandate and some changes may be on the horizon.
“Anytime there’s change there are growing pains that come with it,” Seyb said. “But our leadership is listening and, based on some conversations I’ve had, some in the past 24 to 48 hours, there could be some changes or adjustments coming in the next few legislative sessions.
“Some may not come this session, but in the next couple of years.”
Seyb has been critical of some of the legislation the GOP-controlled legislature has passed and hasn’t been quiet about sharing his concerns about pinching rural Iowa through some of the bills that have been passed.
Several county officials, including Supervisor Tom Schulz and Lee County Sheriff Stacy Weber, have made trips to Des Moines to meet with legislators to share circumstances Lee County is facing under new laws and proposed bills.
But Seyb said his eyes have been opened over the past four years as to how county government “touches everything”.
The military veteran, ISP officer, and volunteer firefighter said his professional life has prepared him for his public life.
“All of this has prepared me well and led me to this place of public service,” he said.
“They touch everything.”
He said the board has been very busy over the last three years and has accomplished more than he anticipated. Citing the growth of the Lee County Ambulance service and the handling of the financial crunch caused by the expansion of EMS staff in the wake of the closure of Keokuk Blessing Hospital and Emergency Room, Seyb said the board has been efficient.
He also cited the restructuring of the county’s IT department and the work done with America Rescue Plan Act funding to get increased broadband service in the county are also big improvements to the county.
Seyb serves on about a dozen committees and is liaison to many county departments. He said the county has great people and he wants to be part of continued growth in the county for four more years.
“I feel blessed to have been the vice chair or chair for three of the past four years,” he said. “I’m also proud to have been part of the first class of Certified Supervisors from ISAC.”
“This is more than just a Monday in a seat,” Seyb said. “It’s not about the money either. I think Lee County is ranked 95th or 96th in state in Supervisor pay so it’s not about that. It never has been.”
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