To the detriment of Iowa’s citizenry, political motivations, not sound judgment, far too often control the actions of our elected officials.

We the people suffer the resulting consequences of such misuse and abuse of power. Such is the case in the on-going matter involving the unprecedented action taken by Governor Branstad against Iowa’s Workers’ Compensation Commissioner, Chris Godfrey.

With Godfrey not yet half way through his 6-year statutory term of office Governor Branstad demanded that Godfrey submit his resignation. The Governor failed to cite or even allege “just cause” for attempting to remove the Commissioner from a statutorily fixed term of office. Godfrey refused, in my view rightfully so.