Business climate, education cited as priorities in Senate District 39 GOP primary

Royce Phillips' time in public office taught him problems don't have allegiances to anyone.

'The one thing I learned from being a mayor, a pothole doesn't really care what party you're from ... those things have to be done regardless,” said Phillips, a former two-term mayor of Tiffin.

Phillips joins Michael Moore of Washington and Bob Anderson of Swisher in a June 3 primary for the Republican nomination in Iowa Senate District 39.

Phillips, 60, grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and moved from California to Iowa in 1983 to establish the Tabernacle Baptist Church, where he still preaches in Coralville. The Tiffin resident said his Senate campaign is being driven by three R's: reconciliation; reforming government ethics and transparency; and rebuilding areas such as infrastructure, education and health care.

Phillips said he wants to more closely examine problems such as state education and infrastructure and how they can be fixed without raising taxes. Phillips said he's not against a gas tax but wants to make sure there are absolutely no other options.

Moore, 67, of Washington said voters should send someone like him to Des Moines.

'I'm a businessman, not a politician,” said Moore, CEO of United Presbyterian Home in Washington. 'I feel government is a big business and we need more people that have experience in keeping a balanced budget and (know) how to put budgets together.”

Moore said that business mentality includes examining ways the government could run more efficiently. He noted the state Department of Health and Human Services is one agency he believes is 'inefficiently run” and said he would explore ways to reduce unnecessary government agencies. Moore said he also would explore ways to improve the state's health care system and help keep Iowa's significant population of senior citizens in Iowa and not retire to other states.

Anderson, 67, of Swisher has remained active in the Republican Party of Iowa. Anderson credits his years working with the party as preparation for the issues that face lawmakers.

Anderson said ensuring a vibrant business climate in the state is his top priority. He said supporting policies that encourage businesses to stay in Iowa is important to prevent the 'youth drain” as younger residents move out of state for jobs or school. Anderson said he supports extending property tax deductions for businesses and a more fair tax structure.

'We need to keep Iowa growing, keep our economy dynamic and keep the private sector growing jobs”, Anderson said.

Bio

Michael Moore

'Age

: 67

'Occupation

: CEO of United Presbyterian Home

'Previous Elected Experience

: City council, school board

'Hometown

: Washington

'Current town

: Washington

Royce Phillips

'Age

: 60

'Occupation

: Pastor

'Previous Elected Experience

: Tiffin mayor, city council member

'Hometown

: Tiffin; Native of Fort Worth, Texas

Bob Anderson

'Age

: 67

'Occupation

: Smulekoff's merchandising executive

'Previous Elected Experience

: None

'Hometown

: Swisher; Native of Bloomington, Minn.