Mathis a powerful advocate for education

Liz Mathis is the clear choice for Senate District 18 and Iowa. In the debate on Oct. 26, Mathis showed herself to be an articulate and powerful advocate for all Iowans.

Both Cindy Golding and Mathis agreed Iowa needs to consider our priorities as a state, but only Mathis' responses were in line with what will benefit all citizens.

Both candidates agree, and rightfully so, that Iowa needs to attract more competitive businesses and industries to the state to address Iowa's brain-drain of young talent. What Mathis realizes best is that businesses are attracted to places where the education system is top-notch. We can all agree that there needs to be a careful reform effort in Iowa to return the state to its former “best in the nation” status. What we need is a champion of education to be involved in the political process of this reform.

Golding's reference to Iowa's education system as a “sinking ship” while claiming that corporate interests should be the government's first priority illustrates how truly out of touch she is with the needs of all Iowans. Mathis' experience in education and willingness to prioritize Iowa's children over personal interests make her the right choice for Linn County.

Mathis will be a careful steward of both Iowa's budget and our children's future.

Pete Clancy

Cedar Rapids