Level the playing field for small businesses

Elizabeth Wilson | House District 73

Everyone, including myself, is tired of politics. It’s one of the reasons I decided to run to represent you in Iowa House District 73. Every time we turn on the TV we see pundits and politicians arguing about the latest culture war and trying to divide us — but almost none of them are focused on actually getting things done for working families. The Washington, D.C. politics has even infected our state Capitol in Des Moines, strict abortion bans with no exceptions, vouchers, billions in corporate tax breaks, and even throwing teachers in jail. It’s not the Iowa we all know.

My name is Elizabeth Wilson and I’ve had enough of it all. Running for office wasn’t something I ever planned on doing, but I can’t sit on the sidelines any longer, either. I grew up in a poor family, supported by welfare. But I worked hard, went to college, and started my own business. And for the past almost 26 years I’ve been the president of Wilson Business Services — a company is designed to help small businesses and charitable organizations navigate the state’s burdensome tax structure.

Through this, I’ve seen how too often big corporations are able to take advantage of tax loopholes and benefits, while small businesses get ignored. That’s where I come in — trying to even the playing field for Marion small businesses.

However, back in 2010, I started showing up to school board meetings and realized that our community needed some help. It needed regular people stepping up, putting political agendas aside, and working with neighbors, community leaders, and educators of all parties to give our kids the best education possible.

What you see is what you get with me. I’ll always be up front with you and I won’t make promises I can’t keep. I’ll be a common sense legislator who will protect a woman’s right to choose, alleviate tax burdens on small businesses and working families, and ensure we fully fund our public schools.

I know this won’t be easy and everything won’t be fixed overnight, but I’m asking the people of Marion and Cedar Rapids to give me a chance to prove myself. I will work hard, listen to you, and focus on what the majority of my constituents want, not what extremists or special interests want.

I’d be honored to have your vote on Nov. 8.

Elizabeth Wilson is the Democratic candidate in House District 73.

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