It’s Time to Put Iowa First

The dispirited economy of Iowa and the failed leadership in Des Moines have created another critical election in 2010. This election will be an opportunity for hard-working Iowans in every corner of our great state to send a loud and clear message to our elected officials. Enough already!!

Iowans will no longer tolerate a government that continues to grow and spend at a time when Iowa families and businesses are being forced to tighten their belts.

It’s a simple matter of priorities. The people in control seem more worried about rewarding their political allies than watching out for the interest of every-day Iowans. They seem more interested in political contributions than fiscal restraint. They say they care about education and children but yet they continue to borrow and spend, heaping mountains of debt on generations of Iowans not yet born. Children learn best by example. What is the message they are getting from this kick-the-can-down-the-road approach to fiscal policy?

There is no debating the fact that Iowa deserves better - much better. It’s time our elected leaders quit worrying about their political cronies and re-election and starting putting IOWA FIRST!

First in Investments and Treasury Management

• $300 million of tax-payers’ money has been taken for lavish lifestyles by a couple of crooks at a company called Westridge Capital. The State Treasurer has no job more important than keeping and protecting the public’s money. Iowa’s Treasurer must be a custodian in the truest sense of the word. When it comes to protecting the treasury, I will put IOWA FIRST!

• Currently the Bank of New York is the custodian of the IPERS fund. Why are millions of dollars of Iowa Taxpayers’ money invested in New York? Iowa banks should be allowed to compete for that contract and all other things being equal, I would put Iowa banks first.

• By most accounts, College Savings Iowa (529 plan) is a good program. However, all participants are restricted to Vanguard Group investment products. The Vanguard Group may be a great company, but why is this Pennsylvania based company the only option for Iowa families saving for college? Competition is a good thing and Iowa based companies deserve a chance to compete. When saving for college, Iowans should be given a chance to think IOWA FIRST!

• Several states have requirements that a portion of their retirement funds and other investments remain in-state to support economic development. As State Treasurer, I will work with the Governor and Legislature to develop similar requirements for Iowa’s investment portfolios. Why can’t we use a portion of these funds for economic development right here in Iowa? When it comes to investment policies, I will think IOWA FIRST!

First in Transparency

• As State Treasurer, I will develop an on-line, searchable database of all bills paid by the State. With today’s technology, I see no reason why every payment made through the State Treasurer’s Office shouldn’t be available on the Internet for ALL Iowans to see – every check, every day. Let every Iowan that wants to know where their money is going have access to the information necessary to hold their elected representatives accountable. When it comes to sunlight on spending, I will think of Iowa taxpayers first.

First in Protecting Taxpayer Dollars

• Bonding (borrowing) to pay for on-going expenses is not sound fiscal policy. As State Treasurer, I will speak out against borrowing to cover lack of fiscal discipline. The latest round of bonding will take more than $2 to repay every $1 borrowed, leaving $1.6 billion in debt for future generations. It’s time to think about the burden that places on Iowa’s kids and grandkids. I will not forsake responsible fiscal stewardship for political expediency. I will think IOWA FIRST!

These are a few examples of the issues at hand. I will continue to listen as I travel this state and add, refine and edit this page to reflect what I hear from my fellow Iowans.

My campaign of IOWA FIRST is a clear distinction from the track record of the incumbent Treasurer. The current State Treasurer, by words and action, has helped lead Iowa to a most depressing irony – Iowa’s financial well-being shrunk while the rest of Iowa’s government exploded in size. Iowa is poorer and farther in debt.

As Iowa Treasurer, I will always think in terms of the total public, the overall good, and the long-term effect. I will not succumb to the temptation to please the individual or special-interest group. Throughout this campaign, I will work to enhance the citizens’ relationship with government. It is IOWA FIRST – the government works for THE CITIZENS. I firmly believe our best days are ahead of us. I have every confidence in the resiliency of hard-working Iowans. If we can lessen the burden of government and allow free market forces to work, Iowa will flourish again.

If you agree that it’s time for our leaders to start thinking IOWA FIRST - then join our team! Sign up today for newsletters and updates. If you can, volunteer to help the campaign in your community. State-wide campaigns require thousands of dollars. It’s not cheap to bring about change. But it is even more expensive to leave things the way they are. Your financial contribution to my campaign would be greatly appreciated.