Q&A with Iowa House 89 candidate Elinor Levin

Elinor Levin, 35, of Iowa City, is the Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 89 in the Nov. 8 general election. Levin, who has not previously held elected office, works as a writing tutor in Iowa City. Levin faces Republican Jacob Onken in the race.

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

Levin: In my view, all of the most important issues that our state is facing come together into one - Iowans leaving. We need people to want to stay here, even to come and make a home and a life here, as I chose to. Making this a place where people see a future for themselves involves improving access to healthcare and affordable housing, includes educating and recruiting people for 21st century careers, and means ensuring that everyone living in this state knows how valuable they are to our communities. We need to work hard to connect rural Iowa, improve water quality, and encourage entrepreneurship and creativity. We need to protect Iowans’ safety and steward our land and the animals that live on it. There is so much that can be done to make Iowa a place people are excited to call home.

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

Levin: I do not support the use of eminent domain for the establishment or expansion of CO2 pipelines. Eminent domain should only be used when necessary for public projects for the public good, never for the benefit of private corporations.

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

Levin: I do not support the use of eminent domain for the establishment or expansion of CO2 pipelines. Eminent domain should only be used when necessary for public projects for the public good, never for the benefit of private corporations.

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

Levin: First priority is to fund our public schools, followed by unfunded mandates including the Children's Mental Health System and underfunded programs like REAP.

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

Levin: Iowa needs a progressive tax code that allows the state to ensure that everyone has their basic needs met. A person or family that does not have enough income to afford housing, healthcare, nutrition, transportation, and clothing should find tax relief under our system. Those who have more, should contribute more, and we should be considering taxing high levels of wealth as well as earned income to ensure that folks whose finances are primarily in investments rather than employment are contributing their share to Iowa's schools, roads, and future.

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

Levin: Abortions must be safe and legal, and a decision made by a pregnant person in consultation with their medical provider and any family or friends they decide to involve. Bodily autonomy is paramount to us as human beings. A person cannot legally be forced to give a part of their body without consent, even to save another person’s life, in any situation, even after death. This ideal must remain clear and consistent across all events, particularly medical situations.

What are your ideas for improving public schools?

Levin: Increase funding at a minimum of 4% annually, ensuring that schools have the staff, materials, and infrastructure necessary to support all students and to take advantage of twenty-first century tools to foster engagement and enthusiasm. Schools need to embrace a wide variety of programs, including local efforts like classroom gardens and partnerships with community colleges and leaders and broader programs like virtual language classes offered for areas without the student population to support a wide variety of language specialists.

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?

Levin: No. Public funds are for public schools that have a responsibility to every child in the community. The choice to remove a child from the publicly-funded system must exist, but it should not be paid for at the expense of the schools that serve everyone.

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

Levin: Yes. Although I have, myself, been guilty of giving in to the temptation to read a text or turn on a podcast while I am driving, I also know that it only takes one moment of distraction to turn a vehicle into a dangerous projectile, causing property damage, injury, and even loss of life.