About Bob Bartles

I’m running for Des Moines County Supervisor because I believe in strong rural communities, responsible local government, and looking out for our neighbors — the same values I was raised with.

I grew up on a multi-generational century farm in Missouri, where I learned early the importance of hard work, self-reliance, and community. My parents didn’t have much, but they were self-reliant and lived simply. Their example shaped who I am and how I lead.

Education has always mattered in my family. My grandmother taught in one-room schoolhouses. When the state required teachers to have a degree, she went back to college in her mid-60s to keep teaching rural kids. I followed that example, becoming only the second person in my family to earn a college degree, and later earned a Master’s in counseling psychology.

My career has been dedicated to service. I spent decades leading nonprofit organizations that support people with intellectual disabilities, including serving as Executive Director of Hope Haven in southeast Iowa. I’ve also been active in community leadership — past president of the Burlington Rotary Club, a Greater Burlington Partnership Emmy Award recipient for civic service. I am a member of the Community Foundation of Des Moines County Board of Directors and the City of Burlington Homelessness Task Force.

One of the efforts I’m proud of is helping Ukrainian refugee families and being part of the team that has welcomed more than 200 Ukrainian refugees to southeast Iowa. That work reflects one of my core values: stepping up for people in need.

I’m now running for County Supervisor because Des Moines County is at a crossroads. We face real challenges — from economic development to land use, from rural infrastructure to
community services — and we need leaders who listen, bring people together, and make
decisions based on what’s best for the citizens of our county.

I know this race will be competitive. But I hope to help bridge the political divide and bring
voters together by focusing on things we can all support: safe communities, strong local services, responsible budgeting, and commitments from strong leaders who show up and work hard.

That’s the kind of supervisor I intend to be.