Successful day for ISU College Republicans

The Iowa State College Republicans showed that they were a force to be reckoned with when their group gathered at the Iowa State House for Regents Day. Armed with information, signs, Iowa State Daily newspapers and passion the group immediately stood out from the crowd that gathered on the second floor rotunda.

Bus loads of college students and other supporters also gathered to lobby against proposed cuts to the Regent Universities’ budgets complete with buttons that said “Stop the Cuts.” And while this group lined up for a photo op on the House Chamber Floor the ISU College Republicans continued to give interviews with numerous media outlets and speaking with Representatives Jeff Kaufmann, Linda Upmeyer, Kim Pearson, Tom Shaw, Dave Deyoe and others who had made the effort to meet with the Republican group.

According to an article in The Iowa State Daily “this issue was not a political Republicans vs. Democrats fight until Mr. Pals made it one.” Today, in spite of the lobby training tips shared with ISU students by Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, Lisa Heddens and Herman Quirmbach and the Iowa State Ambassadors, Logan Pals and the ISU College Republicans were successful in getting their voices heard.

The debate about budget cuts will continue but with more opinions in the mix. Mr. Pals has taken a lot of criticism from his peers and others but because of his time and attention we are all called to do what the Iowa State Daily recommends: “consider writing to your local representatives to tell them how you feel about the potential cuts. It’s just one more way you can make your voices heard.”  Good advice, not only for students but for taxpayers and those that understand the ISU College Republican sign that said “You can’t spend what you don’t have.”

Stop the cuts the ISU way

Another day to rally the troops at the Iowa State House is coming up on March 7. This time it will be Iowa State University sending college students to attempt to pressure Iowa legislators to “Stop the Cuts”.  As you will read in an e-mail shared in this post ISU will be providing bus transportation, free meals, and other perks to attend the rally. Students who don’t know how to lobby may also attend a “lobbying training day” prior to attending Regent’s Day.

The original e-mail sent to ISU students:

Dear ISU Students,

The time has come to make the Iowa Legislature listen to your needs.
Currently, the legislature wants to propose a 10% budget cut to the
Regents Universities.  A 4% increase from Governor Branstad’s already
hefty 6% cut.  We as a University quite simply cannot endure a cut of
this magnitude.  Programs and services will have to be cut.

Here is what you can do to put a stop to this:  Get involved!  On
Monday, March 7 we will be holding the annual Regent’s Day at the
Capitol with UNI and Iowa.  On this day we will be lobbying
legislators to “Stop the Cuts” to education.  We would like to
encourage you to attend this event.  If you do not have transportation
available to the capitol, a bus will be provided.  Simply
arrive at the west side of Memorial Union at 10:00 am on that day and
be prepared to sign a waiver allowing you to travel.  In order to make
as big of a statement as possible, please try to wear ISU red!  If you
plan to attend this event please RSVP to ddebower@iastate.edu .

We highly encourage any clubs interested in participating to put
together a “club fest” sort of display to show legislators that we are
making a difference in the state of Iowa.   If your club would like
to get involved please email me at jbruning@gmail.com or call me at
712-420-2551.

In addition to Regent’s day, the week of February 21-25 we will be
holding a post card campaign.  Keep an eye out around campus for
tables with ISU Ambassadors handing out post cards that you can fill
out and send to your legislator asking them to support Iowa State.

On March 4th we will hold a lobbying training day.  If you and/or your
organization is interested in lobbying I highly encourage you to
attend this event.  President Geoffroy, Ann McCarthy (the Government
Relations Director) and local legislators will be present to provide
you with insight to the situation, facts, and suggestions for
effective lobbying.  It will be held in 268 Carver.  An RSVP is not required.

Finally, talk to your parents.  Ask them to write to your hometown
legislators and attend open forums to protest the cuts to higher
education.  Legislators are more likely to listen to their voting
constituents.

If you are an out of state student, contact Representatives Kraig
Paulsen,  Linda Upmeyer, Greg Forristall, Jeremy Taylor, or Nathan
Willems or Senators John Kibbie, Michael Gronstal, Herman Quirmbach,
Brian Schoenjahn, or Shawn Hamerlinck.  All of their contact
information can be found online at
http://www.legis.iowa.gov/Legislators/senate.aspx and

http://www.legis.iowa.gov/Legislators/house.aspx.

To find who your legislators are for in-state students  visit

http://www.legis.iowa.gov/Legislators/find.aspx.

Again, we encourage you to contact your legislator and attend Regent’s
Day at the Capitol.  Feel free to reply to this email with any questions
regarding this event!
Do your part, help Stop the Cuts!
GSB WEBSITE:

http://www.gsb.iastate.edu/ambassadors/

BUS INFORMATION:

Buses and lunch will be provided.
Instructors have been informed by the President’s office of this event and are instructed to be lenient with students missing class. Ask permission first though!

Buses will leave at 10:00 am from the west side of the Memorial Union and arrive back at 4:00 pm.
There are 100 spaces on the bus for ISU students so make sure to get signed up right away!
Please try to wear ISU red!

sign up at www.gsb.iastate.edu and invite all of your friends!

ISU is promoting and encouraging students to get involved with potential budget cut decisions and doing so in a one sided way.  Iowa State College Republicans have attempted to raise their concerns with how the March 7th event is being promoted. Members of this group have worked to have voices that support budget cuts to have an equal voice. As evidenced by the following e-mail their efforts have not been successful in going “up the chain.”

Last Friday you all received an email from one of the ISU Ambassadors, it was a mass email sent to everyone at the university.  I have included that specific email below, but what it is advocating for is to have students go to the Capitol this coming Monday (March 7th) and lobby against the legislatures budget cuts.  Please read the email below and see what you think; I personally was offended by the email.  I do not need an ISU Ambassador telling me how to think, and I would hope you feel the same way.  In addition it is not in the job description for the ISU Ambassadors to take a partisan side, and that is directly from their website (see link below).  I contacted Jessica Bruning, who sent the email, and asked her confronted her about it.  I said the best thing for her to do was send an additional email apologizing and inviting the other side of the issue (those who support budget cuts) to join them.  She declined that idea and sent me up the chain to the person who is in charge of the Regent’s day at the capitol. This person contacted me and we had a long discussion mainly about the word “partisan.”  She said the email was non-partisan because it did not use the words “republican” or “democrat.”  I told her that was not the definition of the word, but she said we need to “agree to dis-agree.”  She ended our last phone conversation by hanging up on me.  Now take in mind this is a high ranking University employee.  I then contacted the GSB President and he of course did not agree with my side, and ended the conversation by telling me “he didn’t have time for me.”

It should be evident from information I have shared that mass e-mails to college students are being used to influence and promote an agenda and point of view. As a taxpayer and voter I support the ISU College Republicans in their efforts to have their voices heard. I urge other Iowans to “Do your part” and add your voices in the debate over budget cuts to the Regents Universities.

Report from Story County

Tom Latham Headquarters in Ames is buzzing with activity. Wow, more volunteers than there are phones available to make “get out the vote” calls. It is amazing to observe so many patriots in one place working their hearts out to urge people to vote!

I am pleased and thankful that Story County Republicans have so many willing workers. Not only the phone calls, but putting out yard signs, door knocking, literature drops, food for the workers, giving hard earned money for campaigns  –numerous ways to make the grass roots effort successful.

It is  awesome to report such great and happy news!

Rick Sanders – an outstanding candidate for Story County Supervisor

The Tribune has is right about one candidate.

His name is Rick Sanders and he is one of four people running for two seats on the Story County Board of Supervisors.

You may find the entire portion of the article devoted to Sanders here.

The following portion of the article mirrors my opinion of Rick Sanders:

The Tribune endorsed Sanders in 2008, when he challenged Supervisor Wayne Clinton. Sanders lost to the popular Democrat that year. This time around, Sanders’ goals remain the same: sound fiscal management; government transparency; and a strong and active county role in economic development. In his two months as interim supervisor, he has built a cordial working relationship with his former opponent and shown that he can ask probing questions and even disagree without being disagreeable. We think Sanders has earned a chance to serve Story County as a supervisor.

I became acquainted with Rick Sanders when he campaigned in the 2008 election. It was evident then that he took campaigning seriously and had a clear vision of what he would work to accomplish as a Story County Supervisor. I was very happy to learn that Sanders would again run for this office. Story County has benefited from Mr. Sander’s resiliency.

Having attended campaign forums and other events where Sanders was given the opportunity to answer questions and share his opinions about tough budget concerns I agree with The Tribune: “Mr. Sanders can disagree without being disagreeable!”

Rick Sanders has the support of The Tribune, but more importantly he has the support of Story County residents. Voters have taken note of his vision, leadership and time spent understanding the role and responsibility of a county supervisor.

I agree with this quote about Mr. Sanders: “Rick in a natural leader, he inspires confidence and trust in those around him.” I will add that Sanders has a friendly and cheerful personality, ability to listen to people and has gained valuable experience in the past two years. He has earned my respect. He will receive my vote on Nov. 2.

Quality candidate for Story County Treasurer – Renee Twedt

As the Nov. 2 election nears voters will be focusing on which candidate is worthy of their vote. While many state and high profile campaigns are receiving a lot of interest it is also important to pay close attention to county races.

In Story County there is a highly qualified candidate for Story County Treasurer. Her name is Renee Twedt and I am honored to give her my vote.

Twedt’s website lists the many ways she is qualified to serve as Story County Treasurer. I urge you to check out Renee’s experience as an accountant and an Enrolled Agent at Allen L. Kockler Co. firm in Nevada. You will also find the plans she has to improve and enhance the Story County Treasurer’s office.

Of interest to me on the website is the following portion listed in the “issues” section.

Prudent Management
In these troublesome days, we’ve all heard of fiscal woes coming from Washington. The unfortunate truth is, such situations exist at every level, including our local governments. The first step towards ensuring principled fiscal restraint is the use of knowledgeable and reliable accounting practices to guarantee the prudent management of taxpayer funds.

“Prudent” is not a word that I hear very often. I like the word and what it means: careful, cautious, sensible, practical, discreet, wise, far sighted.

From what I have learned about Renee Twedt  I would say that she will be all of the above if  elected to be Story County Treasurer. Citizens of Story County need someone who will be “prudent” with taxpayer funds.

I urge you to do your own homework on Renee Twedt. I believe you will then find that she is a capable and professional young woman and worthy of serving in such an important capacity as Story County Treasurer.

Also, you can find Renee via e-mail, facebook and Twitter. Renee must have a great sense of humor because she says Twedt for Treasurer is now ‘twedting’. Renee’s many ways of being accessible sounds ‘prudent’/sensible to me!

The list of 53: Iowa Legislators who supported health care reform

Something caught my attention on the 2010 Chad Steenhoek Voter Guide for Iowa House District 46. Chad is running against incumbent Lisa Heddens (D). The “something” is this website:

http://www.progressivestates.org/statefedhealth/letter

When I checked out the website I found a list of 53 Iowa Legislators who signed a letter in support of Health Care Reform. I will share the entire list and a portion of the letter in this post.

Included among the reasons listed for the push for a Health Care Bill:

  • Choice of a quality public health care plan
  • Strengthening and expanding the Medicaid Program
  • Cost containment

Health Care was just one more issue where our elected officials believed they knew what was best for all of us.

Wrong.

According to an October 25, 2010 Rasmussen Reports this is what Americans think about what was forced upon Americans:

A majority of voters continue to favor repeal of the new national health care law, and the number who sees this outcome as likely has reached a new high.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 53% of Likely U.S. voters favor repeal of the health care law, including 43% who Strongly Favor repeal. Forty-two percent (42%) oppose repeal of the bill, with 32% who are Strongly Opposed

Now a portion of the letter and the long list of Iowa Legislators that signed it. If you oppose the national health care law, please pay close attention to the names on the  list:

Over 1000 Legislators Sign Letters Supporting Federal Health Care Reform

In 2009, legislators working with Progressive States Network joined together to form State Legislators for Progressive Health Care Reform. Over 1,000 state legislators signed letters urging the Obama Administration and Congress to pass comprehensive health care reform legislation, including the choice of a public health insurance plan.

Failure to pass national comprehensive health reform now will further jeopardize state and local budgets, undermining public services like education, public safety, and transportation infrastructure. The recently passed economic recovery package includes a number of positive health care measures, but these do not remove states from the critical list. Achieving a high-performing, affordable and quality health care system for all US residents is central to a sustainable economic recovery and to the health and financial security of all families, businesses, and governments.

Rep. McKinley Bailey (IA)
Rep. John Beard (IA)
Sen. Joe Bolkcom (IA), Member, Human Services Committee; Assistant Majority Leader
Sen. Thomas Courtney (IA), Majority Whip
Sen. Jeff Danielson (IA), President Pro Tempore
Sen. Robert Dvorsky (IA)
Rep. Gene Ficken (IA)
Sen. Eugene Fraise (IA)
Rep. Marcella Frevert (IA)
Rep. Mary Gaskill (IA)
Rep. Elesha Gayman (IA), Assistant Majority Leader
Sen. Michael Gronstal (IA), Majority Leader
Sen. Tom Hancock (IA)
Sen. Jack Hatch (IA), Co-Chair, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee; Assistant Majority Leader
Sen. William Heckroth (IA), Assistant Majority Leader
Rep. Lisa Heddens (IA), Co-Chair, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee; Member, Human Services Committee
Sen. Robert Hogg (IA)
Rep. Bruce Hunter (IA), Member, Human Services Committee
Sen. Pam Jochum (IA)
Rep. Jerry Kearns (IA)
Sen. Jack Kibbie (IA), Senate President
Sen. Keith Kreiman (IA)
Rep. Bob Kressig (IA)
Rep. Vicki Lensing (IA)
Rep. Jim Lykam (IA)
Rep. Larry Marek (IA)
Sen. Matt McCoy (IA)
Rep. Pat Murphy (IA), Speaker of the House
Rep. Rick Olson (IA)
Rep. Tyler Olson (IA), Member, Human Services Committee
Rep. Eric Palmer (IA)
Sen. Herman Quirmbach (IA), Member, Human Services Committee
Sen. Amanda Ragan (IA), Chair, Human Resources Committee; Vice-Chair, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee
Rep. Nathan Reichert (IA)
Sen. Becky Schmitz (IA), Vice-Chair, Human Resources Committee; Member, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee
Sen. Brian Schoenjahn (IA)
Rep. Thomas Schueller (IA)
Sen. Joe Seng (IA)
Rep. Mark Smith (IA), Chair, Human Resources Committee; Member, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee
Sen. Steve Sodders (IA)
Rep. Sharon Steckman (IA), Member, Human Services Committee
Sen. Roger Stewart (IA)
Rep. Kurt Swaim (IA)
Rep. Dick Taylor (IA)
Rep. Todd Taylor (IA)
Rep. Phyllis Thede (IA)
Rep. Roger Thomas (IA)
Rep. Roger Wendt (IA), Member, Human Services Committee
Rep. John Whitaker (IA)
Rep. Wesley Whitead (IA)
Rep. Nate Willems (IA)
Rep. Cindy Winckler (IA)
Rep. Ray Zirkelbach (IA)

Steve King, Republican, Iowa has been in the news for his opinion on what can be done about the unpopular Health Care Bill. I am thankful for King’s determination to undo the damage that so many Iowa elected officials united in to force upon us.

King fully expects a showdown with President Barack Obama over health care in 2011.

King said he knows the current health care system needs improvement. But better steps than Obama’s bill, he said, would be to allow purchasing policies across state lines, tort reform and making health insurance tax deductible for all — not just those who get it through their employers.

Now it is up to Iowa voters to pay attention to which Representatives got us in this health care mess. And more importantly, who we can elect to repeal the current bill and create a new and improved one.

It is obvious that voters who oppose the current health care bill can count on Chad Steenhoek and Steve King to listen to the voices of We the People!

.

Karin Sevde best choice for HD45

House District 45 voters have a candidate running for office who is a very involved member of the Ames business community and who has been active in Ames economic development. Her name is Karin Sevde and she is on the ballot as the Republican running against three-term incumbent, Democrat Beth Wessel-Kroeschell.

This is an interesting match. Both women are Ames natives but they are opposites in how they approach issues such as government spending, Right to Work, property taxes and more.

Wessel-Kroeschell has a voting record that shows the following:

  • Voted to increase the state budget by $1 billion over the last four years
  • Voted for borrowing over $800 million and forcing Iowans to pay off this debt for more that 20 years to come
  • Voted in favor of spending taxpayer money on pork projects like decorative flower pots, a rain forest in Pella, heated sidewalks in West Union
  • Voted against millions in property tax relief for Iowa families and homeowners
  • Voted against protecting Iowa’s Right to Work law that prevents forced membership in unions
  • Voted against measures to expand the rights of gun owners and voted against a bill to allow citizens to defend themselves from criminals who have invaded their homes

Liberal Ames residents will probably join Wessel-Kroeschell in celebrating these votes. Heated sidewalks are very progressive. Crime in Ames might not seem like enough to warrant expanded gun rights.

It will be up to House District 45 voters to put a halt to the tax, spend, and pork barrel spending that Wessel-Kroeschell and her fellow Democrats are forcing on the taxpayers of Iowa.

Karin Sevde pledges to bring “fiscal sensibilities and balanced decision-making to the Iowa House of Representatives”.  Sevde promises to vote for limited spending and to rebuild Iowa’s surplus, to oppose pork barrel spending, work for tax relief for families and business owners, support our right to use a gun to defend ourselves and our families from violent attackers, and support Iowa’s Right to Work laws.

Voters in House District 45 can be proud to vote for Karin Sevde who has worked in a family business all of her life. Sevde notes that owning her own business is a 24-7 responsibility. She understands what excessive taxes, regulations, and out of control spending can do to a business and to the lives of Ames citizens.

It is past time for a change in House District 45.

Karin Sevde is the change we need and deserve.

Stephen Howell for Story County Attorney

Stephen Howell or Stephen Holmes.

Story County residents will have a choice for County Attorney when they vote on Nov. 2.

Similar names, different party affiliations and from what I have learned, a very different approach to leadership, direction, communication and how work is done in the Story County Attorney office.

On October 22nd I attended the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum and watched and listened to both candidates. For me, one voter, my opinion was formed of Stephen Holmes and my vote will be for Stephen Howell, the Republican candidate.

My post will highlight what Stephen Howell pledges to accomplish as Story County Attorney:

•    Show up for work
•    Act and behave in a professional manner
•    Keep politics out of the office
•    Maintain a fiscally responsible budget
•    Work cooperatively with law enforcement agencies
•    Manage and lead by example.
•    Treat everyone fairly and equally under the law

Stephen Howell grew up in the Midwest, served in the United States Marine Corps, graduated from Drake Law School and has been practicing law in Story County. I appreciate that Howell will step up, speak out and do the work involved to be a quality candidate.

Stephen Howell says “It is time Story County has a Chief Legal Representative who will work to serve all the people, equally and fairly.”

I agree and my vote will be for Stephen Howell.

The Iowa Senate needs Tim Gartin!

Tim Gartin for Iowa Senate campaign yard signs greet me almost everywhere I go in Ames, Iowa. What a happy sight to see these reminders of the quality candidate voters have in Senate District 23.

This election is has not been good enough to simply “like” someone on a facebook page or give a vote because of an association with a political party. Yes, I like Mr. Gartin because he plans to work on tax and regulatory reforms that will “promote the business climate” and Gartin promises to bring common sense solutions to Iowa’s fiscal problems. This election I have spent time learning more about Tim Gartin and his opponent, Herman C. Quirmbach.

Some good information about Tim in following Letter to the Editor from The Tribune:

Can’t think of a better citizen rep

Published: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 9:38 AM CDT

It is my urgent hope you’ll vote for Timothy Gartin for Iowa Senate on Nov. 2. He is running against incumbent Herman Quirmbach.

Tim has my vote because he is virtuous. Virtues may be categorized as intellectual, moral and theological. I’ll leave God to judge Tim’s habit of the theological virtues (faith, hope and love); I’ll tackle the first two. Intellectually, Tim displays a nuanced facility with politics, economics, and history.

I know that he works to sharpen his intellect through study and informal conversation and debate. I believe this intellectual habit has truth as its goal. Morally, Tim has demonstrated a stubborn habit of doing the right thing. In my business dealings with Tim, he has always, without exception, done the right thing in often difficult situations. I’ve seen him make decisions that cost him money, customers or both. I believe Tim has spent a lifetime setting his moral compass.

Second, Tim has my vote because he is a tireless worker. Through the years, I’ve admired Tim’s ability to do his job efficiently and effectively. When needed, Tim works long hours. Of course, Tim couldn’t do that without the partnership with his wife Tara. With Tara, Tim gets things done. I believe this work ethic will serve us well in the Iowa Senate.

Finally, Tim has my vote because he is running for the right reason. He believes our state is headed in the wrong direction and that something has to be done. He is running because he believes he can make a difference; he believes he can serve. I can’t think of a better citizen representative than Tim Gartin.

Please join me in supporting Timothy Gartin for Iowa Senate in his campaign against incumbent Herman Quirmbach.

Joel Rogers

Now what I found when checking out the current Senator Herman Quirmbach. According to the website Project Vote Smart this is what voters have to contrast with candidate Tim Gartin:

Quirmbach has the following scores from Interest Group Ratings:

Abortion: Support of Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa – 100% (2004)

Family & Children Issues: Iowa Family Policy Center  0%

Business and Consumers: Iowa Association of Business and Industry (2007) 14% and National Federation of Independent Business’s- 38%.

Civil Liberties: Iowa Civil Liberties Union (2007) – 82%

Gun Rights: Grade letter “F” (2006) National Rifle Association

Labor: Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL – CIO    100%

It was also noted by Project Vote Smart:

Senator Herman C. Quirmbach refused to tell citizens where he stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2010 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart, national media, and prominent political leaders. This candidate has demonstrated 0% courage during the test.

Voters in Senate District 23 have a choice in 2010. Some will continue to vote for the very, very, very Liberal, Herman C. Quirmbach. They will like his beliefs, values, and votes on abortion, civil liberties, gun rights, and support of big business.

I am one voter who is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to vote for Tim Gartin. From everything that I have read or the times I have heard Gartin speak in person, I know that Joel Rogers is right. I can’t think of a better citizen representative than Tim Gartin.

Vote Tim Gartin!

Story County Supervisors 7:34 minutes

7:34 minutes.

This is the amount of time you will need to spend to find out how the Story County Board of Supervisors does business.

It was one thing to read about the 7:34 minutes in The Tribune and quite another to hear the audio tape from the April 15, 2010 meeting.

The Tribune says “The strife is palpable between Strohman and the two long-serving board members”.

Yes, the “strife is palpable”!  Jane Halliburton, James Strohman, and Wayne Clinton are caught in the act of strife (trouble, conflict, discord, contention, fighting, friction, dissension), and more!

This infamous 7:34 minutes will be a long lasting reminder that Story County deserves to be represented by a man like Rick Sanders.

The audio tape can be found on Sanders for Supervisor 2010.

Take a look at what Sanders has posted on his website:

In 2009 as we faced the worst economic conditions in a generation, the Supervisors raised our taxes $1.7 million

This year, the Supervisors once again increased taxes by over $800K!!!

Since 1986 – Property taxes in Story Co. have TRIPLED
(that is a 300% increase while the population of Story County has grown by only 16% – 74,000 to 86,000)

I suggest Story County residents go to Sanders’ website to read in detail what Mr. Sanders has to say about the current Story County Board of Supervisors and what he will offer as a member of this elected board.

And, for nonresidents of Story County: pay attention to what is going on with your County Board of Supervisors. Are they doing their elected jobs in highly functional, open, honest and ethical ways? Are they transparent and accountable to citizens?

Or, are they dysfunctional?

Story County and every county deserves to have a highly functional, responsible, trustworthy, and accountable Board of Supervisors.

7: 34 minutes.

“Story County needs a responsible change!”

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