Editor’s Note: Today’s Q&A features responses from Lois DeWaard and Martin Duffy who are both vying for the Democratic nomination for the Iowa House District 28 in the June 7 primary election. The winner will challenge incumbent Rep. Greg Heartsill (D-Columbia) in the November general election.
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. Lois DeWaard
Providing adequate funding for public education Addressing water quality Addressing middle class issues I plan to address all three issues by working to find common ground among all parties involved and then build consensus through education and advocacy. Previously, more things got done in state government because both sides of an issue were more willing to compromise than they are today. Common sense would encourage compromise on both sides to get a bill passed. I would also encourage Iowa agriculture to be the leader in providing innovative solutions to address the water quality issue. Proactive involvement will result in solutions that are more farmer friendly as well as environmentally sound. Cities and environmental groups need to be willing to work with agriculture to find solutions instead of pointing fingers and filing lawsuits. Iowa’s corporations have received $400 million in tax breaks since 2011 including property tax relief. Common sense dictates it is time to deal with issues of average Iowans including the shrinking middle class and stagnant wages. A large middle class means less demand for social programs and more disposable income spent on goods and services with higher profits as a result for Iowa’s businesses.
A. Martin Duffy
The most important issues Iowa will face during my term as a state representative are funding for education, mental health issues, and clean water. Small schools like Linnville-Sully, Twin Cedars, Melcher Dallas, Pleasantville and Prairie City-Monroe will face a challenge to survive in the face of the current under-funding of public schools. This is not how we achieve the “WORLD CLASS EDUCATION” the Governor keeps saying he wants. His actions speak louder than his words. It’s time for a change. The state is ranked 48th for psychiatric care. We have no plan for this state-wide need. The schools have many children that need help and Area Education Agency services have been cut. We are going to pay a heavy price in the future for ignoring the mental health of our citizens. Clean water is a must, so we should help farmers and cities find scientific answers. With proper funding, I’m confident Iowa State University will come up with a plan. We live in the greatest nation in the world. Why must we choose between education and clean water. Why can’t we have both?
Q. In recent years, some would say the Iowa Legislature has become too partisan and divided. How would you try to overcome that?
A. Lois DeWaard
I would try to overcome partisanship and division by working to find common ground among all parties involved in an issue and then build consensus through education and advocacy. Previously, more things got done in state government because both sides of an issue were more willing to compromise than they are today. Common sense would encourage compromise on both sides to get a bill passed.
A. Martin Duffy
I have been a Republican and now a Democrat. It gives me a unique perspective.
Q. Has the Bakken pipeline approval process raised any questions for you on the state’s regulatory system? How do you feel eminent domain should be used?
A. Lois DeWaard
Yes. Eminent domain should be used for public projects such as roads, parks, lakes, schools, dams. Things that benefit the general public and not private industry as in the case of the Bakken pipeline. Every attempt needs to be made to come to a voluntary agreement before eminent domain is used.
A. Martin Duffy
I’m an advocate for private property rights. Use of Eminent Domain, in this instance, is a bridge too far. Eminent domain should be used for citizen needs not corporate wants.
Q. Why do you feel you would make an effective state representative?
A. Lois DeWaard
An ability to listen to people and hear what they are really saying. My desire to make Iowa the best place to live, work, do business and raise a family. A strong work ethic developed by living and working on a farm as a child. One of my core values is finding common ground with people and working to build consensus. A strong desire to serve and help people. My varied work and life experiences in state government, corporate America, small business, caregiving for elderly parents and making tough decisions.
A. Martin Duffy
I have a wealth of experience as an educator and business man.
Q. If you could draft and introduce any bill in the state legislature what issue would it tackle and why?
A. Lois DeWaard
I want to finish work on the medical cannabis bill passed in 2014 by adding more medical conditions and addressing the access in Iowa issue. Currently, only epilepsy patients can legally possess cannabis oil; however, there is no place for them to get it in Iowa. This needs to be changed. Our current law forces people to go to other states to get the oil and then bring it back to Iowa. There are additional medical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and end-stage cancer that can benefit from the use of cannabis oil. People need to have alternatives to expensive prescription drugs with limited effectiveness and many side effects.
A. Martin Duffy
I would draft and introduce a bill on consistent funding for schools. Children are our future and our greatest resource. We need to invest in them.
Q. What do you feel is your most meaningful professional accomplishment of the past five years?
A. Lois DeWaard
Serving as co-executor of my father’s estate with my sister Janet and distributing the assets to the heirs named in his will. This job included the sale of a second generation family farm at public land auction, selection of an auction company and an estate lawyer. These decisions resulted in a dollar amount close to the peak land value in 2012 before values started to decline.
A. Martin Duffy
My most meaningful professional accomplishment is the opportunity to shape young minds as an educator.
Q. How would you differentiate yourself from your primary opponent?
A. Lois DeWaard
My varied life and work experiences in agriculture, corporate America, state government, small business, making tough decisions and caregiving for elderly parents make me a strong candidate. Over the years I have learned how to work with diverse groups of people. My Iowa farm background gave me a strong work ethic. I have lived and worked in Iowa all my life.
A. Martin Duffy
I believe that I am the better candidate to face Representative Heartsill in November.