State candidates: Dist. 53 race between Huseman and Sokolowski

Iowa House Dist. 53

(Incumbent)

1. Why are you running for this office?

I am running for re-election because public service is important. I believe I am doing a good job of representing the people of this district. I enjoy the job, work hard at it and like being in a position where I can help people. There are many challenges, but my experience and knowledge of the issues helps me do a better job of representing my constituents. I am running to help finish the tasks which are not yet completed. That means improving our educational system, upgrading our transportation infrastructure, creating and retaining jobs, lowering property taxes, promoting renewable fuels and making sure everyone has access to affordable healthcare. In Des Moines, I work will all legislators. I do not throw bombs at anyone. I have had the honor of chairing several committees, and if re-elected, I will use my leadership skills to best serve the citizens of House District 53.

2. What issues need to be the Priorities of state government?

The State needs to have a balanced budget. Right now, this is not happening, and spending is out or control. This must stop. We cannot spend more than we take in. Job creation and security are vital at this time. Even with tight finances, there is enough money to fund our priorities such as K-12 education, affordable higher education, production of renewable fuels, help with healthcare costs, veteran's programs and environmental policies. The state can assist by making sure our farm economy is strong and our Right to Work law stays in place. At the current time, many people are hurting, and we need to make sure that people have food and shelter, and will be able to stay warm this winter. We need to keep taxes as low as possible, and get rid of outdated regulations. We must stay competitive.

3. Currently, the State of Iowa is looking at expenses that are $5 million higher than the tax collection. What needs to be done to address this budget issue?

First of all, no tax increases. There must be an honest, balanced budget. During the last two years, state spending has increased by nearly 20%. This is not only reckless, it is not sustainable. Revenues have been strong, but that does not mean all of the money has to be spent. It would seem to me that a tax cut would have been in order rather than creating new programs that we cannot afford. Pork barrel spending must stop. Taking money from our infrastructure fund to spend on pork is just plain stupid. We have been through hard times before, and there will have to be some changes. All agencies should be ordered to trim back where possible, and there should be a freeze on new hiring. If things get worse, the governor could order across the board cuts, and there could be layoffs and furloughs.

4.What should Iowa Legislature do or not do to encourage growth in Iowa during financially tight times?

Iowa must be competitive. Tax rates need to be lower in order to attract companies to the state. Sometimes, it is better for government to just get out of the way. However, there are several programs in place to assist business creation and job retention. The Grow Iowa Values Fund is one. Iowa leads the nation in the production of renewable fuels, and we need to hold that position. We need an educated workforce. A well educated and well trained workforce must be available when companies come to look at Iowa. College must be affordable for everyone. It is imperative that we complete, repair and maintain our transportation infrastructure. This is the number one question companies ask when they are thinking about setting up shop here. Finally, the Legislature must protect our Right to Work law.

5. What should Iowa legislature do in regards to healthcare for Iowans?

The healthcare issue is much bigger than just Iowa. We have the best healthcare in the world, so we must be careful and not ruin what we have. The state should fully fund the Medicaid program and make sure our local providers are paid for their services. I would like to the see the state more involved in helping people with their prescription drug costs. The HAWK-I program for children is working, and should be expanded. Early screening and detection can help hold down costs. Preventative healthcare and healthy lifestyles will save money in the long run, and the state can play a role in this area. The Legislature works every year trying to help as many people as possible get insurance coverage. We are making progress, but we have a long way to go. Right now, the money is not there, so the work will continue.

Lori Sokolowski (D)

State Representative Dist. 53

1. Why are you running for this office?

I grew up on a family farm and continue to live on a farm in Cherokee County. My husband, Dick, and I raised our 4 children who continue to live and raise their families in the county. Working in the State Legislation to keep our communities viable is needed. With 10 years experience advocating rural issues through Iowa Farmers Union, I educated and worked with legislators on a bi-partisan basis. I bring knowledge and understanding on what is needed for future growth in our rural communities.

2. What issues need to be priorities for the state government?

We will be balancing the state budget while continuing to make commitments to education, health care, job creation and conservation.

3. Currently, the state of Iowa is looking at expenses that are $5 million higher than the tax collections. What needs to be done to address this budget issue?

Iowa Legislation has prepared for the national downturn in the economy and the flooding this summer, by filling our "rainy day" funds to $620 million. I am committed to being fiscally responsible by controlling spending and lowering property taxes for homeowners, veterans and seniors. I will be looking at new ideas for Iowa to draw down additional federal monies for Quality Assurance Assessment for nursing home care. Iowa is 48th in Medicaid reimbursement compared to what is being used in 32 other states.

4. What should Iowa legislature do or not to encourage business growth in Iowa during financially tight times?

For Iowa's economic future, we need to cut commercial property taxes for Iowa businesses, without shifting the burden to homeowners or farmers, so Iowa is competitive with our neighboring states. We need to continue to create new jobs and expand job training opportunities including business-specific training for high-tech and green collar workers, through public-private partnership.

5. What should Iowa legislature do in regards to health care for Iowans?

I support continual aid to keep all 4 Mental Health Institutes in Iowa active. I'm making a commitment for continual services and job security to agencies who work with people with mental health issues and disabilities. I support the Medicaid Health Care for children, seniors, disabled Iowans and the Hawk-I Program for our young children. We need to make sure returning veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are covered by health insurance.

Randy Feenstra (R)

State Senate Dist. 2

1. Why are you running for this office?

10-years ago I was head of sales for The Foreign Candy Co. Inc. This company was a fast paced highly productive organization that pursued continuous improvement in service and quality. I stepped down from this organization and became the City administrator of Hull and then Sioux County Treasurer. I quickly realized the dysfunction and red tape in government. From that point I made it my passion to change the way government is managed. I went to Iowa State University and received my Master in Public Administration. I focused my efforts on learning a better form of government management! Through the Senate, I want to continue my assault on a more effect and efficient way to manage State government.

2. What issues need to be the Priorities of state government?

Creating a government system that no longer creates more bureaucracy. Rather, a system that is built on outcomes and results for each of us citizens. This will create a more effective and efficient government. (Results Based Management)

3. Currently, the State of Iowa is looking at expenses that are $5 million higher than the tax collection. What needs to be done to address this budget issue?

A result based management system, creates efficiency in government and cuts programs that are not effective. This is a way to rein in spending and create a more responsible form of government.

4.What should Iowa Legislature do or not do to encourage growth in Iowa during financially tight times?

Get rid of the Iowa corporate income tax. If we want to compete with our other State neighbors this must be removed. This can be done by not funding economic development projects that use incentives to entice big business to relocate in the State. We should not be picking winners that land in Desmoines; rather, we should level the playing field for all businesses.

5. What should Iowa legislature do in regards to healthcare for Iowans?

No simple answers, as health care covers a myriad of areas that need complete over hauls. However, working with the federal government, we need to find a way where everyone has affordable health insurance.