Lou Rogers, Iowa House District 68

The Gazette sent a questionnaire to Iowa Legislature candidates representing Linn, Johnson and surrounding counties. The responses are unedited, unless to correct spelling or punctuation. 

To see other candidates' responses, visit our Election 2020 Candidates page. 

Lou Rogers faces Democrat Rep. Molly Donahue in the election for Iowa House District 68. Click here to read Donahue's responses.

What are the three biggest issues facing the state? How would you address them?

Fiscal Accountability/Spending - education, mental and physical healthcare specifically for women (outside of planned parenthood), veterans, and elderly , Right to Life, Religious & Faith Freedom. These three issues, I feel are the wavetop, hot button issues, I as a citizen and others I have encountered, which is why I decided to run. Honestly, a very big issue I see is "Ego". The very foundations of the our founding have been plagued with endless party bickering. I would address each issue, by first examining the current status, at the same time take input from "we the people" and truly work disagreements out for the greater good of humanity.  

What, if anything, needs to change about the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic?

First thing that needs to be eliminated is all the back and for squabbling about who is to blame, to stop politicizing this already complex issue. Do the due diligence by doing the homework. Get the true subject matter experts that will convey and truly non-biased approach - Common-sense decision-making, lastly not creating a state of panic, or paranoia. We are humans and have lived with germs all our lives. They are truly unavoidable, but properly and safely manageable. Extreme Ownership of the situation is my approach. No blame games just facts and solutions. 

What do you consider as budget priorities? What would you do to ensure these see funding? Which areas would you target funding reductions?

Budget priorities should be handled separately without any hidden agendas, what's in it for me mindsets, or quid pro quos. Handling the budget should take care consideration, it's not a Monopoly game. There needs to be better transparency when using other people's hard earned money. I like Dave Ramsey's approach to cashflow and envelope use in the family unit. These types of ideal and respected budgeting and spending practices should also apply to business and government. People want to see better results from how taxes are spent or allocated for its intended purposes. My target areas are - Mental Health (proper care facilities and caring/trained staff. A healthy and dependable school choice education system where children's education is decided at the local level, not BIG government. Lastly -  Safety, Security, Environmental practices - that puts the ownership on land and business owners with the stewardship of the our resources to be taken care of responsibly, as written. 

What, if any, changes would you make to the way the state funds its K-12 education system?

I do not believe in throwing blind money, especially other people's money into the school system. As mentioned before, school choice should be handled at the local level. Not big government. The system needs to be revamped which encourages good moral characters and that provides an environment open to unbiased speech, to include prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and respect for our American Flag.  

What should the state do to further address water quality issues? What, if anything, should the state do to increase funding for water quality improvements?

As a career Marine, I had the opportunity to work in the utilities and engineering field. Part of that was purifying water. I also worked as a Safety Officer and Environmental Compliance Officer. This topic is a no brainer for me. I have seen what dirty and polluted water looks like. It damages the eco-system and does not provide adequate, safe drinking water. This is why it is important to ensure landowners be good stewards of the land and water, otherwise they would be fined. No complicated regulations are required that don't already exist. Update and constantly train and inspect. No added costs to any of that. 

What should the state do to address the availability of safe and affordable child care across Iowa?

Safety of children is paramount. Cost should not dictate the quality and quantity of child care providers. People with various income levels should be given the proper attention to by affording them adequate care at varying rates according to either dual income or sole income. 

What is your response to recent protests calling for racial justice? What changes to law enforcement policy or budgeting do you support? 

Peaceful protests as the Constitution states should be respected regardless of the topic of the protest as long as it is justified. There is a lot of misdirected hate and misunderstood or misconstrued narratives that are taking place. Hatred should not beget hatred, rather respond in love for fellow citizens. I support 100% Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Services, Military. All these public servants are held to a code of ethics and sworn oaths to SERVE and PROTECT. Citizens are required to obey the law and accordingly, at the same time Protectors of the Law are never above it and as such are also held accountable. It is never the fault of all for the mistake of one. Let's change the mindset. It starts at home and in schools.  

Will you approve the governor's IWILL tax relief/mental health plan?

Undecided

Will you seek voter approval of a constitutional amendment on abortion (SJR2001/HJR2004)?

Undecided

Will you support a ban hand-held electronic devices while driving (SF2248/HF2375)?

Yes

Will you support allowing financial compensation for college athletes (SF2330/HF2282)?

Yes

Will you support making daylight saving time permanent (SF2077/HF2059)?

No

Will you support allowing end-of-life options for patients with terminal conditions (SF2156/HF2302)?

No

Will you support closing loopholes to protect mobile home occupants/tenants (HF2351/SF2238)?

Undecided

Will you support increasing the state minimum hourly wage from $7.25?

No

Will you support raising the state tobacco tax by $1 to $2.36 per pack?

Undecided

Will you support modifying or repealing Iowa's bottle bill law?

Undecided

Will you support requiring helmets for minors operating motorcycles/motorized bikes?

Yes

Will you support eliminating criminal penalties for possessing marijuana?

No

Will you support establishing a moratorium on constructing large-scale animal feeding facilities?

Undecided

Will you support creating an 'extreme risk' or 'red flag' firearms protective order?

Undecided