Use the surplus to invest in Iowa assets

As a citizen of Strawberry Point since 1974 and an employee of the Starmont school system until my retirement three years ago, I have some suggestions for surplus money Gov. Kim Reynolds says she has.

The population in the Starmont district has declined by close to 60 percent. The Strawberry Point area would be much more attractive if the state would clean up the water at Backbone Lake. The number of campers and visitors would explode. Backbone Park itself also needs a good clean up and some TLC, not more Department of Natural Resources budget cuts. A bike path from town to and through the park and back to town would be really nice. Welcome bikers!

Money to entice the construction of a new motel would also be an attractive addition to the community. All of our visitors need a place to stay. Tax cuts have their place but sometimes the governor needs to invest to improve Iowa's assets. Strawberry Point and other small Iowa towns would all benefit.

Darryl Syverson

Strawberry Point