Moments ago the USDA confirmed the news many Iowans who move in political circles have known for quite some time. State Representative John Whitaker (D-Hillsboro) will head the Iowa F.S.A. office and Bill Menner of Grinnell will head USDA Rural Development in Iowa. Menner, a former KUNI statehouse reporter, left reporting over a decade ago and has worked on economic development projects in the Grinnell area. He's also "served" as a tennis coach at Grinnell College.
A special election must be held to fill Whitaker's seat in the Iowa House.
Read the news releases from USDA below. Note Mr. Menner is called "William" and not "Bill" as I have done. Statements from both Whitaker and Menner are below, too, as well as the announcement of a candidate who wishes to win Whitaker's House seat.
Obama Administration Names John Whitaker to Serve as State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Iowa
WASHINGTON, July 17, 2009- The Obama Administration today announced that John Whitaker will serve as Iowa State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA.
"John Whitaker has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Whitaker has been a family farmer since 1979. He has represented his community in the Iowa State Legislature as their State Representative since 2003. Whitaker served as the Assistant Minority Leader from 2005-2006 and as the Assistant Majority Leader since 2007. Prior to joining the state house, he served as the Van Buren County Supervisor from 1993-2002 and was the President of the Iowa Farmers Union from 1992-2001. Whitaker earned two bachelor degrees from Iowa State University.
USDA's Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts include facilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservation programs, providing operating loans for the procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as offering ownership loans to help new and veteran producers purchase a farm. FSA also works to procure various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs.
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.
Obama Administration Names William Menner to Serve as State Director for Rural Development in Iowa
WASHINGTON, July 17, 2009 – The Obama Administration today announced that William Menner will serve as Iowa State Director for Rural Development at the USDA.
"William Menner will be an important advocate on behalf of rural communities throughout the state and help administer the valuable programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance their economic success," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Menner is currently the Executive Director for Poweshiek Iowa Development, where he manages, raises funds and develops strategy for a county-wide non-profit economic development organization. Since 2001, he has also been an Executive Director for Grinnell Renaissance where he managed the downtown development organization that made an impact on the Central Business District. Additionally, Menner has been an Executive Director for the Grinnell Tourism Group since 2003 where he manages advertising, organizes community celebrations, develops strategies for increasing local tourism and led a ballot initiative to increase hotel-motel tax. Menner also served as the Senior Program Director to the State Public Policy Group, Inc from 1998-2001 as well accumulating 24 years of public radio experience. He has dedicated many years of service to various boards and committees in Iowa that are committed to innovation and development. Menner holds a master's degree in political science and a bachelor's degree in journalism, both earned from Ohio State University.
Rural Development administers and manages over 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs as laid out by Congress through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of over $114 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.
UPDATE: Whitaker issued a statement.
STATEMENT FROM REP. WHITAKER ON APPOINTMENT AS
IOWA DIRECTOR OF THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY
“I am deeply humbled and honored today to accept the appointment as Iowa Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) from President Obama and US Senator Tom Harkin. As a farmer and public servant over the last two decades, I am excited about this new opportunity to work with US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and renew the US Department of Agriculture’s commitment to Iowa farmers and rural communities.
I will bring the same values with me to FSA that I carry with me as State Representative – listening to Iowans and providing honest, open and accessible service to everyone.
As State Representative for the last seven years, it has been a great honor to serve the people of Van Buren, Wapello, and Jefferson Counties. I am extremely grateful for their trust and support over the years. However, the Iowa FSA position gives me the opportunity to serve all the people of Iowa. I look forward to meeting Iowa farmers and building strong, vibrant communities in every corner of our state.”
UPDATE II: A candidate has come forward to run for Whitaker's seat. Read his news release below.
HANSON ANNOUNCES BID FOR STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 90
Fairfield, Iowa – Community activist and educator Curt Hanson today announced his bid to replace State Representative John Whitaker of Van Buren County, who announced his resignation from the Iowa House earlier today to become Iowa Director of the Farm Service Agency. Hanson is a life-long Iowan who has been living and teaching in Fairfield for over 43 years.
“My parents taught me the importance of hard work, helping neighbors, and service to community. Those Iowa values will guide my work as the next State Representative for District 90,” said Hanson, a Democrat.
Hanson was born and raised on an Iowa family farm. He attended the University of Northern Iowa and received his masters from the University of Iowa. He and his wife, Diane, have two grown children. They are members of First United Methodist Church and Curt is also a member of the Fairfield Kiwanis Club.
“My priorities are simple: balance the state budget, create good-paying jobs in key industries like renewable energy, make health care more affordable for middle class families, and ensure our kids have the education and skills they need to get a job in these tough economic times,” said Hanson.
Hanson is a retired teacher and driver education instructor in Fairfield. He has been selected by his community as Fairfield Teacher of the Year and has been selected by his peers to serve those in the teaching profession at both the local and state levels. He was also runner-up National Driver Education Teacher of the Year and has served as President and Business Manager of the Iowa Association of Safety Education.
“As State Representative, I can promise the people of Jefferson, Van Buren, and Wapello Counties two things – I’ll work hard and I’ll always listen to you,” concluded Hanson.
UPDATE III: U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued a statement. (The name, by the way, is John WHITAKER — it is misspelled throughout the copy by Harkin's staff.)
HARKIN CONGRATULATES AND WELCOMES WILLIAM MENNER AND JOHN WITAKER TO USDA IOWA POSTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, released the following statement today regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement that William Menner has been named the Department’s State Rural Development Director for Iowa and John Witaker has been named State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency. Harkin recommended both Menner and Witaker to the Obama administration for these positions.
“Bill Menner and John Witaker are both excellent selections for these positions with the USDA in Iowa,” said Harkin. “They bring a breadth of experience, strong qualifications and sincere dedication to their new roles. I am very pleased they have agreed to serve our state and the Department in this capacity.
“Mr. Menner brings leadership experience from being President of Iowa Connections and the Chairman of Iowa Great Citizen Advisory Committee. Most recently he served as Executive Director of Poweshiek County Development where he developed strategy for engaging and coordinating multiple development projects. He also has been involved in his community in numerous other ways including as a coach and emerging preservation leader. I am confident his record of innovation, leadership and advocacy will continue his new position.
“Mr. Witaker understands agriculture first-hand as an active farmer growing grain and raising livestock on his family farm with his brother and son. As a State Representative, he has served on the Agriculture, Natural Resources, Transportation, Public Safety and Rules Committees and earned the respect of his fellow Representatives as Assistant Majority Leader. He has also served the community as President of the Iowa Farmers Union and Chair of the Van Buren Democratic Party. I am confident his knowledge and experience will serve him well as he transitions into this new leadership position.”
UPDATE IV: Mr. Menner has sent a statement to his colleagues in the economic development field.
The call from the White House came last night, informing me that my appointment as state director of USDA Rural Development would be announced today. That announcement became official a few minutes ago.
Although it has been about seven weeks since Senator Harkin called to say he was nominating me for the post, I am still pinching myself. It is a great opportunity and would not have happened without the help of many people.
From my friends and family to public radio colleagues in Ohio and Iowa, from the folks on press row, the House, Senate and Rotunda at the State Capitol to the State Public Policy Group team, from the Iowa Great Places board to economic development partners to everyone in Grinnell and Poweshiek County — my appointment to this position is the result of my collective experiences and interactions with you all. I will lead USDA’s rural development efforts using everything I have learned, seen and done. And, I’m excited to begin helping to implement the vision for rural America developed by President Obama and Secretary Vilsack.
I hope to begin at USDA by the end of the month. The search for my successor here at PowI-80 is already underway and I’ll work closely with the board to ensure a seamless transition.
Thanks for all you have done to make this possible.
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
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