Using a straightforward approach to Iowa issues

In a small east Texas town, I spent my formative years engaged in sports and learning valuable life lessons from my grandfather, a distinguished Air Force lieutenant colonel. At 17, I enlisted in the Army and subsequently settled in Iowa, where I married and started a family with four children.

My professional journey as a union carpenter commenced in 2016 encompassing various projects. In 2019, my wife and I co-founded an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and military families affected by mental health struggles. By 2022, our organization's expanding needs led me to depart the union and focus on funeral services and broadened support for National Guard, reserve personnel, veterans, and first responders.

My decision to get involved in politics stems from my experience running this military nonprofit organization, which has assisted over 409 families of veterans and service members who have died from various causes, including suicide and training accidents. Through this work and operating a crisis response team that has handled over 500 calls, I've encountered significant bureaucratic hurdles. Leveraging my knowledge of mental health and pragmatic approach, I am now seeking elected office.

My primary objectives are to repeal Iowa's Certificate of Need law, reform and expand mental health services, increase accessibility, and add bed capacity. Additionally, I aim to make Iowa more affordable through responsible tax reductions, address water quality concerns, and support small businesses, drawing from my experience working with local entrepreneurs over the past five years.

I employ a straightforward approach in my operations and firmly believe that by depoliticizing many of Iowa's issues and prioritizing the needs of the people and children, we can establish the state as a leader in education, business, and growth, but this requires bipartisan collaboration and refraining from unnecessary conflicts.

Effective representation also necessitates listening to the district's concerns and serving as a voice that has been absent for far too long and that is why in November last year, driven by my commitment to community service, I announced my candidacy for the Iowa House of Representatives.

Join me in the fight to make Iowa strong Nov. 5.

John Thompson is the Republican candidate in House District 80.