Working for community, for District 95

I grew up on a small southwest Iowa farm and was taught the values of hard work and listening. I learned how to be a good neighbor when we worked other farms for injured neighbors and took meals to those dealing with bad times.

Being a good neighbor and helping others has always been a part of my parents' lifestyle, and it's a part of mine too. I know rock-solid values and optimism make our community strong. That's why I'm running for the Iowa House.

I've been a teacher in Mount Vernon for 23 years and in the classroom 30 years. As a mom, grandma and teacher, I've seen the challenges facing families and communities.

Over the last decade, the middle class has been hit hard with wages that haven't kept pace with rising costs, and too many families are falling short of the American dream. I understand the kinds of jobs that sustain families here in Linn County and will grow the middle class again. I'll work to create good jobs and pass a strong 'Made in Iowa” bill that will boost manufacturing and create jobs that can't be sent overseas.

I'll work with our farmers to care for natural resources and expand renewable energy efforts such as wind, solar and biofuels, to give our agricultural economy a boost and create new jobs that will stay here in Iowa.

I'll use my classroom experience to help young people succeed. It starts with expanding preschool to more kids and guaranteeing that no one gets turned away from a quality preschool program. It also means following our laws and providing stable funding for our k-12 schools while keeping higher education affordable so our kids don't graduate with mountains of debt.

I'll work with members of both parties to hold the line on taxes, make child care more affordable, care for vets and their families and expand in-home care for seniors, so they can afford to stay in their homes longer.

It's my strong belief that we Iowans look after each other, and our roots are deep in being a good neighbor.

If I'm elected, I promise I will always listen to you. I'll never put ideology ahead of doing what's best for our community, and I'll work together with you to build a strong middle class.

' Kristi Keast is a Democratic candidate for Iowa House, District 95. Comments: keastforhd95@gmail.com