March 29, 2024

Coffee & Conversation

Voters talk Statehouse topics with local legislators

Image 1 of 2

Newton residents got a double bonus Saturday morning, coffee and conversation with local legislators.

The League of Women Voters of Jasper County held its first legislative coffee of 2018 on Saturday at Newton Hy-Vee. The event, the first of three planned legislative coffees, was a chance for local residents to visit with their elected representatives in a casual setting.

Rep. Wes Breckenridge, D-Newton and Sen. Chaz Allen, D-Newton, attended the event and fielded questions from voters on a variety of issues. Voters questioned the lawmakers about everything from water quality, IPERS, gun regulations in daycares, to whether or not a lawmaker could be fired for poor conduct. Breckenridge said he enjoys the annual coffees, and he applauded voters for the “great” questions they asked during Saturday’s event.

“I think we touched on a lot of the issues that have been raised over the past couple of years,” Breckenridge said.

While Breckenridge is just starting the second year of his first term, these events are “old hat” for Allen. The former mayor said he still enjoys getting out in the community to visit with residents.

“It’s just talking to people. I’ve been doing it since I was the mayor,” Allen said.

Newton resident Bev Clark said she was impressed the turnout at Saturday’s coffee session, she thought residents brought a wide range of questions to the candidates.

“This was really good,” Clark said.

Water Quality

One of the issues which drew the most attention at Saturday’s forum was the topic of water quality. Gov. Kim Reynolds has said she wants to see a water quality bill on her desk this year, but with a looming budget shortfall, the issue hasn’t received as much attention as it did in past legislative sessions.

Breckenridge and Allen discussed the two competing bills, one from the House and one from the Senate that emerged last year, and gave residents a look inside how the process is taking shape to move the legislation forward this year. Breckenridge said it’s looking like Republican lawmakers at the statehouse will push to move forward with the Senate bill, but Breckenridge said he’s hoping aspects of the house bill will become part of the final legislation. Leaving out earmarks to encourage cover crop farming practices and good soil health is a mistake, Breckenridge said.

“The House bill, in my opinion, made sure the money was being spent how it was supposed to spent,” Breckenridge said. “The Senate bill didn’t define that as well.”

Fireworks

Fireworks sales opened with a bang last year, and Breckenridge said he’s heard from plenty of residents on both sides of the debate.

After starting to track the concerns from residents last year, Breckenridge said it looks like residents are split down the middle on whether or not fireworks sales are good for the state. Lawmakers are looking into changing some sections of the state code to make setting off fireworks outside of designated times a municipal infraction, which will make it easier for police officers to monitor the use of fireworks.

“I think there a lot of cities and counties that would like something like that,” Breckenridge said.

Traffic Cameras

The Des Moines Register reported last week a long-discussed ban on traffic cameras may finally come to fruition this year, much to the delight of lead-footed motorists across the state. Both Allen and Breckenridge said they’re opposed to the use of the cameras and would support getting rid of the devices. Breckenridge, a former lieutenant with the Newton Police Department, said the focus needs to be on safety, not generating revenue.

“Anything we can do to prevent accidents we should do, but I agree with Senator Allen, this shouldn’t be about revenue,” Breckenridge said.

Sexual Harassment

After Iowa Senate GOP staffer Kirstin Anderson won a $1.75 million lawsuit against the state, lawmakers have been scrambling to clean up the image of the Senate chamber. Anderson was fired in May of 2013, hours after filing a complaint alleging a toxic work environment caused by sexual harassment. While Allen said members of the Senate were undergoing sexual harassment training this week, he was quick to point out that Democrats in the Senate haven’t been part of the sexual harassment issue. Allen said he’s angry taxpayers are footing the bill for the misdeeds of senators, and he plans to introduce a bill that pushes the responsibility to pay back to the perpetrator.

“That $1.75 million, that was paid by us,” Allan said. “If you’re found guilty, that should be on you, the underlying part of this is that if you’re found guilty the state’s not going to pay your bills,” Allen said.

Breckenridge said while he supports Allen’s proposal, he still expects lawyers “to go for the deepest pocket” when seeking compensation. Victims have a right to be compensated, Breckenridge said, noting he’s never seen any evidence of sexual harassment in the House.

“I applaud Sen. Allen for moving forward with legislation that puts the burden of responsibility on that person,” Breckenridge said.

Termination

One of the most interesting questions asked during Saturday’s coffee may have come from Michelle Smith. Smith, the chair of the Jasper County Democratic Party, asked Allen and Breckenridge if it is possible for a legislator to be terminated. Smith said she’s concerned about the recently reported arrest of Rep. Francis “Chip” Baltimore. The Boone Republican was arrested early Friday morning in Ames, and charged with operating while intoxicated and possession of a firearm while under the influence. Smith said she feels like legislators should have some accountability, particularly when they break the law. A private employee would likely be subject to discipline from their employer, Smith said.

“I’m paying your wages ... I’m just saying, for a private employee I’m just surprised that there’s nothing that’s written,” Smith said. “I’m more worried about being drunk with a gun than just being drunk.”

Allen said he wasn’t sure if there were actions that would lead to termination, but he pledged to find out. Breckenridge said legislators have a duty to make sure they set a good example.

“We want to be great representatives for our constituents and act accordingly,” Breckenridge said.

Contact David Dolmage at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or ddolmage@newtondailynews.com