Fighting for rural Linn County

Cindy Golding | Candidate for House District 83

Why is House District 83 unique? Our 11 small towns and numerous unincorporated communities comprise the bulk of Linn County. We live near the second largest city in the state, but we have distinctly different issues. We chose to embrace small schools, open spaces and volunteer community leadership. We are concerned about the viability of our towns, volunteer fire departments, farms and main-street businesses that form our unique character. We need robust schools, good roads, safe bridges, good paying jobs and reliable emergency and health services.

Decades ago, my husband and I decided that Iowa was the place to raise our family. Together we built businesses that created high-paying jobs. We weathered the tough times and, like many of you, had to make difficult financial decisions while raising our children. Our six kids learned the value and rewards of hard work. Now, as grandparents, it is pure joy when our 21 grandchildren join us on the farm.

As an involved citizen, I helped create coalitions to defend our rural areas against the urban and corporate giants. During the push to consolidate school districts, I worked to keep our schools independent. When a Cedar Rapids group attempted to create “city-county” government and eliminate our town councils, I worked hard to successfully defeat them. While serving on the boards of National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), and Linn County Farm Bureau, I worked with legislators to protect small businesses and farmers from government overreach. Republican and Democrat officials have appointed me to serve on state and local commissions, specifically to represent rural interests.

Most recently, I have spoken out against the use of eminent domain for the dubious process of carbon sequestration, locally known as the CO2 pipeline. I have petitioned the Legislature to defend our agricultural communities from the reckless destruction of Iowa’s precious natural resource — high-quality farm ground. Greedy corporations want to use our land to grab millions of our tax dollars for their corporate benefit. The profit goes to their shareholders (many international investors) while leaving huge scars on Iowa’s landscape. Remote landowners claim “property rights” while ignoring our rights, the residents who live here in Linn County.

I am the experienced voice that Linn County needs in Des Moines. We must act now to protect the future for our family and yours. I ask for your vote in this very important election. I will fight for you!

Cindy Golding is the Republican candidate in House District 83.