O'Brien Co. GOP picks D1 supervisor nominee
Hartley-area farmer to be on Dec. 7 special election ballot
Share
Tweet
District 1 includes the City of Hartley and the townships of Lincoln, Hartley, Center, Omega, Grant and Highland. Six sections of Franklin Township are also included in its boundaries.
Tim Overmire is hoping a lifelong interest in politics translates into elected office.
The Hartley-area farmer and seed dealer on Saturday was selected as the Republican Party's nominee for the upcoming O'Brien County Supervisor District 1 special election. Overmire defeated Justin McCarty during a special GOP nominating convention at the courthouse in Primghar, 22 delegates to McCarty's 8.
"I've always been interested in government, even back in high school," Overmire said. "It's an opportunity to get in there and make a positive influence."
Both men gave speeches and answered questions during the convention. The process took about an hour, according to Overmire.
The special election was called following the resignation of ex-supervisor Sherri Bootsma. She was forced to vacate her post due to an impending move outside of O'Brien County. Local residents will decide her successor on Dec. 7.
Overmire, 38, is a 2002 graduate of Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School. He described his political beliefs as "for limited government, but positive government." He's held roles on various church boards in the past, but never public office.
"There was nothing real specific that made me want to run," he said. "I've lived in O'Brien County my whole life. The thing I'd like to see is more interaction between citizens and government."
Overmire and his wife, Laurena, have four children: Annika, Ruby, George and Caleb. They farm south of Hartley, and he also serves as a district sales manager for Stine Seeds.
Overmire looked forward to meeting more O'Brien County residents in the coming weeks.
"I'd appreciate if people would get out to vote for the candidate of their choice," he said. "It's an opportunity to have your voice heard."
• Filing deadline is Friday
Anyone wishing to be on the ballot Dec. 7 is running out of time to file papers.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Tim Overmire, of rural Hartley, will represent the Republican Party on the ballot next month during the special O'Brien County Supervisor District 1 election.
District 1 residents seeking to be nominated by petition must circulate papers and gather at least 98 signatures from eligible county electors to be listed. Paperwork is due at the auditor's office by Friday, Nov. 12 at 5 p.m.
As of right now, Overmire is the only declared candidate for the special election. The O'Brien County Democrats held their convention via video call on Nov. 2; however, nobody stepped forward to seek the nomination. O'Brien County Auditor Barb Rohwer reported on Monday that no candidate had filed via petition so far.
Candidates for the seat must reside in District 1, which includes the City of Hartley and the townships of Lincoln, Hartley, Center, Omega, Grant and Highland. Six sections of Franklin Township are also included in its boundaries. Contact the O'Brien County Auditor's Office for more information at (712) 957-3225 or brohwer@obriencounty.iowa.gov.
