To the editor:

Tuesday, November 4, is election day. One of the items on the ballot is a request from Iowa Central Community College to renew an existing bond. This renewal will not increase your property tax rate. The average home owner currently pays $2.08 per month for this. This rate will not increase and it helps Iowa Central provide needed training programs.

Iowa Central Community College is continuing its mission to help prepare students, support employers, and strengthen communities across North Central Iowa. We have a need for healthcare and workforce training. Iowa needs to play catch up on nursing and dental hygiene programs. Iowa currently needs 5,000 more nurses. A new Ag Science Center will help train people for positions in animal science, agribusiness, precision agriculture, and veterinary science. They will also help train people in HVAC, plumbing, welding, and other high-demand jobs where we currently have a severe shortage of trained people.

Iowa Central Community College currently trains over 2,000 local students. North Central Iowa needs their services to help fill the need for trained people. Please vote YES on November 4 so Iowa Central Community College can help train more people and help them advance their career.

Bob Van Diest

Van Diest Supply Co.

Webster City