Q&A with Senate 40 candidate Todd Taylor

Todd Taylor, 56, of Cedar Rapids, is the Democratic candidate for Senate District 40 in the Nov. 8 general election. Taylor, a retired union representative with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, is seeking his second term in the state Senate.

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

Taylor: 1) Education, Jobs/Economy, Health care: We must make K-12 education our top priority again. Education is the bridge to a better life, job and community. To do this we must fund education first, then build the rest of the budget around it. I want results more than an argument over spending percentages. We must ensure our kids are ready for the jobs of today's economy and spend accordingly. Iowa should reduce class sizes and improve testing for reading and core curriculum at appropriate intervals and fund these priorities for effective results.

2) Jobs/Economy: Iowa should connect workers to skills & skilled workers to good paying jobs. This is done by keeping tuition down & access to apprenticeships.

3) Health care: Everyone deserves the right to make their own private health care decisions.

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

Taylor: Eminent domain should be used for legitimate public purposes not private interests and then, only used fairly and sparingly.

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

Taylor: We have pipelines now that are effective and safe. We don't want to force landowners to put CO2 pipelines on their ground or under their ground against their will. Pipelines can be routed and directed away from certain protected areas if needed.

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

Taylor: I would lower taxes on working families and senior citizens on fixed incomes. The working class folks got left behind last session in the big tax overhaul which benefited selected people and corporations at the very top. I would fully fund public schools to keep up with raising costs. Raise pay for educators and attract/keep the best and the brightest for best results.

Child care access can help with connecting parents to jobs. I would incentivize child care centers and reverse the bad decision of allowing 16 and 17-year-old's to handle more, younger kids.

I would increase funding in our judicial system to ensure access to justice for everyone in order to foster due process, protect victims and keep our communities safe.

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

Taylor: I would like to freeze property tax on seniors with fixed incomes and reduce property taxes on small businesses. In the past we have given away huge property tax breaks to large corporations who didn't even ask for relief. We must target relief for fairer system.

I would incentivize and expand and properly fund renewable energy sources to lower gas and utility prices. Improvements to solar, wind, battery development, more research on soil science and insulation in walls, windows and roofs in construction to save on energy costs. This costs money but it saves even more and protects our environment.

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

Taylor: Everyone deserves the right to make private health care decisions free from government interference especially reproductive care and abortion. Abortion should not be completely banned, especially in the cases of rape, incest or the life or health of the mother.

What are your ideas for improving public schools?

Taylor: We must keep public tax dollars in public schools It is essential that every child graduate from high school with the skills necessary to compete in today's global economy. To do this I would fully fund school budgets first, then build the rest of the budget around this priority. We must keep up with the rising costs of education to guarantee every kid not matter what their ZIP code is gets a great education. We must pay teachers well to keep good teachers.

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?

Taylor: Private schools already receive taxpayer funding on certain items. We spend over $20 million in support for non-public schools on textbooks and transportation and tax relief. I believe public dollars should be used in public schools, so I am not in favor of further use of state funds for non-public K-12 schools.

Additionally, I support establishing measurements to ensure all Iowa students, including those in private and home schooling kids, are developing the skills needed to get a good job.

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

Taylor: It is the right thing to do. I strongly support the use of hands free devices that are becoming more affordable and more common in vehicles.

Should automated traffic cameras be banned?

Taylor: The courts have ruled in favor of the use of automated traffic cameras. If the city of Cedar Rapids is going to keep cameras, I believe they should own them outright and no longer share the revenue with an out of state company. The contract is multiyear and not fair to the city. Considering the revenue generated from the cameras and how the city of Cedar Rapids allocates the money, a ban would essentially be the same as defunding the police department.