House District 65 candidates set sights on education, young professionals

The two Democratic candidates in Iowa House District 65 say experience teaching others grew into a determination to become a lawmaker.

Gary Anhalt, 67, of Cedar Rapids, said he spent 40 years in public service and education, starting out as an elementary teacher. After retiring, he became a Cedar Rapids School Board member. He says he's ready to continue to be an advocate for education in Des Moines.

'My experience has presented me with some good opportunities, good training, to really be able to best serve House District 65 and all of Cedar Rapids,” Anhalt said.

He said his time on the school board taught him how to be a good listener to the community's concerns, how to deal with tough decisions, and work with large budgets.

Anhalt and Liz Bennett are campaigning to be the Democratic nominee for House District 65 in the June 3 primary. The seat is now held by retiring Democratic Rep. Tyler Olson.

Bennett, 32, of Cedar Rapids, said her previous role as an internal technology trainer for GoDaddy.com, a web host provider and domain name registrar in Hiawatha, made her realize the importance of a strong workforce and educational foundation in Iowa. Bennett said she's concerned there isn't enough being done to retain young professionals.

'We have excellent colleges and universities in Iowa and it's really unfortunate to see people who are very bright and well-educated take their talent to other places,” said Bennett, who attended Cornell College and stayed in the area upon graduation.

She said some of the ways to foster a strong workforce include attracting companies through tax incentives and making sure the jobs created are 'living wage jobs.”

Anhalt said he supports raising the minimum wage and focusing on economic development in the community. He cited Kirkwood Community College as a good example of developing partnerships with small businesses.

Anhalt said he wants to see the Iowa House support allowable growth for the state's kindergarten through 12th grade schools, renew efforts to pass anti-bullying legislation, and expand early childhood education.

'I don't have all of the answers but I do know there are concerns from constituents,” Anhalt said. 'Unless we put targets on some of these concerns ... if you don't set goals nothing will get done.”

Bennett said she's also focused on combating climate change at the state level. She noted she supports measures that came up during the most recent legislative session including tax credits for homeowners who install renewable systems in their homes and enacting policies that promote wind energy projects.

Bennett said she's always been interested in current events, has participated in the Linn County Democratic Central Committee and was a 2012 delegate at the Democratic National Convention.

'I've always been interested in what is going on in society, what is going on in our community,” Bennett said. 'There just came a point where I decided I needed to take responsibility for where our state is going.”

Liz Bennett

'Age: 31

'Occupation: Technical Support for GoDaddy.com

'Previous Elected Experience: None

'Hometown: Cedar Rapdis; Silvis, Ill. native

Gary Anhalt

'Age: 67

'Occupation: Retired

'Previous Elected Experience: Cedar Rapids School Board member

'Hometown: Cedar Rapids: South Saint Paul, Minn. native