Primary Day: How I'm Voting

Primaries for me are difficult to generate excitement over, but this one is interesting on a couple of fronts. Locally. Janelle Rettig's "re-election" is an easy choice. She's doing a great job and has earned the opportunity to continue to serve. Besides, she and long-time incumbent Sally Stutsman are not being opposed by anyone except Write-In. In fact, other than the race for Dave Jacoby's House seat, there aren't any local primary contests that are contests. I was surprised that Janet Lyness was not challenged and I'll actually be writing in her 2006 opponent, Nick Maybanks, as my choice. Her office's handling of the John Deng investigation still makes my skin crawl.

The big races, of course, are the US Senate Democratic primary and the Republican Gubernatorial race. I have been disappointed at the tone of these races, as it shows what is wrong with the body politic, too much monkey business--both from the candidates and the party movers and shakers.

In the Democratic Senate race, the discourse is not helped by the fact that there is not an ideal candidate in the bunch and the sense that Roxanne Conlin's candidacy was a direct result of the IDP's belief that Chuck Grassley can only be defeated by a rainmaker; nobody can deny that Conlin has found deep pockets (although professing to prefer publicly-funded elections). Tom Fiegen, who was endorsed by the Des Moines Register has a great idea about generating jobs and has some progressive ideals, but his personal stance toward womens' reproductive rights and his low blows about Conlin's husband hurt him with the traditional base. Bob Krause, who is the only one who wants to end the war in Afghanistan and properly fund the VA is running a poor third. While I will vote for Krause, I am not sure that his pro stance on gun rights will help him win other progressive friends.

I hope to develop an enthusiasm for Roxanne Conlin, but so far she has been big on platitudes and short on plans. I'm not sure that Iowa's record for electing women to higher offices helps either. On the other hand, Chuck Grassley is looking weaker and, if anti-incumbency fever peaks in November, another of Iowa's "traditions" could very well change.

On the Republican side, Terry Branstad may very well return have the opportunity to return to Terrace Hill. The fact that Chet Culver doesn't generate a lot of goodwill among the party's more progressive members and the "strategy" of encouraging folks to cross party lines to vote up Bob Vander Plaats is a sign of how weak Culver may be. The saving grace for Culver may be that people are more afraid of what Branstad may do to gin up base support and then even reluctant Dems will have to support him. I will write in my vote for 2006 candidate Ed Fallon during the primary. Culver has not earned my vote either around labor issues or showing leadership about Iowa's economy.

Chet Culver's 10% Solutions

Chet Culver has twice now invoked his solution for the state budget shortfall. 10% cuts across the board, no exceptions. This presumes that all budget items have equal weight. This is a fallacy.

If human services are cut 10%, this has a multiplier effect to those who are already in the most need. If this is applied to staffing child abuse or elder abuse investigators or to provide aid for mentally ill persons, these funds are already spread too thin.

Why not take a harder view on how tax dollars are being spent or not being collected? Tax abatement is an example of how government provide "welfare" to corporate entities with the promise that jobs and revenue will be created through their largess with our tax dollars. Clearly job creation is not going well, so why provide the "out" when we need the income?

Also, are all programs that are being funded with tax dollars necessary given the shortfall? If push comes to shove, are we really going to continually take dollars away from education so that more roads can be built? Clearly the 10% solution is easy to explain and appears to be fair, but in the longer run, it is a recipe for disaster.

Do I Offend You?

Recently there has been a spate of stories about differences of opinion that have led to cries of outrage and people being offended. A story on the Des Moines Register website about public outcry over Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers buying advertising that offended religious persons, is such an example. However, nowhere in the Constitution do I see a sensibilities clause; in other words there is no freedom from being offended.

I will grant you there is a big gap between a difference of opinion and outright hate speech. In other words, I do believe that we have to be held accountable for our words when they are intentionally hurtful and leads to harm to another person.
But that does not mean that when my tender sensibilities (about the Chicago Cubs, for instance) are violated by a person whose opinion is polar opposite to mine (say a White Sox fan), I have the right to have the person from airing it.

The sticking point is how far in polite society do we let things go? Are the apparently politically motivated disruptions at health care town hall meetings (from both sides) offensive? Sure. Should they cause meetings to be stopped? Heck no. Just like in any circumstance where a heckler gets overly disruptive, the person should be shown the door. But the discussion should go on.

The fact that there are Barbarians at the gate should not keep discourse from occuring. And the same goes for advertising. The ad campaign that Atheists have paid for that has ruffled the feathers of folks in Des Moines all the way up to Chet Culver should be countered. But how about it being countered by folks choosing to not ride the bus or to take out an ad that is pro-religion?

There is no doubt that how each of us views the world could offend another person, but that doesn't mean we aren't entitled to voicing our opinion. The most useful thing that comes out of free speech is the intellectual exercise of defending our beliefs. If we have no faith in what we believe or have no basis in facts, perhaps the best lesson is we change our position.

Is Equal Fair?

Chet Culver, like Solomon, has said he will cut the state budget by 1.5% across the board. That's fair, right? No one gets special treatment, everyone has to tighten his or her belt-- that's the Iowa way, eh?

With respect to my fellow Iowans, equal is not fair. If we have state departments that are underperforming, should they receive equal budget consideration as those that are performing well? How about those agencies that have the ability to receive funding in ways other than the budget? Should entrepreneurship not be encouraged? And finally, what about those agencies whose primary purpose is to keep a safety net under those Iowans who are laid off, ill, hungry, or homeless? Usually during economic hardship, the need for aid to human service agencies increases, shouldn't this be considered?

I would argue that the governor and the legislators need to evaluate the best way to slice the budget pie such that human services are put on top of the needs list (with the caveat being that the agencies should be looking for opportunities to streamline their processes) to assure that Iowans in need are best served. The governor should then look for underperforming agencies and push those administrators to shape their departments up and to reward those workers who find ways to do more with less and show poor managers the door.

Iowa doesn't need a hatchet man to do a conditioning coach's work. The governor needs to work with the legislators to help the state to get in better all around shape, not just lose weight.

Wellmark to Be Only State Insurance Provider

Iowa's Executive Council (which consists of the Governor, Auditor, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of State, and Treasurer) and voted 3-2 to give monolithic insurance-provider Wellmark a monopoly for state government employees.

According to the Chicago Tribune, "Under the plan, employees beginning Jan. 1 won't be able to choose plans offered by United HealthCare, and will have to select those offered by Wellmark.

Supporters say the change will save the state as much of $9.5 million in 2009 and possibly that much in 2010.

Opponents say thousands of workers will be left with fewer options. They also cast doubt on the savings projections, saying Wellmark could increase rates in the last year of the two-year agreement."


The story below from Iowa Politics.

Wellmark will be state government's only health insurance provider come Jan. 1, following a 3-2 decision today by the Iowa Executive Council to eliminate United Healthcare and make Iowa the eighth state in the nation to only offer one health insurance provider to its employees. It would cost $75,000 for the state to put the issue out to bid, and that is not expected to happen now until January 2010.

"If it's working for the state, why bid it?," asked Ed Holland of the Department of Administrative Services, who argued that the move to Wellmark would save families about $100 a month and the state up to $9.5 million next year. "They basically have 92 percent of our business right now. I don't think they're going to change tactics by getting another 2,500 contracts."

Gov. Chet Culver pushed for the change over the past few weeks and called for a vote on the issue three times today. "Any opportunity we have in government to find cost savings, I think we need to find it," he said. "I think this is an opportunity to save the taxpayers a significant amount of money."

All four members aside from Culver -- Republican Ag Secretary Bill Northey, Democratic Secretary of State Michael Mauro, Democratic state Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald and Republican state Auditor David Vaudt -- made statements today against the proposal. They said they were nervous, uncomfortable and concerned about the decision, and described the process as "seriously flawed." However, despite their concerns, Vaudt and Fitzgerald switched their votes from last week and reluctantly joined Culver today in voting for the plan.

Ranking State Rep. Carmine Boal -R, Ankeny said, "If the state can lock in four years of health insurance increases at the 1.9 percent proposed by Wellmark for 2009, that's a great deal for the taxpayers and state employees. But if that rate only applies to 2009 and we eliminate competition, where is the incentive for Wellmark to keep the cost to the taxpayer down?"

Culver Says Thanks and Asks Us To Do More

Today, Governor Chet Culver commended Iowa volunteers for their historic response to this year's severe weather, and he called for continued involvement throughout the rebuilding process.

“In the days and weeks following the tornados and floods, Iowans responded,” said Governor Culver. “I want to thank the thousands of citizens who rolled up their sleeves and gave their best efforts to help their fellow Iowans. Donations of cash and services are still needed in communities statewide, and I encourage all Iowans who are able to donate, to do so. In the coming months and years, every dollar will count toward helping thousands of Iowans and hundreds of communities return to normalcy.”

Since the start of the disaster on May 25, Iowans and people across the country have donated resources to help those affected get back on their feet. Thus far, more than 33,000 people have stepped up to volunteer a total of almost 800,000 hours to help rebuild the state by clearing debris, gutting homes and assisting with volunteer coordination. This is in addition to the tens of thousands of volunteers that answered the immediate call to help sandbag, work in shelters and feed those impacted during the response phase of the disaster.

Since the storms, philanthropic individuals have donated nearly $1 million in goods.

"Iowans have shown generosity, resilience and optimism in the face of real challenges. We have proved once again that our ‘spirit of service’ can move mountains,” Governor Culver continued. “Now, I am asking all Iowans to once again answer the call to help our fellow citizens.”

People interested in volunteer and/or donation opportunities are encouraged to join an established organization in their community already assisting disaster victims. Hundreds of organizations participated in the disaster response, and there are at least 40 community and faith-based organizations actively organizing volunteers.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Rebuild Iowa Office's Web site at www.rio.iowa.gov.

Society's Social Needs Let's Fix Them

Populist Jim Hightower was quoted sometime ago in The Sun magazine as saying "Conservatives have historically seen people falling through the cracks in society and said, That's the way things work, survival of the fittest. Liberals see people falling through the cracks and say, We've got to do something about those people falling through the cracks, so we need a strong government that can provide programs and assist those people. Populists say there shouldn't be any cracks; let's fix them."

Whether the issue is education, employment, affordable housing, veteran care, or health (including mental health) care, we have to push our elected leaders to stop with the band-aid approaches and to set policy that allows every American to have good education, a decent place to live, work that supports their family's basic needs, and access to affordable health care. If we can do these things as communities, much of governmental spending for stop-gap domestic policies will decline in the long-run.

To do this though, we need to stop finger pointing and start planning. How a person ends up in desperate straits is irrelevant. The thing that matters is how we find a way to move forward.

There are some initiatives that we need government to ride herd on. If you read my post about energy policy, it is my belief that government does need step in and establish a course to address the serious affects that global climate change poses. However, with these domestic issues, it is probably good that states and localities develop solutions that work. As I note the pulling together of concerned citizens to address the aftermath of the flooding here in Iowa, I realize that this is also a way to address these day to day ongoing problems that are never addressed to the level they deserve.

So, Gov. Culver, once you get your blue ribbon panel's report about how to address the flood aftermath, challenge localities to address the social needs I've outlined. I'd be glad to volunteer.

Thank You For Not Smoking

Governor Chet Culver helped clear the air in Iowa by getting it out of bars and restaurants, even though the same can't be said for casinos and the Iowa Veterans Home.

In a move that is likely to have positive effects for future Iowans, the smoking ban which will be in effect on July 1st will even the playing field for bars and restaurant owners who fought against it's approval.

By making the ban statewide, most bar and restaurant owners should find it easier to attract qualified people to staff their establishments and will find no negative effect to their businesses since all establishments will have to play by the same rules.

Clearly there will be issues concerning businesses that are in towns with casinos or are across state lines where smoking bans are not present. However, since 18% of adult Iowans smoke, this leaves over a great number of people with which to do business.

Chet Culver and Mike Mauro Do Iowa Voters a Solid

Touch-screen voting in Iowa is dead and that's a good thing. With a stroke of his pen, Gov. Chet Culver signed into law a new plan for the state to spend $4.6 million to bring the same voting technology to all 99 counties. The whole state would have voter-marked paper ballots that could be recounted by hand if necessary.

Not only will this save voters time, but greatly reduces the opportunity for voter fraud that touch-screen machines may allow. Although there was initial disagreement about providing a paper trail for every voter, the Governor and Secretary of State Mike Mauro were able to stand together on this important issue.

According to Sean Flaherty from Iowans for Voting Integrity, nationwide, about 30 percent of voters will use paperless touch-screen voting machines in November, including all voters in South Carolina and Georgia, and some voters in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee and Texas.

Democrats Have No Mandate?--Yepsen Is Wrong

In his Sunday column, fiction writer David Yepsen said, "Democrats have no mandate to do it [improve public employee collective bargaining laws]. When Iowa voters gave them control of both houses of the Legislature and the governorship in 2006, they were voting for better jobs, health care and education, not more power for unions."

If collective bargaining leads to better jobs (i.e., wages and benefits, working conditions) and health care, excuse me, but DY, didn't you just sunk your own battleship? You just said Iowans want these things and, frankly, unions seem to help Iowans to get them.

When the free market doesn't do the right thing, binding arbitration is a useful tool. David Yepsen seems to forget who keept little kids from working in meat packing plants, that the weekend is a 20th century innovation (Thanks unions!). Those of us who are not in unions do not dismiss the need for them.

As for whether Governor Culver vetos this bill, let him wrestle with his own conscience on whether he is doing what is right for Iowans.

Chet Culver Union Breaker?

The repercussions of the Collective Bargaining Bill that was approved by the Iowa Legislature are being heard around the state and from some unlikely sources including city and county governments. At stake is the ability for public employees to have the ability to go through arbitration to settle labor disputes.

Sadly, they find no friend in Governor Chet Culver, who has threatened to veto the bill. The governor who is feeling heat coming from anti-union groups, city and county lobbying groups, and others who are reframing the outcome to suggest that property taxes are likely to rise if this bill is signed into law.

The foes argue that if lawmakers do not have the power to stymie labor costs then the cost will be passed on to the taxpayer. However, what these critics fail to point out is that school boards and lawmakers do have the inherent fiduciary responsibility and authority to limit other areas of budgets and even freeze hiring to keep their budgets in line with community needs.

As Speaker Pat Murphy said, "We believe that the collective bargaining bill approved last week is good for middle class families, including Iowa teachers, police officers, and fire fighters. Our collective bargaining laws have not been changed in over 30 years and the bill is a responsible approach. Open scope bargaining simply gives public employees the same bargaining power as private employees in Iowa and it is also used in 27 other states."

The Governor will find it difficult to say no to the one's that brought him to the dance and, in this case, if he were to use his veto power, he will likely be known as "One Term Chet."

Chet Culver to Mike Mauro: "I know this guy..."

Wanted: Bids for $8.5 million dollars worth of voting machines with paper ballots, see Iowa Department of Administrative Services.

From KWWL:

Governor Chet Culver wants more oversight when it comes to buying voting machines. Culver wants Secretary of State Michael Mauro to work with the Department of Administrative Services on the purchase.

The department's director, unlike Mauro, reports directly to Culver. The governor's request will be included in an amendment to a Senate bill that outlines Mauro's plan to buy the machines. The $8.5 million plan calls for the state to pay for the new equipment so every county has machines with paper ballots that can be recounted if necessary.

Culver was Secretary of State before Mauro. Spokesman Brad Anderson says the governor wants to make sure Iowa gets the best deal possible. Mauro says he doesn't mind as long as counties get the new voting machines.

Culver Calls for Green Government

From the Sioux City Journal

Gov. Chet Culver Thursday issued an executive order which requires and promotes energy-saving practices in state government buildings.

"I believe state government can and must be a model for greening Iowa's homes, schools and businesses," Culver said.

Culver will tap Office of Energy Independence Director Roya Stanley to oversee the Green Government Steering Committee, which will organize the eco-friendly initiatives.The new committee will offer modifications for existing state offices to make them more green, while ensuring all future state government structures meet efficiency standards, Culver said.

Members of the committee also will audit state buildings and offices for energy efficiency to establish baselines. Green thinking will be applied to many aspects of state government, from cleaning supplies to lighting systems, Culver said. State employees also will be encouraged to reduce their fuel consumption by promoting carpooling and the use of biofuels, Culver said.

"We need to get in the habit of applying best practices to our daily routines," Culver said.

How about promoting mass transit and bikes too?

Teachers, A Penny For Your Thoughts

According to Iowa Radio

Governor Chet Culver says he's open to the idea of letting schools use local sales tax revenue to pay for teacher salaries.

"If we can work on this in a bipartisan way and get some consensus I'm confident we can use this as a vehicle to address a lot of different needs and that might be one of them," Culver says.
Voters in each of Iowa's 99 counties have established a one-cent local option sales tax over a decade to be used for school infrastructure.

Culver says he's willing to look at all options. "You know my goal, if you will, is to make sure we're giving equal educational opportunities to young people regardless of where they live," Culver says. "That fact is we do have some concerns."

A question: If sales taxes go to teacher salaries, does the public have a right to evaluate teacher performance?

Another question: Who wants to get in the middle when making the decision about allowing a salary increase or improving the school facilities?

Another question: Do teacher salaries also include coaching positions?

A Final question: Can we use a local sales tax to pay all workers a liveable wage?

Culver Has Delusions of Grandeur

The Des Moines Register has this little morsel:

Chet Culver for president?

The first-term Iowa governor smiled when asked the question Friday in a meeting with Des Moines Register editors and reporters. He left no doubt he is leaving the door open to that eventual possibility.

"I love the job. I love the executive branch," he said. "I think it is a natural fit, and I want to be involved in public service as long as I can make a difference.

When asked if that means he might someday make a presidential run, Culver said: "You know, that is the great thing about America. You never know what is possible in this country, whether it relates to my future or my kids' future, you never know. I do believe that governors can slowly help to change the world and change the country.

Hello, Governor...you haven't made a difference in Iowa yet.

"Speedy" Culver Pledges Support to Obama

Law school dropout and current Governor Chet Culver, never one to withhold an endorsement, bravely endorsed Barack Obama with this gubernatorial "warm and fuzzy" from the Gazette.

"Now it's on to Nebraska and Wisconsin, and I hopefully can make some difference in those Midwestern states," Culver said. "I also have some connections and ties in Maryland and Virginia, having gone to college in Virginia and lived in Maryland when my father was serving in Congress.

"I wanted to help at a time where I felt I could make a difference."

Note to Chet, Obama has been doing quite well without you in the Midwest. And unless you've kept close tabs on the boys down at the frat house in Virginia or your childhood pals in Chevy Chase, I'm not sure you are going to be much of a factor.

In more important news, the Governor did support a $114 million increase to Iowa schools.

"Earthpork" Project Suffers Yet Another Set Back

The former Coralville Rainforest turned Pella "Earthpork" project is getting no love from Gov. Culver. The $155 million Earthpark project, an interactive museum-like attraction, would feature an indoor rain forest, an aquarium and an environmental and ecological education center. It had been planned for Coralville before Coralville officials parted ways with the project.

Earthpark has received a $50 million federal grant spearheaded by Senator Chuck Grassley that will be revoked if developers don't obtain matching money by the end of this year.

David Oman, Earthpark's executive director, said the project planned to apply for a Vision Iowa grant this summer. That program has been used to support projects and attractions across the state.

The project also had hoped to apply for between $25 million and $35 million in grants from Iowa's Community Attraction and Tourism Program.

GLBT Community Celebrates: Culver Signs Extension to Iowa Civil Rights Law

Governor Chet Culver took a progressive step in helping to make Iowa a more welcoming place for all Iowans. The Press-Citizen reports "gays and lesbians in Iowa will get new protections from discrimination in housing, education and a host of other areas under legislation Gov. Chet Culver signed into law today."

``The civil rights struggle has defined our country for generations,'' said Culver. ``This has been a nearly 20-year fight up at the Legislature. We are here to celebrate one more victory.''

The measure Culver signed adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of traits included in Iowa's civil rights law, which already banned discrimination based on such factors as race and ethnicity.

Culver signed the measure at the downtown offices of Principal Financial Group, a powerhouse business that supported the new rules. Principal has banned discrimination of gays and lesbians since 1991.

``It's a good day for Iowa,'' said Ralph Rosenberg, head of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, which also had supported the legislation. ``I feel good being an Iowan today.''

Chet and Patty's Travelin' Roadshow

Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge will be bringing the state capital to your town (or a nearby town) this month. Dubbed the “Capitol for a Day” tour, Governor Culver will be traveling to Dubuque on Thursday, May 17 and then to Council Bluffs on Wednesday, May 30.

According to the Governor's press release. "The best briefings I receive are firsthand from the people of Iowa,” said Governor Culver. “If an Iowan has an innovative idea on how to keep young people in our state, I want to hear it. If an Iowan has some thoughts about improving education, I want to hear it. If an Iowan just wants to listen and say ‘hello’ they will certainly have that opportunity as we travel the state.

“One of the best aspects of my job is meeting Iowans from all walks of life. Now that the legislative session is over, I am excited to travel the state and get input on new initiatives for next year.”

I have no inkling to who may be traveling with the Culver/Judge team, but be on the look out for some extra wind power coming to your town soon.

Connecting the Dots: It's the Reel Thing

Dot #1: The Iowa House voted Tuesday to approve state tax incentives designed to help Iowa compete with other states in attracting major movie productions that spur jobs, economic activity, community excitement and tourism.

Dot # 2: Marilyn Monroe* approved by Iowa legislature to serve on the Vision Iowa Board (Iowa City's council member Regenia Bailey also serves on this august board).

Dot # 3: This weekend (4/13-4/14) the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival at the Collins Road Twixtown Theaters (The only moviehouse with real butter in the popcorn) continues. April 20-22, the 5th annual Iowa City International Documentary Film Festival at the Bijou in the Iowa Memorial Union

* Okay, so its not that Marilyn Monroe (Or the symbolic Marilyn Dan Bern sings about). This one is from Johnston, Iowa and apparently a Chet Culver donor.