Iowa House 77 GOP rivals see opening for change in representation

CEDAR RAPIDS — As Republicans, Paula Dreeszen and Royce Phillips know they face long odds running for the Iowa Legislature from House 77 in heavily Democratic Johnson County.

However, the rivals for the Republican nomination in the largely rural district that covers most of Johnson County west of Interstate 380 take encouragement from the number of voters they meet. Dreeszen and Phillips say those voters aren't happy with their representation.

Phillips, a longtime resident, said he has been surprised by the level of 'anger and disgust with traditional politics.'

'I knew it was there. I knew it was bad, but I didn't realize how bad,' Phillips said.

'A lot of voters don't think they count,' Dreeszen said. 'I want people to know I'm listening to everyone whether they've been successful or are living paycheck to paycheck.'

Rep. Sally Stutsman, D-Riverside, is retiring, so there's no incumbent on the ballot in House 77. The district covers North Liberty, Tiffin, Oxford, Swisher and Shueyville. The winner of the Phillips-Dreeszman race will face the winner of the Democratic primary contest between Amy Neilsen and Abbie Weipert.

Phillips said he stands for fiscal responsibility, small government and common-sense leadership.

'I'm not really not trying to draw distinctions, but let people know where I stand,' he said, adding that after more than 30 years in the community, he thinks he has the background, principles and community involvement that make him the best choice.

'I'm a known quantity,' he said, referring to his service in local government and the community. 'I've been pretty well vetted.'

Dreeszen is promising to 'represent the rest of us ... the common person, not just the people who have money, but the working man, the working woman.'

She hears concerns from voters about roads, education, health care — especially the privatization of Medicaid management — and mental health.

'A lot of people tell me bullying in schools needs to be addressed,' Dreeszen said. 'Not just student-to-student, but teacher-to-student and teacher-to-parent. That was new to me.'

Iowa House members serve two-year terms and are paid $25,000 a year.

The primary election in June 7. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

HOUSE DISTRICT 77 BIOS

Name: Royce Phillips

Age: 62

Professional experience: Pastor for 33 years

Political experience: two terms as Tiffin mayor; one term as council member

Education: theology degrees from Baptist Bible College, Springfield, Ill.; master's from Louisiana Bible University, Shreveport, Louisiana

Community service: Rotary, Genealogy Society, youth sports Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts

Family: wife, Cindy; 4 adults kids

Website: under construction

Quote: 'Basically, I think I can honestly say I never really woke up and said 'I want to run.' I've had a lot of encouragement to run. I've been recruited by friends and neighbors to do it. That's flattering and I want to continue to earn that respect.'

Name: Paula Dreeszen

Age: 66

Address: Iowa City

Professional background: Department of Human Services financial eligibility worker, 10 years; insurance sales; farmer's wife; own-operator of day care for 10 years and tutoring business for elementary students for four years; office manager for son's cleaning business.

Political Experience: None

Educational Background: three years at University of Iowa; bachelor's in psychology, Briar Cliff; teaching certification, Morningside College.

Community Service: First woman on the Cushing, Iowa, church council, Sunday school teacher, Bible school coordinator, director of Christmas programs and ecumenical summer youth programs, organizer and leader for junior youth group. 4-H parent, Johnson County Youth Development Committee; many roles at Iowa City church; Iowa City Homeless Shelter volunteer.

Family: husband, Randy Dreeszen, four children

Website: www.Dreeszen4ia.com

Quote: 'It is time for the people of Iowa to unite for the good of all instead of continuing to let politicians tear us apart.'