Grit, empathy, work ethic — Why this Algona farmer backs Josh Turek in U.S. Senate race

Joshua Manske is from Algona. He farms, manages farmland and sells farm real estate.

By JOSHUA MANSKE

ALGONA —

I first met Josh Turek doing advocacy for farmers and rural communities at the Statehouse in 2023. He was engaged, curious, and asked meaningful questions. I was impressed.

A few months later, I reached out to Josh to come to Kossuth County and speak at one of our Chautauqua Talks. He responded quickly and said absolutely. Again, I was impressed. Keep in mind, Algona is about three and a half hours one way from Council Bluffs, his hometown, one of the two communities Josh represents in the Legislature. Not a short journey.

During that event, he talked about his experience representing the USA in the Paralympics, where he won multiple gold medals. He described the long hours of training required to make an Olympic team and competing on the biggest stage in sport.

Josh also talked about his struggles.

He was born with spina bifida due to his father’s exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Josh showed humility when talking about his life journey through multiple surgeries, and his grit to not let his disability define him. He talked about how he would drag his wheelchair up flights of stairs when knocking on doors in his campaigns for office, and the surprised look on people’s faces when they asked how he got to their door. We could use this kind of grit in Washington.

I say all of that to say that Josh is a workhorse.

He likes to get things done for his constituents.

Josh has worked in a bipartisan way, which is vital to accomplish any meaningful endeavor — and a rare skill in today’s environment. Josh showed his work ethic when he made the Paralympics team in basketball, and he has shown that in the state legislature and on the campaign trail.

He also has the quality of empathy, being able to relate to those who are hurting or are in tough shape economically or otherwise. This may be the most important trait in any leader.

Lastly, humility.

I noticed this when I first met Josh. He knows what he doesn’t know and seeks out the best advice from those who do. These are the traits that you look for in a leader. Josh has them. They will serve Iowa and the nation well in the U.S. Senate.

(Joshua Manske is from Algona. He farms, manages farmland and sells farm real estate.)

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