March 28, 2024

Meet the candidates: Iowa House District 29

Editor’s note: Wes Breckenridge is challenging incumbent Rep. Dan Kelley for the Democratic nomination for Iowa House District 29 in the June 7 primary election. Kelley did not respond to invitations to participate in our Q&A.

Q: What do you feel are the three most important issues Iowa will be facing during your term as a state representative? How do you plan to address those issues?

A: Wes Breckenridge

There are many issues of importance facing Iowa today. Three that stand out to me are: the current mental health crisis, educational funding, and water quality. As a Police Lieutenant, I observe individuals struggling with mental health crises. With the loss of 750 beds, and Iowa being ranked 47th in the nation in number of psychiatrists, many are not getting the help they deserve. I’ve contacted mental health professionals and other organizations to discuss possible solutions. I will create legislation to provide educational incentives to those going into psychiatric fields who will care for Iowans. As a parent of 3 children in public schools, and as a teacher at DMACC, education is a top priority to me. I’ve met with teachers and administrators in each district in Jasper County to gain their valuable insight. I will work collaboratively with school officials to increase Supplemental State Aid, and give educators the flexibility to meet the needs of their schools. I visited with Jasper County conservation officials and farmers about the water quality issues. Both have a desire to work towards improvements. I want to propose legislation that would create a stable, long-term solution for our lakes, streams and drinking water.

Q: If you could draft and introduce any bill in the state legislature what issue would it tackle and why?

A: Wes Breckenridge

As a Representative, I would introduce legislation that would tackle the mental health crisis. I have met with many individuals who are impacted by mental health issues, either themselves or loved ones, who are struggling. We are not providing necessary services as mentioned in the previous response. In addition, the privatization of Medicaid has caused many to lose services or have services delayed. We need to provide proper mental health care oversight to insure those suffering will have access to quality care. There is a lack of facilities and care providers. Law enforcement is routinely called to assist in emergency situations with mental health crises, but don’t have the professional training required to properly manage these situation. We commonly find ourselves in the emergency room for long hours trying to find beds and services, which compounds the suffering for the patient. In addition, mental health facilities currently are not required to report available beds onto the state software system. If this was mandated it would expedite the care and treatment of those suffering.

Q: What are your top priorities for Jasper County and House District 29?

A: Wes Breckenridge

Economic development must be a top priority for HD #29. Development will bring new businesses and homes to our communities. This economic development will also bring quality jobs with competitive wages and benefits to our district. Recent development, such as Becks Hybrid and Quarry Springs Park are just two examples of development projects that are making Jasper County a quality place to live, play and raise a family. Other enhancements to business, schools and our hospital provide amenities and service for our district. I applaud Jasper County Economic Development, Newton Development Corporation and other organizations that support these efforts. As a State Representative, I would work to get state resources and assistance that would aid in this process.

Q: In recent years, some would say the Iowa Legislature has become too partisan and divided. How would you try to overcome that?

A: Wes Breckenridge

It is important that we all work together to make positive change for Jasper County and the State of Iowa. As your representative, I would reach across the aisle to build partnerships with others to get great things accomplished. This begins with doing the research and finding the common ground that we share. Once we have identified goals, we can take steps in determining how to get there. There must be open communication and compromise in order to move our county and state in the right direction. I would describe myself as a common sense, caring and passionate Democrat who will take his values, morals and ethics with him to the State House. I am committed to improving the quality of life for all Iowans.

Q: Correctional officers at the Newton Correctional Facility and in other prisons throughout the state have consistently said for years they are understaffed. Is this a concern and if so how do you plan to address it?

A: Wes Breckenridge

Staffing is a major issue at the Newton Correctional Facility as well as other facilities in Iowa. In 2013, the Newton Correctional Facility had 1,290 inmates, which was 27% over its capacity of 1,014. There were 33.9 inmates per correctional officer. In the years since, the numbers have only gotten worse, placing both officers and inmates at risk. I recently took a tour of the Newton Correctional Facility and observed firsthand the staffing shortage and the safety issues this creates. I have also attended meetings with correctional officers to discuss the issues of concern. During this legislative session I attended a rally outside the Department of Corrections Central Office with family and friends of AFCSME Local 451 to show my support for increased staffing and resources. We have all seen recent news of correctional officers being attacked and injured. We need to take steps to get these facilities the staffing and other resources they need to perform their jobs effectively.

Q: Has the Bakken pipeline approval process raised any questions for you on the state’s regulatory system? If so, explain. How do you feel eminent domain should be used?

A: Wes Breckenridge

While the actions of the Iowa Utilities Board have managed to make both supporters and opponents of the Bakken pipeline project unhappy, the decision to approve the pipeline project has been perceived by many as a foregone conclusion; where the concerns of individual landowners and citizens were given full consideration in the face of pressure from big business and political interests. Most troubling was the Board’s decision to grant Dakota Access--a private company--the power to invoke eminent domain to use private land as part of a for-profit venture. While private landowners would be paid at market rates for easements on their properties, Dakota Access and associated businesses would reap the benefits from the project. Eminent domain should have been reviewed years ago so we would not be where we are today. The eminent domain law needs to be updated to clarify what is a public good to insure that if government is taking private land, it must be indeed for public good. In addition, the regulatory process should be as transparent as possible.

Q: Why do you feel you’d make an effective state representative?

A: Wes Breckenridge

I am a Jasper County native with extensive knowledge of our district. I have a proven 25 year history of public service. I am a police officer, parent, educator, and community volunteer. My career has allowed me to serve Jasper County as a Jasper County Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy, Prairie City Police Officer, Monroe Interim Chief, Newton Police Officer, as well as serving on many community action committees. Over time, I’ve built a network of relationships that extends across Jasper County. I enjoy meeting with others and hearing their stories, concerns and issues. I listen and discuss issues with others, even if we don’t agree. I understand the importance of open communications and learning from one another. My education, training and experience in public service have prepared me to serve as your State Representative. The support of my family and friends has been overwhelming and shows the strength of our campaign and their confidence in me to do the job. I will serve you with passion, dedication and heart.

Q: What do you feel is your most meaningful professional accomplishment of the past five years?

A: Wes Breckenridge

I have had several meaningful accomplishments over the past five years. Serving on a critical incident stress management debriefing team, graduating from the FBI National Academy, and serving on the Newton Says No to Human Trafficking action committee are just few. The most rewarding and meaningful one would be serving as a member of the Newton Says No to Human Trafficking committee. This group was founded by two great women, Linda Pierce and Lynn Keller. They saw the need and had the vision to bring awareness to this growing issue. I was fortunate to become part of this great team with other county leaders to battle this problem. Up to 300,000 Americans under 18 are lured into the commercial sex trade every year. On any given day 150 children are being sex trafficked in Iowa. Over the past two years we have conducted numerous educational and awareness presentations across Jasper County. We have also partnered with the state in bringing educators to our schools and community organizations.

Q: How would you differentiate yourself from your primary opponent?

A: Wes Breckenridge

The biggest difference is I have the desire to listen, engage and build problem-solving partnerships. I will never turn away from meeting and listening to citizens. I will always be responsive, not just during elections. I will respond to your phone calls, emails, and messages. Another difference is with medical cannabis. My opponent does not support medical cannabis and I do. Many Iowans are suffering from illnesses where medical cannabis could be an effective treatment. I have visited with many individuals either suffering or who have family members suffering who aren’t able to get the treatment they need. Mr. Kelley voted against medical cannabis last session and voiced opposition during a LWVJC legislative coffee this session. Those suffering deserve a legislature that will work for them. Mr. Kelley says he supports our veterans, but his actions have not matched his words. My actions and votes will always follow my words and be substantive, not just symbolic. I will always support our veterans and thank them for their selfless service. Your voice is important and must be heard.