I read with interest the coverage of the recent debate in Tama between the candidates for Iowa House District 53. There were competing descriptions of the present state of affairs in Iowa and alternate visions of the future presented. Mr. Hexter and Mr. Fisher give voters a clear choice in this election – the status quo or a change of direction toward investment in Iowa’s citizens.

Iowa is not the leader in education it once was – our state government chose the decline on purpose to save money and divide its citizens. Banning books, and legislating bathrooms and sports participation are just distractions. Iowa’s waterways and recreational areas are filthy and in decline whether legislators are tired of hearing about it or not. Iowa soil health is in decline due to greater intensive agriculture and >10,000 factory farms (confined animal feeding operations). Did you know that the Chairman of the House Environment Committee in the Legislature has refused to hold regular meetings in the past two years? That would be Rep. Dean Fisher.

Iowa CCI Action has been working to resist this diminished and intimidating commitment to public education by Republicans and their complete surrender of Iowa’s water, air and soil quality to corporate agriculture and corporate meat processors. We support people over politics.

Iowans expect investments in public education and higher education and housing to keep its citizens at home after graduation. Our young people deserve a livable place to work and play and raise a family – clean water and clean air; accessible health care including OBGYN care and labor and delivery in our rural hospitals.

Iowa needs growth in business and industry and immigrants are a part of that solution. Where would the Iowa economy be without our immigrant population?

There will be no change until the voters demand change on Nov 5. Be sure your voice is heard.

Mike Farley

Iowa CCI Action member

Des Moines