March 28, 2024

Public Works director running for Treasurer of Iowa

In a press release yesterday, Newton Public Work Director Keith Laube announced he is running for Treasurer of State in Iowa as a member of the Libertarian Party.

“I guess I’m looking for ways to improve state government,” Laube said in an interview on why he decided to run. “Basically, my opponent (Michael Fitzgerald) has been in office for 32 years and he’s going to run again to make it 36 years, and I think it’s time for a change.”

Laube said he could bring a “fresh” energy to the state level.

“I’ve been thinking about this for several months and I’m a serious candidate with this,” Laube said. “I’ve got the credentials. Basically, the treasurer runs the department, and I have the educational experience to do the job.”

“I’m a hardworking and honest person, and I spent 18 years in the private sector, so I still think like a taxpayer,” he continued. “I have some government experience as well, and I’m going to protect the taxpayers’ money and get the best benefits for that money.

While most candidates would shy away from pointing out their opponent’s edge in experience, Laube sees his opponent’s long-tenure as a fault and not as a strength.

“If someone has been in an office for three or four decades, it’s time for a change. There are a lot of smart people in this state who can lead, and we need some leaders in our state government to carry us forward into the future,” Laube said.

Senior staff writer Ty Rushing may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 426, or at trushing@newtondailynews.com.