March 28, 2024

What we stand for

On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Jasper County, I would like to thank the legislative and supervisor candidates for participating in our recent forum. Our league would also like to thank the Newton Daily News and local media for publicity and the city of Newton for the use of their facility.

The League of Women Voters began when women won the right to vote as a way to allow these new voters to become informed on the issues of the time. League members study topics such as education, privatization, juvenile justice, mental health and re-districting , to name a few, to take consensus as a League to influence public policy.

The League of Women Voters of Jasper County is a nonpartisan organization which is open to men and women, whether they identify with a political party or not. The LWV policies prevent the League president and the moderator of candidate forums from publicly advocating for specific candidates. However, League members other than the president and forum moderator may take an interest or an active role in political activities. We are proud that local league member, both Republicans and Democrats, have been political delegates, candidates, observers and have helped shape policies since the LWV began in Newton in 1937.

Among these, the League influenced the way Iowa’s judges are selected and voted on for retention when the matter came up in the 1960s. The LWV of Jasper County is proud of this and we seek to keep the public in touch and informed with those seeking and serving in elected offices.

As was announced at the recent forum, all questions for the candidates come from those in the audience. The League reserves the right to re-word or combine questions and requires that questions be on a subject that would be properly before the legislature, supervisors, school board or city council as the case may be. If time does not allow, all questions submitted during the forum are scanned and provided to all candidates. The LWV of Jasper County has had excellent support from the community. We appreciate candidates who are willing to run and serve the public and our League stands ready to assist these potential public servants.

Sincerely,

Jane Odland

President, LWV of Jasper Co.