We need a voice to the table

I have always been passionate about our community, through our better days and struggles. Having served on the Cedar Rapids City Council in 2008, I took part in rebuilding our community after the flood that decimated our neighborhoods and businesses. Homes were lost and businesses were destroyed but our community banded together then and again after the derecho in 2020, putting on full display how dedicated, loving, and resilient our families and friends were together.

The Cedar Rapids area is the second largest in Iowa. We are in challenging times and that is why I am seeking election to the Iowa Senate in District 40, because we need leadership that represents its constituency, not the party they are affiliated with. Despite being one of the major economic centers of the state, we do not have a representative that will stand up for us and will be our voice at the table, bringing resources back to our communities. I will be that voice for you, for your family, and for our communities. My goal is to bring independent leadership to the table in Des Moines for you, the same way I was an independent voice for 12 years on the Cedar Rapids City Council.

If elected, I promise to tackle:

1. Economic Development: We must retain our small businesses, create opportunities for new businesses, and provide resources to strengthen our workforce.

2. Educational Excellence: Strengthening our educational system to ensure Iowa is competitive in economic development. Encouraging innovation in how we educate our youth will be part of my strategy.

3. Quality of Life: Working for improvements that encourage people to live, work, and play in our community and state. This is also an important piece of our workforce attraction.

4. Fiscal Responsibility: Being fiscally responsible with taxpayers’ money while planning for present and future needs.

During my 12 years on the Cedar Rapids City Council, I brought different perspectives together to develop the best policies and to best represent you. I developed strong connections with state economic development professionals and other elected officials on both a state and national level, through my leadership as President of the Iowa League of Cities and as an executive board member of the National League of Cities. I will bring this cooperative spirit to the state Senate and leverage this network to help grow our community and make our local and state economies flourish.

Kris Gulick is a Republican running in Senate District 40