Letter: Todd Taylor right choice for HD 70

While I was glad to see The Gazette make the right choice in endorsing Todd Taylor in House District 70, I have to challenge one criticism. The article said that Rep. Taylor spends too much time on correctional staffing levels and the nuances of collective bargaining in his role as the ranking member of the Justice System Appropriations Committee.

I just retired from 37 years as a correctional officer, so I've seen firsthand the impacts of our dangerously low staffing levels in all of our prisons. It is a tragedy waiting to happen and we need more legislators like him sounding this alarm. I also know that the 'nuances” of collective bargaining allowed me to do a job I loved for all those years. We didn't even have collective bargaining when I began my career and to see the difference it's made for working Iowans is astounding.

Taylor ought to wear those criticisms as a badge of honor. I am so grateful for him leading these crucial fights at the Capitol.

Marty Hathaway

Coralville