If Iowa’s policies are bad, what would you do instead?

I read with interest the guest column "I used to be proud to be an Iowan," April 24. I have only one question: If Democrats were to offer policy solutions to help Iowa prosper, what policies would you offer? Let’s consider three states that are managed by Democrats and maybe we can find one that matches the direction you want to go.

Consider California, Illinois and New York. We find large governments with higher taxes and debt. In Iowa we have a balanced budget, reduced taxes and no debt. Those states have violent crime on the rise, violent criminals being let out on the street, and bail reform that placates the criminal. We see homelessness with human waste and needles scattered on the streets. Are these policies you would offer to Iowa?

We see 8%+ inflation, interest rates on the rise, our 401(k)s tanking due to the high inflation and our energy independence being destroyed, forcing us to buy oil from dictators and terrorists. We see immigration turned lose with crime, drugs and death entering our nation with no control.

Consider our schools systems. The educational system in our country is ineffective. Public education in the U.S. is ranked 25th globally.

Personally, I have not seen anything in Democratic run states that would entice me to bring those policies to Iowa. The solutions will not come from bigger government, but by our people working together. So, which policies would you offer?

Keith Burgh

Marion