Branstad wrong about Culver’s flood response

I'm disappointed at the criticism the Terry Branstad campaign keeps heaping on Gov. Chet Culver over the 2008 floods and reconstruction effort. As chair of the Environmental Protection Commission, I had the honor and privilege of working with state employees from the governor on down during the flood, and frankly, it was state government at its best.

Culver and his staff and cabinet worked tirelessly to overcome the daily challenges of this disaster. Want proof? Just compare Iowa's response to this flood to the Gulf states' Hurricane Katrina response.

Similarly, the criticism of Culver's rebuilding effort seems misguided. The I-JOBS program creates a bond fund paid by casino revenues (not income taxes) to put contractors, suppliers, architects and engineers to work rebuilding our damaged cities and towns and restoring and improving flood protection. Not only does it supply good jobs during an economic downturn but it also provides a powerful tool for reconstruction.

The former governor wants to end this program - so does that mean we lose those jobs and stop repairing the damage?

Henry Marquard

Muscatine