Q&A with House 73 candidate Elizabeth Wilson

Elizabeth Wilson, 58, is the Democratic candidate for House District 73 in the Nov. 8 general election. Wilson, a small-business owner, is seeking her first term in the statehouse. She previously served on the Linn-Mar school board.

The Gazette posed a set of questions to all area statehouse candidates. Below is the transcript of Wilson’s answers. Polls will be open on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What do you think are the three most important issues the state is facing? What would you do to address them?

Wilson: Protection of reproductive rights is paramount. A woman and her doctor are the only people who should be making her health care decisions. We must lower costs for Iowans by providing access to affordable health care, including mental health, access to affordable and quality child care and raise wages. Finally, we must provide our schools with the resources that allow them to be the best in the country. We cannot expect our state to attract/retain an adequate workforce if we do not provide our kids with a world class educational experience.

Do you support the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines? Why or why not?

Wilson: I do not support using eminent domain for the benefit of private companies funding the CO2 pipeline. Landowners must be allowed to negotiate the use of their resources. Additionally, there must be a valid public benefit for Iowa.

What restrictions or limitations should be placed on the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines?

Wilson: The Iowa Utilities Board should not be allowed to grant eminent domain authority to the private companies funding the C02 pipeline.

The state is projected to have a budget surplus of more than $1 billion. What would be your top priorities for that surplus?

Wilson: We need to increase funding for all levels of public education, from preschool through college. By investing wisely in our educational system, we increase the economic future for our state. World class education will propel our state's ability to attract/retrain employees and businesses. Another priority I would focus on would be child care. We need quality affordable options for working families.

What changes — beyond those made in recent sessions — would you like to see made to Iowa's tax code?

Wilson: First, I would like to see an income tax structure that directs larger tax cuts to the lowest earners. Working class families need this help. In addition we should increase the Child and Dependent Care Tax credit to provide relief to working families. Lastly, we should increase the tax credit for volunteer firefighters, EMTs and Reserve Peace Officers.

Under what circumstances should Iowans be able to access abortion services in the state? What if any, exceptions should apply to any abortion bans?

Wilson: I do not support an abortion ban. I support Roe v. Wade framework that was in place for over 50 years.

What are your ideas for improving public schools?

Wilson: Highly ranked public education should be a top priority. This would provide our state with the advantage to our kids that they deserve and our state with the ability to attract and retain young families and grow our economy.

Do you support further use of state funds to help parents pay the costs of non-public schools or home schooling for grades K-12? Why or why not?

Wilson: I do not support using any further state funds to fund private schools. Iowa already provides in excess of $100 million to private schools and home-school services. I believe we must use our public funding for public schools.

Should Iowa ban the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving?

Wilson: I support banning the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving, except in the case of emergency.

Should automated traffic cameras be banned?

Wilson: I do not support the use of traffic cameras.