December 3, 1998- Johnson County Supervisor Joe Bolkcom resigned (effective December 31) in order to serve in the Iowa State Senate. Under the Code of Iowa, a committee consisting of the auditor, recorder, and treasurer was charged with filling the vacancy.
December 7- The committee of Auditor Tom Slockett, then-Treasurer Cletus Redlinger, and then-Recorder Deborah Conger decided to appoint a supervisor and set an application deadline of December 30. While not voting as they were not yet in office, Treasurer-elect Tom Kriz and Recorder-elect Kim Painter attended this meeting and concurred with the decisions.
December 30- Twelve applicants filed before the deadline.
- Myron Smalley
- Albert Doden
- Jo Lavera Jones
- Bud Louis
- Tom Carsner
- Charles Major
- Carol Thompson
- Vic Edwards
- Cathy Fitzmaurice
- Susan Horowitz
- Norm Bickford
- Bill Terry
January 1, 1999- Recorder Kim Painter and Treasurer Tom Kriz assumed office.
January 6- The committee (now consisting of Slockett, Kriz, and Painter) decided to interview all twelve applicants and to ask all applicants the same questions.
January 7- The committee agreed to a list of questions.
January 9, 13 and 14 - The committee conducted interviews.
January 14- Following the final interview, the committee discussed the applicants and voted unanimously to appoint Carol Thompson.
January 28- The deadline to petition for a special election passed with no petitions filed.
February 1- Supervisor Carol Thompson was sworn in to fill the remainder of Joe Bolkcom's unexpired term through the next general election.
February 3- Iowa Legislature voted to schedule June 29 special election on constitutional amendments.
April 15- Johnson County Democratic Party reconvened 1998 county convention and nominates Thompson to run in the June 29 election.
April 20- Letter sent to political party chairs and Johnson County Extension Service advising that on the advice of the County Attorney, the seat would not appear on the June 29 ballot.
April 21- John Boardman files nomination petitions and was notified that the Board seat will not appear on the ballot. The same day, Boardman filed motion in Johnson County District Court to have the Board seat placed on the June 29 ballot.
May 11- District Court conducts hearing.
May 17- District Court ruled that the seat on the Board of Supervisors must appear on the June 29 ballot. Since ballots must be ready for early voting by May 20, Auditor Slockett declined to appeal the decision and placed the seat on the ballot.
June 29- Thompson elected to fill remainder of unexpired term through December 31, 2000.