Editor’s Note: In Iowa House District 29 Ann Howell’s letter to the editor, she references portions of a quote reported by Newton Daily News and made by her opponent State Rep. Wes Breckenridge made Sept. 20, as he addressed the federal charges against the wife of Dan Nieland, a Democratic running for Iowa Senate. The full quote was reported as followed:
“We may be riding on a blue wave or a blue ripple, and the last thing we need to do is set Jasper County aside and say ‘we’re dysfunctional,’” Breckenridge said. “We’re not dysfunctional. We stay on the same team, we stay unified and we work hard. We may see things differently, but we stay together. Respect other people’s position. Keep it in-house and keep it internal.”
I am Ann Howell, Republican candidate for State Representative. I’d appreciate your vote on or before Nov. 6.
At the statehouse, I will work for you. I’ll be accessible and accountable. I’m committed to growing Iowa’s economy and improving educational opportunities for our kids.
I’m dedicated to fiscal responsibility and value community involvement.
Patriotism and a deep gratitude to our veterans will go with me to the Capitol.
I will protect the unborn and defend the Fetal Heartbeat bill that was signed into law but is being challenged by Democrats. I have no doubt they will repeal it if they gain power. We can’t allow it.
I will fight for a balanced budget and protect 2nd amendment rights.
I absolutely will not support increasing the sales tax like my opponent, (Rep. Wes) Breckenridge.
Jasper County needs a state representative who is firm but fair. I will call out injustice and manipulation of the system.
Case in point, I freely walked into the recent legislative forum knowing the League of Women Voters is a liberal-sided-group. I took the opportunity to debate my opponent. That wasn’t enough for him. He felt the need to stack the deck even further against my efforts and Republican supporters by staging his campaign manager, Democrat activist Carol Kramer, in a pivotal role on the panel deciding what questions to ask candidates or dismiss.
My opponent presents a good Boy Scout image to the public, but I ask you to take a closer look.
He has proven he will do all he can to keep scandals within the local Democratic Party quiet and hidden. When speaking about a federal indictment against one of his fellow candidates, he demanded the Jasper (County) Democrat Central Committee members “keep it quiet” (and) “Keep it in-house.”
He ran for office for selfish reasons two years ago. He was passed over for Newton Police Chief and needed a government job for his IPERS account to increase. It had nothing to do with public service.
This kind of manipulative behavior must not be rewarded.
His campaigns are funded by one of the most powerful union lobbyists at the Capitol. Lobbyists and the courthouse have expectations of Breckenridge that have nothing to do with you.
I’ve run a grassroots campaign with the help of friends, family, loyal Republicans and Independent voters.
Should I be elected to serve, I will do my best for all residents of Jasper County. There are no strings attached to me. The shake-up would benefit you, the taxpayer. Take a chance on a change in Jasper County.
Please vote for me, Ann Howell, for State Representative on or before Nov. 6.
See you at the polls.
Ann Howell
Colfax