Anhalt, standing up for what’s right

During the many years that I have been advocating for working families, I have learned valuable lessons. One of them: It is one thing for candidates to say that they hold a position on an issue and another to be able to defend it under immense pressure.

Gary Anhalt, candidate for House District 65, proved his ability to do that in being the sole Cedar Rapids school board member to vote to keep Polk Elementary open. He understands the value of quality neighborhood schools.

A teacher and coach for 40 years, he knows that the poverty rate for students in Cedar Rapids stands at 38 percent and understands the connection between the financial well-being of a family and how well the children perform in school. He says Iowa's ranking as 9th in the nation for parents working two or more jobs in order to make ends meet is unacceptable. He supports raising the minimum wage to $10.10, but also understands that investment in quality education at all levels is one of the keys to the creation of quality jobs that bring families out of poverty.

He supports strong public safety initiatives that will improve the quality of life for his neighbors and help them take back their streets.

Shelley Parbs

Center Point