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Olson, Boettger earn Uncommon Public Service Award
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · April 10, 2014


Iowa House Speaker Pro Tem Steve Olson and state Sen. Nancy Boettger received the Hoover Uncommon Public Service award last week from the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association.


The Association made the presentations with the help of state Rep. Robert “Bobby” Kaufmann (R-Wilton) in the House chambers and Senate President Pam Jochum in the Senate chambers on April 2.

Both legislators had seen their colleagues receive the award in years past, but neither expected to hear their own names called.

“It was a big surprise for me,” Boettger, R-Harlan, said.

Eighteen members of her family drove to the capital to surprise her, and she said she turned it into a “teaching moment” for the younger ones.

“We’re going to take the kids to the Hoover Library this summer, but I was not expecting (this award) at all,” she said.

Olson, R-DeWitt, said members of his family came in without catching his attention.

“It was a real surprise,” he said. “It’s a real honor.”

According to information from the Hoover Association, Olson “has consistently worked for the best interests of those he represents.”

“Whether it dealt with the business world, agriculture or the education of our youth, he diligently sought out the best solution,” read the statement. “He understood what those issues are because he is us.”

Olson said “it really turns me off” when legislators “get a really big kick out of being partisan.”

“I would prefer to be a consensus builder and get something accomplished, for the good of everybody, not just Steve Olson,” he said.

For Boettger, the Association noted that the former educator “devoted her time and efforts to help Iowa students value a good education.”

“She has exemplified Herbert Hoover’s value of integrity to work together with Republicans and Democrats to do what is best for Iowa’s young people and the educational options available to them,” read the statement.

“It’s very humbling to hear them say those things,” Boettger said. “One of our main goals is to work together on a bipartisan basis and to leave a legacy for our colleagues to do that as well. It makes for better legislation when we work together.”

Both Olson and Boettger are in their final year of their terms, and neither plan to run for re-election.

Olson, in his 12th year in the House, said a bill on a small renewable fuel standard that promoted the growth of ethanol was one of the highlights of his career, though he is also glad for certain bills he blocked.

“We all want clean air and clean water,” he said, “but sometimes those things go overboard. When you’re a committee chair, you have to try and realize what’s good for everybody and not a particular situation.”

This is Boettger’s 20th year, and she is glad she helped set up Hawk-I insurance for children and this year passed legislation in hopes to make it easier and more economical to take online courses across state lines.

“I’ve served in the minority, the majority and in a tied situation,” she said of her legislative career. “It has been a wonderful experience.”

Olson said he passes West Branch often on his way to Des Moines.

“We occasionally stop (at the Hoover Complex),” he said, then chuckled when he added. “We’ll have to pay more attention.”

The Association created the award to recognized state legislators who exemplify Hoover’s humanitarian efforts and commitment with uncommon service. Nominees are judged on public service and humanitarian projects.