Working to make Iowa No. 1

I am honored to be a candidate for the Iowa Senate.

Of the candidates, my successful farm and business track record, experience with state government and community involvement provides a unique understanding of the issues. This has given me the skill set to effectively represent District 18 and make a difference for all Iowans.

My family moved to Linn County 26 years ago because it was an amazing place to live - outstanding schools and warm, caring people. We chose to anchor our businesses and raise our six children here.

Through the years, I have volunteered with our schools, church and many community organizations. My travels to Des Moines with other farmers, business leaders and concerned citizens to challenge our elected officials have resulted in bipartisan legislation. One such was our open enrollment and home-school bill. This bill and others have made our community and state a better place.

We are now at a crossroad. Iowa's economy is faltering. Our schools are continuing to slide. Our business climate discourages growth and investment. Our state budget faces serious challenges.

This election presents the opportunity to continue my track record of public service and break the gridlock in the Senate.

There are four central issues we must confront if we are to grow and prosper.

l Jobs: Unemployment is a huge issue. We need successful businesses in Iowa so we can have good jobs. Iowans are known for our great work ethic and solid education. Businesses will relocate and expand here if our economic climate encourages business development. That requires changing our regulatory and tax structure.

An idea has been floated to offer employers a $2,000 tax credit to hire an unemployed Iowan. This may sound nice, but in reality, no solid business will hire an employee it doesn't need for a $2,000 tax credit. Who qualifies? Who monitors another layer of paperwork? Do non-profits participate? This approach was already tried by the federal government and didn't work. I want to fix our economic environment so businesses will need to hire more Iowans.

l Education: We must restore Iowa's reputation as a leader in education. Great teachers have been discouraged by the burden of over-regulation. The federal No Child Left Behind Act may have sounded like a good idea, but didn't turn out that way in practice. We must get over-regulation out of the way, so teachers spend less time on red tape and more time teaching. When we shortchange our children, we are shortchanging the next generation, who must compete in the global economy.

l Regulatory reform: The impact of over-regulation is stifling all areas of our lives, from farming and business to education and health care. Iowa has more than 170 boards and commissions that make rules and regulations, many overlapping. I will work hard to eliminate redundant regulation. I also will work for a five-year sunset on all new rules, so that they are reviewed for effectiveness. As we reduce this regulatory burden, Iowans will be freed up to do what they do best.

l State budget: Just as you live within your family budget, state government must live within its means. I will work to control spending in Des Moines and return the state to a smart, balanced budget without raising your taxes.

I invite you to imagine an Iowa that ranks No. 1 in employment, education, economic growth, and in places to live and work and raise children. That's what I want for Linn County and all of Iowa.

I would be honored to serve you in the Iowa Senate.

Cindy Golding is the Republican candidate for Senate District 18. Comments: clgolding@aol.com