My thanks to the candidates for Iowa House District 28, Ann Fields and Jon Thorup, Iowa House District 29, Wes Breckenridge and Ann Howell, and Iowa Senate District 15, Dan Nieland and Zach Nunn for a great Candidate Forum at DMACC on Oct. 22. The candidates put great thought in their answers about the complex issues of Mental Health, Medicaid and Substance Abuse. They were all in agreement that they need to learn more about these issues. Although there was some disagreement, the candidates showed respect towards each other which differs from all of the negative ads and social media we are seeing this election campaign.
I want to also thank the panel, Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess, Julie Smith of Capstone, Robbie Robinson of Discover Hope and NAMI Central Iowa Representatives Jill Clapper and Kelly Kirk, for their time and their thoughtful questions.
Also, thanks to Julie Bishop-Gibson, Linda Garlinghouse, and my wife, Peg, for their help and to all of the audience members who took their time to come out on a very pleasant evening for this event. I believe that this event was an educational experience for the candidates and for the audience.
Finally, my thanks for the coverage that the Newton Daily News gave to promote and report this event.
Bill Ehler
NAMI Central Iowa