William Scherle

William J. Scherle was an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Iowa's 5th congressional district from 1967 until 1975. A member of the Republican Party, Scherle had a notable political career marked by his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he engaged in various legislative efforts and represented the interests of his constituents in southwestern Iowa.

Early life and career

William Joseph Scherle was born on March 14, 1923, in Little Falls, New York. He completed his education at St. Mary's Academy in New York City. Following his schooling, Scherle served in the United States Navy and the Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946 during World War II. After his military service, he attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, from 1945 to 1947, where he furthered his education.

In 1947, Scherle began his professional career as an assistant division manager with George D. Barnard Co. in Dallas. However, in 1948, he relocated to southwestern Iowa, where he transitioned into agriculture, becoming a grain and livestock farmer. He also continued his military involvement by serving in the United States Naval Reserve from 1947 until 1954, achieving the rank of Boatswain's Mate Chief Petty Officer.

Scherle's political career began to take shape in the late 1950s when he became actively involved in local politics. He served as the chair of the Mills County Republican Central Committee from 1956 to 1964, which laid the groundwork for his future political endeavors. In 1960, he was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives, where he served until 1966. His experience in the state legislature provided him with a foundation in governance and public service that would later inform his work at the federal level.

House tenure

In 1966, Scherle was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Iowa's 7th congressional district. He unseated the incumbent Democrat, John R. Hansen, in a competitive election. Scherle's initial term in Congress began in January 1967, and he was subsequently re-elected in 1968 and 1970, demonstrating his ability to connect with voters and address their concerns.

During his time in the House, Scherle faced significant changes due to reapportionment, which resulted in the loss of one congressional district in Iowa. In 1972, he successfully ran for election in Iowa's newly defined 5th congressional district, defeating Democrat Tom Harkin, who was relatively unknown at the time. Scherle's ability to adapt to the changing political landscape was evident as he transitioned from representing the 7th district to the 5th.

Scherle's tenure in Congress was marked by his active participation in various legislative matters. He was known for his vocal opposition to certain federal programs, notably the National Endowment for the Arts. His criticism gained national attention, particularly following the controversy surrounding the funding of a single-word poem titled "lighght" by poet Aram Saroyan. This public stance drew the ire of many supporters of the arts, including notable figures such as George Plimpton, who campaigned against him in the subsequent election.

In 1974, Scherle sought re-election but faced a challenging campaign against Tom Harkin, who had gained recognition and support since their previous encounter. Ultimately, Scherle was defeated, marking the end of his congressional career. His last term in the House concluded on January 3, 1975.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Scherle was involved in various legislative initiatives and served on several committees that aligned with his interests and the needs of his constituents. While specific details regarding the committees he served on are not provided, it is common for members of Congress to participate in committees that address issues relevant to their districts, such as agriculture, commerce, and public works.

Scherle's background as a farmer likely influenced his legislative priorities, particularly in matters related to agriculture and rural development. His experiences in both state and federal government provided him with insights into the challenges faced by constituents in rural Iowa, allowing him to advocate for policies that supported their needs.

After leaving Congress, Scherle continued to serve the public in a different capacity. He was appointed as the Deputy Administrator for the United States Department of Agriculture, a position he held from 1975 to 1977. This role allowed him to further engage with agricultural issues on a national level, leveraging his experience and knowledge gained during his time as a farmer and legislator.

Following his tenure at the Department of Agriculture, Scherle transitioned to the private sector, where he served as president of a consulting firm in Washington, D.C., from 1977 to 1987. This position enabled him to utilize his expertise in government and policy while advising clients on various matters.

William J. Scherle passed away on August 27, 2003, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, after a battle with prostate cancer. His contributions to Iowa politics and his service in the U.S. House of Representatives remain a part of the state's political history. Scherle was interred at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring his military service and public contributions.