Breckenridge opens office on square

The “new” office of Rep. Wes Breckenridge, D-Newton, looks awfully familiar.

At least it should for those who first elected him in 2016.

On Saturday, Aug. 1, Breckenridge officially opened his headquarters to the public. A large crowd gathered for a brief photo op with his campaign near the office’s storefront, which is located at southwest corner of the town square in Newton, along First Avenue.

With all the blue “Breckenridge For State Representative” signs affixed to building’s overhead signage, it’s hard to miss. When supporters surrounded the headquarters for a photo or two, it was hard to see their smiles. And that’s because every person was wearing a mask.

Much like when Breckenridge returned to the statehouse with his fellow legislators after a long suspension due to COVID-19, the pandemic has become a major focus this year. He’s also looking at the effects the pandemic has had on small businesses and unemployment rates.

“We want to make sure to get our economy rebuilt and going again, to help lower that unemployment rate so people have jobs,” Breckenridge said. “And that’s directly connected to workplace health insurance, and that’s connected to the health insurance component of it.”

Getting back to some sense of normalcy with the pandemic would be a start, Breckenridge added. He’s also looking at education since several schools are in the middle of applying their “Return to Learn” plans. Ensuring schools have much needed resources and supplies during the school year is important, he said.

“We also don’t want to forget mental health services, mental health resources during this stressful time,” he said. “People are struggling and we want to make sure we focus and see that as a priority. As we come out of the pandemic … we still need to focus on these things, (like) jobs, economy, health care, education.”

Breckenridge currently holds the Iowa House District 29 seat, which representatives a large portion of Jasper County. Contesting his seat is Republican candidate Jon Dunwell, who has acknowledged to his own supporters that it will be a tough race.

The Jasper County Republican Party recently opened its own headquarters on the town square, too. However, the local Democrats have yet to open their headquarters ahead of the 2020 election. Breckenridge’s office will be the central hub for his campaign and supporters.

Normally, Breckenridge said his campaign would be going door to door to discuss issues facing the county. However, Breckenridge announced in June that he would not be going door to door this year, saying he does not want to put people with underlying health conditions or vulnerable populations at risk.

The brick-and-mortar store won’t be packed full of people, but Breckenridge said it will still have the presence he wants.

“We’re out there working hard for the folks at Jasper County, and it’s good to have this here as that central hub,” Breckenridge.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com