Angie Smith
Kellogg
I am a lifelong union member and Democrat. I spent the last three election cycles campaigning for Dan Kelley. I helped elect him so we would have a democratic voice in Des Moines. Unfortunately, his agenda seems to have switched lately and I have been greatly disappointed.
During this session, he voted against our veterans receiving guaranteed funds from the lottery. He refused to support efforts to allow medical cannabis oil to be used by sick lowans. After years of claiming himself as a champion for equality and acceptance, he turned his back on one of his former Newton classmates and left the chamber during her opening prayer because he “is a Christian” and her values or beliefs don’t match his. So much for equality and acceptance for all.
Rep. Kelley’s latest efforts to openly work against the Jasper County Board of Supervisors bother me the most. Two of the supervisors are fellow elected Democrats. The board has maintained our roads and bridges under very challenging financial circumstances. Rep. Kelley’s saying they haven’t for his own political gain is wrong. When they push back, he cries foul to all who will listen. The board has stood their ground and resisted bullying tactics and pressure from Dan and his powerful Des Moines friends. For that, they should be commended.
Reading about the recent gridlock and non-workings of the state legislature, I would think Rep. Kelley would have plenty to do in Des Moines. We, as taxpayers, pay him nearly $45,000 a year for four months of work. That is a pretty good salary for 120 days. Maybe we need to reevaluate his pay and whether we are getting our money’s worth.
The county supervisors are doing the jobs they were elected to do. I would suggest Dan Kelley do the same. If he wishes to control roads and ditches, maybe he should run for supervisor. If not, then please start fighting for our education funding that is stalled, sick adults and kids, and everyday working lowans like we elected him to do.
His letter to the editor Thursday was both childish and unprofessional. He needs to quit accusing and questioning local board and city council members. If he can’t resist doing that, maybe people like me need to reevaluate who we campaign for next time around. Because, as the old saying goes, “when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.”