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Tom Sands was raised near Columbus Junction in Louisa County.  Growing up and living in rural Iowa, Tom understands the importance of giving back to his rural roots and supporting the Southeast Iowa Economy.  

While growing up, Tom Sands worked beside his grandfather on the family farm.  Tom owned and operated a crop and livestock farm for 20 years just outside Columbus Junction.  Tom left the farming operation in 1992 to begin a different career. 

Tom has proven his leadership in Louisa County for over twenty years.  As a lay minister, he reached out to communities and spoke at numerous locations throughout Southeast Iowa.  He has also played an active role in the local Farm Bureau serving as Finance director and Township trustee for Concord Township.  Tom’s experience helped him prepare responsible city budgets for Columbus Junction and Fredonia while serving on the city council.

                        In 2002, Tom decided to take on an even bigger leadership role, and ran a successful campaign for the state legislature.  As Vice-Chairmen of the Commerce Committee Tom stood up for Southeast Iowa and worked hard to defend his district’s values while arming them with the tools to seek their economic potential.   

EXPERIENCE:

1/03-Present                 Iowa House of Representatives District 87        

1/97-Present                  Ag/Commercial loan officer & appraiser,

                                        Columbus Junction State Bank        

1/96 - 12/02                   Columbus Junction City Council (2 terms), Finance Chair

                                        (Resigned seat due to election to House of Representatives)

4/96-1/97                       Appraiser/lister for VANGUARD APPRAISALS, INC.

1994-Present                Owner of Family Farm

1994-1/98                      Life Insurance Agent with Life Investors Co.

1993-1/97                      Full-time Appraiser

1990-1993                     Sales Manager for Sajak Farm Implement Co., Col. Jct.

1989-1990                     Sales for Pierce Furniture, Columbus Jct.    

1972-1992                     Owner/Operator of grain and livestock farm.

EDUCATION:

1992-2003                     Earned 286 credit hours for Appraisal Field/195 tested hours

                                        Qualified to take test to upgrade to Certified General Appraiser

1990-1992                     Muscatine Community College.

                                        Employed throughout college to pay for expenses.

1972                               Graduated from Columbus Community High School,

                                        Columbus Junction, IA.

CIVIC & Designations:       

Past & Present               

2004                               Iowa Bankers Association House GOP Representative of the Year

2003                               Iowa Bankers Association  House GOP Freshman of the Year 

2002                               Iowa GOP Erma Christensen Chair of the Year

2002                               Farm Bureau’s designation of Friends of Agriculture

                                        Louisa County Republican Central Committee, Chairman 7 years

                                        G.W. Bush for President, Team Leader for Louisa County

                                        Iowans for Jim Leach - Louisa county representative

                                        KIDS Committee, Columbus Community Schools

                                        Sons of the American Legion Post 100, Charter member and

                                        First Commander

                                        Young Republicans in Columbus Community High School,

                                        Encouraged formation and advised the group

                                        United Methodist Church, Certified Lay Speaker

                                        Columbus Jct. United Methodist Church, numerous positions

                                        Louisa County Farm Bureau, Concord Township Director on

                                        Board, finance committee

                                        Concord Township, Township trustee

• As a member of the City Council Tom prepared the city budgets for Columbus Junction and Fredonia

• Charter member and First Commander of the Sons of the American Legion Post 100, in Columbus Junction.  Tom believes strongly in the promotion of Patriotism, flag etiquette, and respect for our veterans and legion members.

• Member of the Columbus Junction United Methodist Church.  Tom undertook numerous leadership positions within his church community including Committee positions and High School Sunday School Teacher.

• Certified lay speaker for the United Methodist Church

• Former member of the board of directors of the Louisa County Farm Bureau 

• Finance director and Township trustee for Concord Township

• Instrumental in helping start the Young Republicans of Columbus Community