Since the Mason City community first chose to send me to Des Moines back in 2008 it has been my privilege to stand up for my neighbors, and friends at the Statehouse.  I view it as my solemn responsibility to be a voice for fairness, justice, and progress.  And I will continue to fight for those ideals in the coming years, for as long as I serve.

As I learned when I served as President of the Mason City Education Association, being in a position of greater responsibility also brings more opportunity to make a difference.  That’s why I decided to run for an assistant leader’s spot in the House, because I felt it would give North Iowa more of a say in things, and I want our needs to be heard loud and clear down in Des Moines.  In October, 2009, I was elected Assistant House Majority Leader, and I plan to make that count for the folks at home in the Mason City area.

As an educator for nearly three decades, making a difference in the lives of students has long been a priority of mine.  As a parent and grandparent, I know how much our children mean to all of us.  I fervently believe that a strong education for our students equals a strong foundation for their futures, and for all of our futures.  Smaller class sizes, qualified teachers, and making the necessary investment in our schools – investments which pay off when our kids grow up, and their successes shape our society.  That’s a big part of what I stand for.

Helping all Iowans achieve their success is another part of what I stand for.  Making college more affordable and creating well paying jobs to keep the promise of our youth here in Iowa is one way.  Staying at the fore front of the green energy revolution to bring more green jobs – jobs which can’t be outsourced – to Iowa is another.  And watching the checkbook, choosing fiscally sound investments to make, like investments in smart grid technology and bio-diesel to help Iowa profit from it’s vast natural resources, and investments in quality education for the jobs of the future is perhaps the most important way of all.  It is the way forward, the way upward, and the way out of the global recession for Iowa.

Thanks to the support of so many of my friends and neighbors in North Iowa I am in the position to make your voices heard down South louder than ever, and cannot thank you enough for the opportunity.  I pledge to raise my voice loudly and often on behalf of you all, whenever it’s necessary, for as long as I am privileged to serve.  Thank you!