Q&A with House 73 candidate Susie Weinacht

Susie Weinacht, 59, is the Republican candidate for House District 73 in the Nov. 8 general election. Weinacht, a former Cedar Rapids City Council member, is seeking her first term in the statehouse.

The Gazette posed a set of questions to all area statehouse candidates. Below is the transcript of Weinacht’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?

Weinacht: Workforce, Economic Growth, Education

Workforce attraction strategies are top priorities for state and local leaders and are likely to continue to be for some time. As a member of city council, and the regional workforce development board, I championed “Growing and Keeping” our youth. Working with local youth organizations, valuable insight was gained regarding amenities they believe would retain and attract young people to our area.

Retaining and growing our workforce, economic growth and education are complicated issues that will require a multi-prong approach, along with innovative solutions and expanding opportunities that will attract folks to move to Iowa. I see these as common ground issues and am excited to work with my colleagues in the legislature and the governor.

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

Weinacht: Giving eminent domain authority to private entities is one that should cause pause. The Iowa Utilities Board must be thoughtful in considering the use of eminent domain in relationship to CO2 pipelines as a public benefit, and first and foremost it is important for landowners to be able to negotiate directly with the private companies for voluntary easement.

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

Weinacht: See above.

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

Weinacht: Iowa’s reserve funds exist to help our state weather economic changes that adversely affect the budget. Any action considering the reserve funds should be carefully considered and mindful of the current and forecasted economic climate. I'm supportive of attracting residents and growing our workforce and would be in favor of considering initiatives that would invest in quality-of-life infrastructure.

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

Weinacht: Iowa’s property tax structure is complex and challenging to understand. Simplifying the property tax structure is something the legislature should address and an effort I would be happy to champion.

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

Weinacht: Iowans’ access to abortion, upon settling of time limitation, should include consideration for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.

What are your ideas for improving public schools?

Weinacht: Investing in education has an impact on Iowa’s economic health and in strengthening our communities. Having served as executive director of the Iowa Parent Teacher Association, I have personal insight into education across the state and how important parent involvement is in a quality education. While the dollars are undoubtably important, parent/guardian engagement is critical to better outcomes.

Additionally, my undergrad studies, degree in elementary education and teaching certification, lends to an understanding of the vital role of educators, as well as their impact on our children and their future success. The state can address barriers to make coordination with community resources easier for schools — so that teachers can focus on teaching.

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?

Weinacht: The public, teachers, parents, and students deserve to be included in a robust conversation regarding public education that addresses the root cause of the support for vouchers.

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

Weinacht: Yes.

Should automated traffic cameras be banned?

Weinacht: Automated traffic enforcement (ATE) is one of many measures that can be used to enhance roadway safety and has been found to be effective. Police officers are expected to do more with less, and technology equipment can increase officer safety, especially in areas like the I-380 S-curve — so they can go home after shift to their families and provide for efficiency by reducing shortage of officers in areas of our communities that need their presence most.

The role of the legislature is to enact legislation to ensure the placement of this technology is driven by public safety data, that citations are reviewed by public safety staff, and that there is an appeal process for citizens.