Opinion

Wrapping up 2016

Published by admin on Wed, 12/21/2016 - 9:34am

     We’ve had a busy few weeks in Congress as we wrap up our legislative work in Washington for the year – and for my first term as your Representative for the First District. As we enter the holiday season, I wanted to make sure to update you on the important legislation Congress has passed recently, as well as my travels in Northeast Iowa meeting with constituents.

Word of the year is not so positive

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 9:55am

     I love the end of the year. Let me explain…

     News agencies release their lists of top national and international news stories of the year. Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) release their lists of top trends of the year. Entertainment magazines offer top celebrity news of the year. And, finally, the word of the year is released. (Can you tell I’m a writer?)

     Drum roll please…

     The word of the year for 2016 is… “Xenophobia.”

     What does that even mean?

Thanks for support of Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 9:54am

Dear friends and neighbors,

Iowa leads nation in voter turnout

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 9:53am

     The people of Iowa once again showed they are among the most civically minded in the nation, thanks to their turnout in the 2016 General Election. More than 1.58 million Iowans made their voice heard. Iowa’s 72 percent turnout ranks among the top five states in the country for voter participation.

     I would like to personally thank everyone who took the time to cast a ballot. Increasing voter participation is one of the primary goals of my administration, and while a top-five finish is very good, I want Iowa to be number one.

Tips to protect your gift cards

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 9:52am

     Over the years, gift cards have become one of the most popular gift items to give and receive. State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants Iowa consumers to make sure they take full advantage of their gift cards.

     “Each year, gift cards go unused because the cards are lost of forgotten,” Fitzgerald stated. “Prompt usage of gift cards reduces the likelihood it will be lost or stolen, and eliminates the need to worry about expiration dates and fees that can reduce its value.”

Olympic gold-medal swimmer speaks from the heart

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:14am

     I attended Clarke (College) University, graduating in 2009. The college, like many others, hosts several lectures throughout the school year, bringing in well-known figures to speak on various topics. These events are open to the public who choose to purchase tickets. In the past, some of the speakers I’ve heard include actor Danny Glover and journalist and activist Lisa Ling.

     Last week, I went to Clarke to hear from Olympic gold medal winner Anthony Ervin. (He even brought his most-recent gold medal with him!)

VITA program in need of volunteers

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:07am

To the Editor,

     As I enter my second year volunteering with Jones County Volunteer Center and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, I want to reach out to my fellow community members. I want to share with you how satisfying it is to engage in such a volunteer opportunity.

     We’re not just preparing taxes, we are assisting low income individuals and families to sustain financial well being. While getting taxes prepared can cost upwards of $100 or more, many families cannot afford the commitment. However, with our VITA program, the preparation is free!

Information on upcoming PPEL election, Feb. 7

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:07am

     I wanted to share some important news with you about a topic that will be circulating around our community over the next few months.

     At the Board of Education meeting Monday night, Nov. 28, the board adopted a “Resolution of Education” to call for an election on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017 to renew our Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) for another 10 years.

Homework as classroom practice

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:05am

     I recently attended a conference that was keynoted by John Hattie, author and researcher in education. In his keynote, he stated the majority of parents judge school effectiveness by whether or not their child has homework. The quality of the homework, or amount of homework does not matter, just that homework is given.

Don’t make this the season of impaired driving

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:04am

     For many people, the holiday season marks their favorite time of year. Holidays mean more time with family and friends, and a new year to look forward to full of goals and plans. At the same time, December and later winter months also bring heightened risk for drunk and drugged driving, particularly between Christmas and New Year’s Day. It is then fitting that since 1981, every President has proclaimed December Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

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