Iowa governor hopeful wants to reduce regulation

Gary Wells is optimistic enough about his chances of being elected governor next year that the license plate on his Chevrolet pickup truck reads 'IAGOV18.”

He wants to improve Iowa's business climate, be smarter about economic development and do a better job of protecting children in the human services system.

'I feel for the poor man. I want to help him,” said Wells, 68, who said he has worked a variety of jobs ranging from electronics sales to auto and truck repair and rebuilding. 'I like the benevolence of the Democratic Party.”

So he can't understand why he's getting no support from the Iowa Democratic Party.

'The party won't even call me back,” said Wells, a Lamoni man who, like other Democratic hopefuls, says he wants to help the working class.

An Iowa Democratic Party official said the party has not been contacted by Wells, who registered 'no party” when he voted in November, according to the Decatur County Auditor's Office.

Wells believes state Department of Human Services Director Chuck Palmer bears some responsibility for the deaths of two teenage girls while in foster care. Palmer has announced he will retire this month.

'I want a blue-ribbon commission” to look into allegations the girls died of abuse 'and to make him pay for his deeds,” Wells said. 'It's sinful.”

Another priority is removing regulatory barriers for business he said are creating a negative climate in Iowa. Wells said he's building tiny homes on flatbed trailers in Missouri because of the regulatory obstacles he ran into in Iowa. Wells asserts Iowa state agencies told him it would be necessary to pay to have an inspector on-site at all times.

'I can't keep employees under those conditions - having an intimidating thug standing around telling people if they are doing things right,” Wells said.

The Gazette could not locate the company he said is building his tiny homes.

Wells grew up in Cedar Rapids and attended Kirkwood Community College. He has lived in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma before he and his wife, Bonnie, returned to Iowa. Wells doesn't believe his lack of experience in elected office should be a liability.

'Jesse Ventura was never in office before he was elected governor of Minnesota,” Wells said.

Wells hopes to have a campaign website soon.

l Comments: (319) 398-8375; james.lynch@thegazette.com