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District 73 State Representative race: One more appeal by Johnson, Kaufmann
Op-Ed · October 31, 2014
We invited District 73 state representative candidates David Johnson of West Branch, a Democrat, and Bobby Kaufmann of Wilton, a Republican,
to make one more appeal to voters prior to the Nov. 4 vote. Both were limited to 400 words and neither were allowed to mention their opponent.
David Johnson
Democratic candidate, State Representative
As this election season comes to a close, let’s rejoice in the fact that we live in a country where we control our destiny through our vote.
Campaigns can be hard on voters. We are bombarded with phone calls and annoying ads everywhere we turn. It’s enough to make some of us tune out. I urge my fellow citizens to not let this happen. Democracy only works when everybody participates.
Because so much of a candidate’s message can get lost in the media chaos, I’d like to take this opportunity to let you know where my values lie.
I believe the heart and soul of West Branch revolves around our children and our schools. Whether we are sitting in the Little Rose Bowl watching our team rack up another victory, or watching our children perform in the high school play or band recital, we come together because we care about each other’s children and relish in watching them grow. They are the fabric that holds our community together, and allow us to share in the common goal of their success.
To that end, I want to ensure that all of our children have the tools they need to be successful in life. The best way to do that is to invest in our schools and our communities. It is truly frustrating when we hear that our officials in Des Moines are unwilling to pass a measure for allowable growth but have no problem finding funds to give tax breaks to foreign companies like Orascom.
Rather than continue down this road of lining the pockets of big business, I would like to see our tax dollars go towards improving our communities. Let’s invest our money in improving our schools, building new parks, improving our streets and infrastructure. In short, let’s make West Branch, and towns across Iowa, a place where people can watch their children thrive. Let’s be the envy of the Midwest.
For this to happen, we need real change in Des Moines. As a long-time resident of West Branch, a father of three and a former councilman, I have an interest in seeing our community thrive.
If you send me to Des Moines, I will work tirelessly to bring new opportunities to West Branch. We can do this, but it all starts with you and your vote. I humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 4th.
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Bobby Kaufmann
Republican candidate, State Representative
It has been an honor serving as your State Representative for the past two years.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to sit in YOUR seat.
Politics should be about men and women listening to those they represent and working together. My voting litmus test has involved two factors: Does it make practical sense and will it be good for my constituents?
If the answer to those two questions is yes, then I do not hesitate to tell a political party, a lobbyist, or any special interests NO.
My campaign promise to you in 2012 was that I would bring civility and cooperation to the State House. I have kept that promise.
I have worked with both parties to bring about the best possible legislation.
Some notable examples of bipartisan legislation we were able to achieve are as follows: Iowa now has an Elder Abuse law. This was critical to protect our seniors. We were able to give back to our EMS and firefighter volunteers by doubling their tax credits and a record amount of money has been invested into water quality.
All of these things plus many more were able to be achieved while still maintaining a balanced budget, paying down debt, and passing historic property tax relief for our small businesses. There is more to be done though.
If re-elected I plan to push for more funds for our roads and bridges, continue to invest in education, and protect your private property rights.
I have made a pledge that I will not run a negative campaign. Not a single negative ad has been run on behalf of me or my campaign. I feel that if you have to tear someone else down to build yourself up that says more about you than the other person.
You have seen me at your doors and community events this summer and fall and I have been humbled by the widespread support from everyone.
Finally, I want you to know I take this job seriously. In my two years in Des Moines there have been thousands of votes. I have showed up to work every day and never missed a single vote.
Being your State Representative has been the honor of a lifetime and I would like to ask you again for your vote.
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