1st District Democrat: Monica Vernon

I'm running for Congress because I see people struggling. In the past 30 years, the middle class has steadily lost ground. We can see it here in Iowa where paychecks have not kept up with the cost of living. We've got to bring back the middle class. We need to create a more vibrant economy that works for all, not just a few.

As a working mom who built a small business, I understand the struggles of working families just looking for a fair shake. We need equal pay for equal work and more workplace flexibility. Let's start by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act and pass Sen. Tom Harkin's bill, which would raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour.

Our country's greatest assets are its citizens. We need to invest in people through access to education and retraining. We need to invest in infrastructure like roads, bridges, locks and dams, flood protection and the power grid. We need to invest in innovation by taking more technologies from the laboratory to the production floor to be sold around the world.

We need to retool our economy. Stop incenting companies to offshore jobs. Stop fast tracking of global trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. We must ensure these agreements have broader financial benefits.

Much of my market research career was spent learning the needs of customers, helping take products to market, and retooling production lines. As a small business person, I used creative problem solving to work with others to get things done. This background will help in job creation and economic redevelopment.

Working every day for the people as a Cedar Rapids City Council member has been a labor of love. After the devastating flood of 2008, I worked hard to bring back jobs and our city neighborhoods better than ever while continuing to serve areas of the community not directly affected. My experience with numerous federal agencies has provided a strong background in policies that need improvement to better serve people.

I'm a lifelong Iowan and a proud Democrat. I'm a passionate advocate for human and civil rights. I believe in women's rights to make their own health care decisions and that marriage equality should be the law of the land. I will lead for policy that secures our promises to seniors and veterans. I will work hard for comprehensive immigration reform including a pathway to citizenship. I believe we need strong national climate policies. I support assistance to renewable energy technologies.

It's time to send more people to Congress with hands-on experience and proven records of successful leadership and progress. Stances on all the issues are important. Please see my website for more specifics: monicavernonforcongress.com.

What's just as important is electing someone who you can trust to be responsive. Someone with the world experience, passion and teamwork skills it takes to move our country forward. I would be honored to work hard for all the Iowans in the First District. And, I'd be proud to have your vote on Tuesday.

' Monica Vernon is a Democratic 1st District candidate for Congress. Comments: monicavernoneforcongress@gmail.com