Reasonable voices are needed in the Iowa House

Tony Amsler | Iowa House District 66

Like many Iowans, I am concerned about the path the Iowa Legislature has taken in the last few years.

With one party in control of all three branches of government, we have seen legislation passed that disrespects the personal rights of Iowans, attacks on our public schools, and attempts to micromanage local governments by removing local control over important local decision-making, just to name a few.

So, at the age of 69, I decided to run for office for the first time. Late to the political arena, it was in July that members of the Jackson and Jones County Democrats met for a special convention to unanimously nominate me as their candidate for the new Iowa House District 66.

I know that party affiliation often comes with labels, but I encourage you to take a closer look and come to your own conclusions at https://www.tonyamslerforiowahouse.com

Here's a little personal background that helped mold the person I am today. I grew up in Cedar Rapids, attending both Catholic and public schools. My mother raised five boys alone and we were one of the first to experience the Food Stamp program that began in the late 60s.

I am a veteran (U. S. Air Force), a husband for 45 year to a creative and wonderful woman, father to two and grandfather to two. I help manage our family farm of 220 acres just outside Monticello and am concerned about conservation measures to protect the land for the next generation. I am a retired educator of 32 years in small schools, teaching government and other social studies classes. Critical thinking and citizenship were always my central objectives. I have also worked six years as an Education Consultant for Grant Wood AEA, and another five years in the private sector as an education account manager for a local technology company.

I believe my life experiences will be an asset as your representative in Des Moines, to be a voice for everyone in Jackson and Jones County.

With your help, we can take this seat, and join other like minded districts across the state to force legislators to propose and pass “reasonable” legislation that is well thought out, publicly debated and will reflect the interests of all Iowans. Let's end the arrogance of a single party dominance of the Iowa government and involve all Iowans in the process of good government.

Thank you for your consideration and I would appreciate your vote on November 8th.

Tony Amsler is the Democratic candidate in House District 66. Republican Steven Bradley has not submitted a column.