The economic upswing in Webster County is undeniable.

A wave begun by ag-industrial development has led to a deluge of hundreds of well-paying jobs and millions of dollars in investment in Webster County and the region.

Though many entities and individuals deserve credit for their roles, both past and present, in this resurgence, the efforts of the Webster County Board of Supervisors have proven integral to ensuring the continued success of Iowa’s Crossroads of Global Innovation.

Without partisan rancor or petty politics, the present team of supervisors have consistently sought solutions designed to keep the county moving forward.

In the coming election, voters have the opportunity to keep this team together.

We urge them to do so by re-electing District 4 Supervisor Merrill Leffler.

A Fort Dodge native, Leffler has owned businesses in the area throughout the years, including a real estate business for more than 30 years, and more recently Lefti’s Bar and Grill.

In addition to his business experience, Leffler has proven himself a diligent worker on the Board of Supervisors, going far beyond the weekly meeting in terms of devoting time to the job. He is a member of several county boards and committees, including Central Iowa Juvenile Detention, the E911 Service Board, Emergency Management, the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Executive Committee, the HazMat Response Committee, Mid Iowa Housing and Telecommunications.

His role on the board comes at a pivotal time in Webster County.

A recent study conducted by an economist from Creighton University showed that the ag-industrial park could have a $6.2 billion economic impact on the county over the next five years – with an additional $1 billion impact projected for the surrounding counties. In 2013 alone, the ag park was responsible for the creation of 785 jobs with an average salary of $64,358, according to the study.

Maintaining this momentum is essential.

“We have a great relationship with the city, state, Growth Alliance and local businesses,” Leffler told attendees of an Oct. 9 candidate forum sponsored by the Well-Informed Webster People. “The county is moving in a positive direction, and it is not time to make a change in the makeup of this board.”

We quite agree.

The Messenger encourages voters in Webster County District 4 to send a proven leader back to the courthouse this November.