Ray: A leader that listens

Iowa deserves a leader that will listen to the families of Iowa.

I have called Bertram home for the last 31 years. I grew up and graduated from Marshalltown High School, earned a bachelor's in education from the University of Northern Iowa and a master's in secondary school administration from Drake University.

Since 1978, I taught physical education at Regis High School before teaching U.S. history at Washington High School while coaching football, wrestling and baseball for 24 of those years. Along with teaching and coaching, I have owned and operated a packing and shipping store and a trucking company. I presently own a storage business.

The families of Iowa deserve a leader that will fight for them on education. As an educator in the metro area, I see a need to establish a partnership with all academic institutions. Students and teachers deserve to be set up for success. Students' education should fit their learning style. It is important to increase effectiveness of our expenditures and decrease student debt. By forming this partnership it ensures that more of your tax dollars reach the students of Iowa and not administrative overhead.

Iowa must attract quality jobs to support a growing economy. As a small-business owner, I know the importance of keeping Iowa dollars in Iowa. As a candidate, I support keeping Iowa at the top for attracting business. I believe business owners know their business and the government needs to facilitate keeping jobs in Iowa by reducing red tape.

I believe Iowa is a state that values families. As a citizen, I recognize Iowa has a need to take care of the aging population. We need to decrease personal income taxes for our senior citizens. It is imperative the majority of their Social Security benefits stay with them. We also need to protect the health of the Iowa family. Iowans deserve low cost health care. I support programs that allow Iowans access to low cost prescriptions and treatment.

As your representative, I will listen to and fight for the needs of the Iowa families. I appreciate your vote for me to serve you in Iowa House District 68 on Nov. 6.

' Randy Ray is a Republican candidate in Iowa House District 68.

All candidate guest columns in House District 68:

' Molly Donahue

' Randy Ray