Letter: Scott Peterson will serve with integrity

Scott Peterson is an honorable man. After graduating from the Naval Academy, Lt. Col. Peterson served his country with distinction as a helicopter pilot for the Navy and in the Iowa National Guard, retiring from the military after 26 years. He is running for Iowa State Senate in District 48 because he is tired of partisanship in the Iowa Legislature.

He served as mayor of Mount Vernon from 2012-14. A Republican attack ad attempted to depict Mayor Peterson as a poor fiscal administrator. In fact, the opposite is true. Mayor Peterson implemented sound budget policies that provided needed improvements in Mount Vernon. There was no deficit and the debt financing was paid back without increasing property taxes.

Peterson is not accountable to any special interest. His intent and purpose is to serve the citizens of District 48 with principle and integrity. He has appeared in open forums to answer questions from the public and establish accountability. It is customary for candidates to avail themselves to public gatherings together so that voters can compare platforms and candidates. That is one traditional way our democracy works. His opponent has patently avoided those opportunities. His avoidance is a slight to Peterson, but even more so to the electorate.

Please consider casting your vote for Peterson. He is an honorable man who will work diligently across the aisle for all segments of our district.

Harold Blatt

Manchester