Things I care about include: Supporting Education, Supporting skilled trades and training, Health Care for all, Supporting our Natural Resources and Recreational areas, Assurance of Core Services, Respect and Communicating with area leaders to build a Better Dallas County.
Supporting Education
I believe in public education. I am a public school product, and it was a marvelous experience for me. Community colleges and their excellent skilled trades programs are the most affordable training in the state, with job placement very high. Our state universities and private universities provide an intense, valuable training in sciences, engineering, journalism and other professional programs. Whether students choose to go into skilled trades or university, is an excellent way to build a secure future.
Healthcare for all
All people have the right to full and comprehensive health care services. As a Breast Cancer Survivor, I am very concerned about the rising rates of cancer. According to the Iowa Cancer Registry, Iowa has the second-highest and fastest-growing rate of new cancers in the United States. This makes it more urgent that we look at the root causes of cancer, and make every attempt to curb this trend.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in Dallas County. It is also the only form of cancer (in our top 5) with a higher rate than the State of Iowa or national averages.
Thankfully, we have a lower mortality rate. Get your mammograms, catch breast cancer early, and beat it! Like I did!
Natural Resources and Recreational Areas
Some of the most special places in Iowa and Dallas County are the beautiful outdoors and recreational areas. We are on the 25-mile trail leading to the High Trestle Bridge and Recreational Area. Because our Recreational areas and Natural Resources are used by the public, the public is encouraged to respect and honor these outdoor living treasures and [please] pick up after one’s self. Put your rubbish in the bin, and leave the space looking better than ever.
Assurance of Core Services
People of any town or municipality want and need Core Services. Basic needs such as fire and police protection; and road maintenance including snow removal. But, people also want nice parks, bike trails and good streets.
The roles and responsibilities of a citizen do not stop at the front door. There comes a time when roads need repair, playground equipment needs to be replaced or a new building is needed. Any of these ‘amenities’ needs to be addressed in other ways. The citizen needs to be willing and able to support their community as needed, and as they are able.
Communication
Communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas, thoughts, feelings, and emotions between people or groups, primarily used to build connections, share meaning, and influence others.
When it comes to county government, the lines of communication can be blurred or even blocked sometimes.
No person or group is an island. The basics: the road from Main Street leads to the center acre of a field of corn. We are connected as a group of citizens who live in and love Dallas County. Communication needs to be a two-way street, in which every voice is heard, and the group finds a consensus which works for the most people.
Respect
The theme of my campaign is LOVE.LISTEN.LEARN. It’s time to start caring about people again. It’s time to practice respect again. We need to care enough about people to be willing to listen and assist them. We need to learn what the needs are and ask ourselves, “What will be the most effective solution for the most people?” No name calling, no put downs allowed. Respect is the name of the game. Will you join me?