Johnson County Supervisor Pat Heiden will not seek reelection in 2022

Johnson County Board of Supervisors Chair Pat Heiden told the Press-Citizen on Friday that she will not seek reelection in 2022, bringing a close to four years in county government.

"I worked hard for this seat and I am so very grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity and be able to pay back this community that has given me and my family so much," she said. "As I approach my 68th birthday, I am well aware of the years ahead and the reality is that I want to spend more time with my family, especially a new grandson whom I adore."

Heiden, 67, was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2018 to a four-year term ending in December 2022. She has served as the chair for the past year, helping oversee the county's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it should distribute funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Heiden, a Democrat, worked at the Oaknoll Retirement Center in Iowa City for 36 years before retiring as executive director and running for office. She also ran for one of three seats on the Board of Supervisors in 2016, but came in fourth.

Heiden said that the past year has been a difficult one to be on the Board of Supervisors with COVID-19 and increased division that has often reared its head during public comment at the board's meetings.

"The work wasn't too hard for me. Not one bit," she said. "Even as hard as the discussions and the public comment has been, that is what I signed up to do.

"There's a lot of other things that I want to do, and I'm healthy. If I was younger, I'd be running for reelection."

Before Heiden retires, Supervisor Royceann Porter will take over as chair in 2022 since the position rotates on an annual basis. Heiden said she plans to serve out the remaining year on her term.

More: How Johnson County decided to spend $29.3 million from American Rescue Plan Act

George Shillcock is the Press-Citizen's local government and development reporter covering Iowa City and Johnson County. He can be reached at [email protected] and on Twitter @ShillcockGeorge

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Johnson County Supervisors Chair Pat Heiden will not seek reelection