(Atlantic) Former CADCO Director and former County Supervisor Russell Joyce is running for the 5th District Cass County Supervisor seat. Joyce filed papers on Monday to run for the spot held by Frank Waters, who chose not to run again.
Joyce says he brings a lot of experience to the table. He is a life-long Cass County resident and fourth-generation farmer. His public service career started as a township trustee, served on the Cass County Extension Council, spent time as an assistant Soil Commissioner, followed by two-terms on the Board of Supervisors, before taking over the job as CADCO Director. He retired from that position in 2018.
“I learned over these years that it’s important to listen to people and respond, whether they are in my district or not,” stated Joyce. “It’s been quite a ride. I’ve been to every city council meeting in the county at different times, acted as a lobbyist in Washington D.C. for the Hungry Canyons for bridge protection structures, and I always viewed Cass County as a whole, not just my district.”
Joyce says he wanted to get back in it again, and due to re-districting, Benton Township is now in the 5th Cass County Supervisor District, which Frank Waters serves. “We need to commend Frank for doing an outstanding job over the past 12-years. Frank decided not to run, so I’m throwing my hat into the ring and get back into it,” said Joyce. “I am willing to learn, and even though I’ve done a lot of things over the years, things change, and you need an open mind. Twenty years ago there wasn’t a lot of discussion about childcare, and now there is. And there wasn’t a lot of discussion about recreation, which has become more valuable in economic and community development.”
Russell Joyce says being a Cass County Supervisor is a team effort. “The Supervisors act as a team while working with the other elected officials, and hopefully, the other elected officials respond with a similar attitude,” said Joyce. “We all need to work together, and I’m a big believer when we leave this world we leave it in a better place.”
The first filing date was March 2. The last filing date for the General Election is March 20. The final filing date for the Primary Election is March 25.