Name: Ashley N. West-Joons
City/town: Missouri Valley
Candidate for: County Attorney
Explain who you are:
I am Ashley West-Joons, your current Harrison County Attorney. I was appointed on November 1, 2023 and am now running for election in the current year. Prior to my appointment as County Attorney, I was the Assistant Harrison County Attorney. I started in that position October 1, 2010. My entire legal career has been spent as an attorney in Harrison County, Iowa. I was raised in Honey Creek, Iowa, attending school in and graduating from Missouri Valley High School. After high school I attended the University of Iowa, and subsequently Creighton School of Law. Currently my husband and I live just outside of Missouri Valley. Our three girls attend school in Missouri Valley.
I am very excited to be running for this position and am hopeful that I can be a beneficial member of our county government.
Why did you run for this position?
I really enjoy this job and I want to continue to serve the community in this position.
What from your background qualifies you for this position?
Well in order to be a county attorney in Iowa, you do need to be a lawyer, so there’s that. However, I think it is likely more important to point to my prior 13 years of experience as the Assistant Harrison County Attorney prior to my appointment as County Attorney last November. Moreover, as I have previously stated, I live and work in Harrison County. My children are growing up in Harrison County. I want this to continue to be a great place to live.
What are your goals if elected?
I would like to continue to work with law enforcement to ensure better outcomes in criminal cases. Further, I believe it is important that other County Departments understand the role I play in our county government and how I can best support them in their positions. Working together ensures better outcomes for our citizens.
