Howell, Shay meet with voters at Baxter campaign stop

BAXTER — Political signage posted on lawns. Volunteers knocking on doors. Vote floats riding down parade routes at the Baxter Fun Days.

November may be still a few months away, but the political campaigns are in full force in Jasper County. And it wouldn’t be complete without a nice meet-and-greet breakfast at the local diner.

“This is our first time at Blue Ribbon and their food is amazing,” Ann Howell, Republican Iowa House District 29 candidate said. “I love it and I had some great french toast ... We are new to the politics and the campaign trail. I’m sure we are a fresh, new face, but we want to hear from them and what they want in an elected official.”

Howell and fellow Iowa Senate District 15 GOP candidate Tim Shay made a stop at Blue Ribbon Cafe in Baxter Saturday morning before participating in the Baxter Fun Days’ parade later that day.

As the father-daughter duo will be facing two incumbents this upcoming election — Howell against incumbents Rep. Wes Breckenridge, D-Newton, and Shay challenging Sen. Chaz Allen, D-Newton — the two said they stopped in at the town staple Saturday morning to meet the community. They said as newcomers to the political scene and Jasper County, they hoped use this opportunity to hear the concerns from members of the community.

“I look to this as an opportunity and a challenge ... I root for the underdog and this time, it happens to be me. I’m going for it,” Howell said. “In talking with the people in Jasper County, there is a frustration out there. They are looking for hope and change, and a betterment for their community.”

While attendance was small, there was no shortage of conversation as a handful of fellow GOP party supporters, such as Jasper County Board of Supervisor candidate Brandon Talsma who made an appearance at the event.

The two shared stories, background and their priorities for the county.

While sharing a cinnamon roll with his wife Barbe, Shay shared the experiences he gathered over the years working at AT&T, serving the U.S. Navy and living in various states around the country, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

With a background in education, Howell shared her stances and concerns with the state of the schools around Iowa.

The two also reiterated their firm support of the Jasper County Republican platform on issues including the right to life, the Second Amendment and veterans affairs.

“Both of us are not professional politicians. I think we traveled a lot. We have been in different states. We have an appreciation for counties like Jasper County. We are people persons. We don’t intend to make politics a career,” Shay said. “We see that there are things that can be run differently. We want to truly represent the people of Jasper County, and in my case Polk County (too) and the state of Iowa.”

This was the first campaign stop on their July tour around Jasper County. The two plan on visiting Bondurant, Colfax, Newton and Prairie City this month.

Similar to their Republican counterparts, Democrats Allen and Breckenridge will meet at 8 a.m. Saturday at Blue Ribbon Cafe. The two plan to meet with community members and hear their concerns and ideas.

“The important thing we tell people come November, whatever political persuasion you are, please vote,” Shay said. “It is an obligation and a duty.”

Contact Anthony Victor Reyes at areyes@newtondailynews.com.