I want to see Iowans reach greatest potential

Ideas can be hard to come by in an election season overflowing with negative advertising.

But I agree with the Gazette Editorial Board's assertion that it's not just an opportunity, but a responsibility candidates have to share their ideas with voters. Monica Vernon and I have done that throughout this campaign.

I am running for governor because I love this state. I want to see us reach our greatest potential as individuals and communities. I see opportunity that is unlimited, and a future that is boundless. This election is about one thing: Iowa's future.

My vision is for a state in which jobs are created from the community up - no more deciding winners and losers in Des Moines, and no more sweetheart deals with undeserving corporations like the terrible Orascom deal.

Government works best when it's closest to the people. I want our entrepreneurs to have a shot, our small businesses to shine and our communities to chart their own course. I want to lead this state's diverse economy to new heights by lighting the fuse on an economic explosion.

I am very proud to have my running mate, Monica Vernon, leading this effort. She's an experienced, pragmatic, results-oriented leader who gets things done and has proved it under difficult circumstances as a council member and mayor pro tem of Cedar Rapids. She's also a businessperson with 26 years experience at building her own successful company.

We'll give a tax break to the middle class, who work every day and want a piece of the pie.

We'll get every kid a strong start in life with universal 4-year-old preschool.

We'll lower student debt with accelerated learning and locked-in tuition for four years.

We'll grow jobs from the community up, relying on small businesses where 80 percent of jobs are created.

We'll fight for equal pay for equal work and defend a woman's right to make her own health care decisions.

I believe in outcomes. I'll set achievable goals, track progress and be honest about the numbers. It's time for a fresh start and new, candid leadership.

That's my vision for our future: Iowa succeeding because our families, our small businesses, our communities and our people succeed.

I respectfully ask for your support, and your vote on Nov. 4.

' Jack Hatch and Monica Vernon are Democratic candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Comments: info@jackhatch.com