Support progress, not politics

I believe Iowa should be a place where business can grow and prosper, a place where we can raise our families and a place where our children have access to every opportunity.

So how do we make this happen? I believe the answer starts with education.

My grandmother, mother and sister were teachers. I was a professor at Wartburg College and currently sit on the Wartburg College Board of Regents. In my work as a regent, I am involved in discussions about tuition, integrative learning and strategic planning. As a professor, I observed strategy behind curriculum design, student measurement and job placement. That experience has given me a unique perspective on what obstacles we have before us.

We must improve our schools. Gov. Terry Branstad has begun the conversation and I applaud him for this first step. However, I believe his educational blueprint doesn't go far enough in the commitment to support early childhood education in Iowa; it doesn't address serious parental involvement in the classroom or take advantage of existing, public-private partnerships which accelerate juvenile literacy.

Children must have the right educational tools before we can achieve meaningful reform. A good education is the foundation for future economic success. And whether our children go to a four-year college, enroll in an apprenticeship program, attend community college or enter a technical training school, they need the right skills to get a good job.

Kirkwood Community College has been a leader in partnering with local businesses to develop programs that help students develop the skills they need to get jobs and achieve professional success. I believe we need more of these public-private partnerships to make sure our children become successful adults.

As a legislative advocate for a child welfare and juvenile justice agency, I travel to the State Capital and work with legislators to draft bills that break down barriers to a child's success. I see special-needs children struggle in the classroom and realize that they are also the workers of tomorrow; the children we must help, grow and nourish as well.

We must also help the thousands of displaced workers across Iowa re-enter the workforce. I believe one of the best ways to create jobs in Iowa is to buy Iowa products from Iowa businesses. That's why I propose tax credits for each new Iowa hire a business makes and support giving Iowa businesses preference for state and local contracts. It's the right thing to do.

We have been lucky to be represented over the years by fair-minded, community-focused, moderate women in the Iowa Senate. Swati Dandekar and the late Mary Lundby were independent voices who weren't afraid to buck their own party in order to do the right thing for this district. My pledge to you is to continue this tradition because I believe good ideas don't come with a party label.

As a journalist for many years, I had the opportunity to meet thousands of Iowans and write stories on important issues that affected them. Some of these stories brought social change and others exposed corruption and wrongdoing. And now, running for public office, I rely on this experience to listen carefully, ask tough questions and get the answers we need to move forward together.

I am an Iowan. I was raised on a farm, graduated from the University of Iowa and stayed in Iowa to raise my family. I am a wife and mother of two great kids. I am a collaborator, listener and tough negotiator. I stand for progress, not politics. And I ask for your support in Tuesday's election.

Liz Mathis is the Democratic candidate for Iowa Senate District 18. Comments: mathis

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