Just because you’re from a little town in the Midwest, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of politics in the nation’s capital. All it takes is the desire, persistence, and motivation to express your concerns and voice your opinions in government. That’s exactly what Karl Helgevold of rural Eagle Grove has been doing for 10 years as a member of the Wright County Board of Supervisors. It’s that dedication as a public servant, as well as a politically-minded individual, that has allowed him to be invited to the White House in Washington, D.C. not just once, but three times. The first time was about three years ago. He and the Sheriff Jason Schluttenhofer were invited to meet with Vice President Mike Pence to talk about and members of his cabinet for discussions that ranged from trade to the opiate crisis.
“The communication was open…it was fascinating they brought us in on that,” said Helgevold.
The second time, unfortunately, he was not able to make the trip to D.C. as his schedule did not allow. But this last time, he cleared his schedule despite the late notice.
Helgevold’s most recent trip was to witness the U.S. China Phase 1 Trade Agreement signing that took place on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020.
“It was an honor to be there…because the China Trade Agreement affects Wright County and agriculture,” Helgevold said, admittedly a bit shocked to receive the invitation by email.
When he found out later he was one of only two supervisors (the other being from Kossuth County) to be invited, he was even more grateful.
So what was it about Helgevold that earned him the privilege of sitting in the same room as the President of the United States, the United States Ambassador to China Terry Branstad, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and Senator Chuck Grassley, as well as meeting and talking with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the CEO of Boeing, the founder of Ebay, the president of the cotton industry and many other dignitaries? Helgevold believes it is because he does his part in communicating Wright County’s, and his own concerns, to the people of Washington, D.C. One way he does this is through the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (which serves as the primary liaison between the White House and state, county – or county-equivalent, local, and tribal governments) who sends out emails once a month. If there is a topic of interest, Helgevold and other government officials can partake in a conference call.
“That’s only been since the Trump administration, though,” said Helgevold who is a big supporter of this way of staying informed. “I like that there is open communication…and at least I’ve got a contact (in D.C.). We need more of that…it’s just nice to have a communication outlet that we can use if we have local issues. It might not get directly to President Trump, but at least I have the confidence that it is getting to the people who can address the situation.”
Although Helgevold had no direct contact with Trump or part in signing the Trade Agreement, he said it was still such an amazing experience just to be in the room during such “an important moment in history.” To witness what was happening, to be in the presence of such a diverse group of people in the room, and to meet dignitaries and have the chance to talk about Wright County and Iowa was an opportunity he appreciated.
“One of the highlight’s of the trip was meeting Kissinger…he opened up trade with China in the 1970’s,” said Helgevold.
He was also able to meet with Steve King while he was in D.C.
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