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DISTRICT 3 - Supervisor Tom Hockensmith
Tom Hockensmith began serving his first term as Polk County Supervisor in January 2003. He represents Polk County’s Third District, which includes the cities of Alleman, Altoona, Bondurant, Elkhart, Mitchellville, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Runnells and the northeast section of Des Moines. He served as Chair of the Board of Supervisors in 2007.
Hockensmith’s previous professional experience includes positions as a policy advisor for Iowa Governor Thomas J. Vilsack, a union representative for American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and as an electrician for the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Hockensmith represents the Board of Supervisors on the Correctional Services Board of Directors, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Wastewater Reclamation Authority and Metropolitan Advisory Council.
During his first term in office, Hockensmith identified infrastructure improvements to support economic development and job growth as his top priority. He was instrumental in developing Polk County’s comprehensive plan to encourage planned and balanced growth through the year 2030. He also played a key role in the adoption of a revolving sewer and water loan program to encourage economic development as well as assisting Des Moines Water Works in the acquisition of infrastructure from the SE Polk Rural Water District which resulted in a 50% reduction in rates for their customers. Additionally, Hockensmith helped secure funding for the completion of several roads projects including: NW 26th Street Interchange on I-35, NE 56th Street reconstruction between Altoona and Pleasant Hill, and the NE 72nd Street interchange reconstruction between Bondurant and Altoona.
Hockensmith has lived and worked in Polk County for more than 40 years. He is a member of the Des Moines Elks #98 and the Izaack Walton League. Hockensmith was previously a member of AFSCME Local 3450 and IBEW Local #499 and has served on the Polk County Democrat’s Central Committee.
Hockensmith and his wife have two daughters in Southeast Polk schools and two adult sons. He is an avid supporter of the East Des Moines Girls Softball League.
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