Branstad in Marion

I traveled all the way across Marion this morning to see our governor-elect hold a town hall meeting at the Public Library.

I was early. Terry Branstad was a little late. He drew a nice crowd that jammed into a meeting room to hear the once and future governor.

These folks did not witness a major news event. Branstad and Lt. governor-elect Kim Reynolds said they'd work to create jobs, cut government spending and run an open, accessible shop. Schools will be great. Problems will get solved. Tough decisions will not be dodged. It was very much like his campaign appearances.

But there were a few tidbits I noted:

Tease -- Branstad said he'll hold a news conference Wednesday to announce his pick to run the Department of Education. It's his last big appointment, but he gave no hints. I asked his spokesguy, Tim Albrecht, if it's a familiar name and he said no. Let the speculation begin.

Tease II -- Branstad assured us that he's already on the job-creation job. "We have prospects we're already working on," he said. Branstad said he's making calls. Incoming economic development chief Debbi Durham is making calls. Perhaps evena few texts have ben exchanged. "Iowa OMG we need JOBS HMU"

Rest assured, they are not just leaving voice mail messages or getting busy signals. They are not getting screened straight to voice mail. They are talking to actual job creators. Branstad said "food processing" prospects are among the possibilities.

CPR - Asked about reforming schools, Branstad recounted a talk he had with a school administrator in Sioux City who lamented so many burdensome state requirements. One he mentioned in particular was the requirement that schools teach CPR. Branstad seems to share the Siouxlander's exasperation with mandated resuscitation. He thinks the Red Cross should teach it.

Personally, I'd like to see us cut our obesity rates first, before we stop teaching the kids how to do proper chest compressions. Just a thought.

Watersheds -- In response to a question, Branstad said he thinks Iowa has a "unique opportunity" to address watershed management with Tom Vilsack running the federal ag department and state Ag Sec. Bill Northey on the job. They're both interested in the issue, and Branstad expects some movement on efforts to persuade land owners to change practices with hopes of stemming runoff and flooding.

Vilsackian Moment -- Branstad sounded downright Vilsackian when he riffed on the recession-busting growth of biotech industries, associated both with agriculture and cutting edge pharmaceuticals. Branstad said Iowa schools must do a better job with science and math to provide a workforce that could lure more biotech to Iowa.  Vilsack said many of the same things when he was governor.

Culverian Moment -- Branstad said he will make Iowa "best in the nation in education." This hereby officially replaces Gov. Chet Culver's pledge to make Iowa the "Silicon Prairie of the Midwest."