Art Staed is an accessible lawmaker

District 66 Rep. Art Staed is one of the most transparent politicians I've ever known.

Follow him on Facebook and you will see daily reports of every encounter he has at the Capitol - what bills are being debated, how he voted, who came to visit with him. Engage him in conversation and he responds. Every day when he's not in Des Moines, he and his wife, Susan, are knocking on doors, introducing themselves to constituents of all parties and listening to what they have to say. He is a strong advocate for public education, Medicaid, and environmental issues.

In this day and age of politicians representing party politics and outside special interests, Art represents his district as a friend, neighbor, and advocate, the way a republic was intended to work.

If you are one of my neighbors in this district, I urge you to vote in the upcoming election and support Art.

Joe Perea

Cedar Rapids