(Red Oak, Iowa) – An Absentee ballot worker in Montgomery County is questioning why he was removed from the absentee and special voter precinct board Tuesday night. Joey Norris spoke before the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors during their meeting this (Wednesday) morning after he was asked to leave the counting area Tuesday.

Norris said he believes he was chosen by Auditor Jill Ozuna for those attributes during the primary audit, to work during the general election.

Norris said “There was a a lot of focus on getting done with the count early,” and that he was asked to leave without just cause, by Auditor Ozuna.

He said his questions were treated with “disdain.” Norris’ father James Norris said his son is experienced and knowledgeable in the ballot auditing process, and in following the rules.

He said his son’s removal feels like retribution against the Norris family (for their opposition to the Summit Carbon Solutions carbon capture pipeline), and that he “takes that personally.”

Board policy does not require them to respond to public comments made following the public’s opportunity to speak. In other business, the Montgomery Board of Supervisors set a canvass of the Nov. 5^th votes to take place during their regular meeting that begins at 8:30-a.m. On November 12^th. And, the Board received a regular weekly report from County Engineer Karen Albert.

She said also they are working on plans for projects in their 5-year construction program.

And, the Montgomery County Supervisors passed a Resolution abating the taxes on land owned by the City of Elliott.