Local legislators take oath for 2015 session

Sen. Chaz Allen (D-Newton) receives his Senate pin from retired State Sen. Dennis Black. Allen was elected to Senate District 15 in November, with the district encompassing a large segment of Jasper County, and the eastern third of Polk County. Allen’s family was at Monday’s swearing-in ceremony, where he took the oath of office along with other Senators that were elected and re-elected. Allen’s wife and two daughters, along with his parents, watch as Black pins his personal Senate pin on Allen’s lapel. The same pin was worn by Black’s predecessor, William Dieleman.

State Rep. Dan Kelley (D-Newton) took the Oath of Office at the Iowa State Capitol House Chambers Monday. He was joined by his family and several friends from Newton. His 10-year-old nephew Trevor held the Bible for Kelley during the oath on the House Floor. Kelley was re-elected to a third term in the Iowa House in November.

Rep. Greg Heartsill (R-Columbia) is seen here signing the oath of office in the Iowa House chamber as the 86th General Assembly kicked off Monday at the Capitol. During the session, Heartsill can be reached at greg.heartsill@legis.iowa.gov or through the House switchboard at 515-281-3221.