Republican state Rep. Ray “Bubba” Sorensen faces a challenge this fall from Democratic Rep. Karen Burley for the Iowa House seat representing the southwest Des Moines area.
Two candidates are running for Iowa House of Representatives District 23. The district covers all of Madison and Adair counties, as well as portions of Dallas, Clark, and Union counties.
To help voters, the Des Moines Registrar sent questions to all federal and Des Moines area congressional candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
The primary election is scheduled for June 4th, ahead of the general election on November 5th.
more:Everything you need to know about the June 4 primary election, including absentee voting.
Who is the incumbent Ray “Bubba” Sorensen?
Year: 44
party: republican party
Where did you grow up: Fontanelle, Iowa
Town where I currently live: greenfield, iowa
education: Iowa State University
Profession: Mural Artist/Small Business Owner
Political experience and civic activities:
- Republican County and State Committees
- city council
- state representative
Who is Karen Varley?
Year: 65
party: Democratic Party
Where did you grow up: Waukon, Iowa
Town where I currently live: stuart, iowa
education:
- Iowa State University, Bachelor of Science, Agriculture
- Cornell University, Master of Science, Plant Breeding
- Drake University School of Law, J.D.
Profession: Stuart Varley Law Firm Attorneys
Political experience and civic activities:
- past or present directors or officers of civic organizations, including the Stuart Public Library;
- West Central Valley Scholarship
- Stuart Revitalization Group
- Wallace Centers, Iowa
- Adair County Tourism
- Stuart Chamber of Commerce
- toastmasters
What are your top priorities if you are elected?
Sorensen: Principles of economic development and sound budgeting.
Varley: We fully fund and support Iowa's public schools to ensure that all Iowa students have the best educational opportunity, regardless of location, family income, or ability. Must be. Investing in public education benefits us all because educated Iowans are better able to participate in society as contributing workers, leaders, and volunteers.
What policies would you support to improve Iowa's education system?
Sorensen: Continue to invest in teachers, weed out bad actors, and limit education savings accounts so people with means don't abuse the system.
Varley: First, we must eliminate tax transfers to private schools through vouchers and restore accountability for all taxes. Alternatively, if private school vouchers are not eliminated, private schools must accept applicants with special needs and be subject to the same disclosure requirements as public schools. Second, the AEA system must be reevaluated in accordance with the work of a special committee established by Congress, and necessary changes should be made in the best interest of students.
What do you think Iowa's tax policy should be? Do you think the state's priority should be lowering rates and spending on services for Iowans?
Sorensen: A truly flat and fair tax that promotes success and income.
Varley: The state's priority is to balance tax revenue from all sources with providing the services Iowans need and demand. For example, 63 percent of Iowa voters approved the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund in 2010, but the Legislature never acted to fund it. Additionally, Iowa's tax system should focus on being fair, which is not the same as being “flat.” Wealthy companies and individuals must pay their fair share of taxes. Iowans routinely see little benefit from lower personal income tax rates. Setting a higher minimum wage and reinstating collective bargaining could help working families more.
What policies would you support to improve the safety of Iowa schools?
Sorensen: Keep the school set as a tough target. Whether that means more school resource officers, more weapon recognition software, or single point entry. I am open to different opinions, but we must respect the Second Amendment.
Varley: I support funding for infrastructure to improve communication and coordination between schools and local law enforcement. School resource officers who are trained law enforcement professionals. Increased number of qualified counselors at all grade levels in the school system. And, in general, increased mental health resources will make services more accessible to youth and families in need.
What next steps do you think the Iowa Legislature should take regarding abortion?
Sorensen: Wait for the outcome of the heartbeat bill in court before taking further action.
Varley: Healthcare for all women must be safe, legal, and accessible. Congress should begin passing the reproductive freedom amendment proposed this year in House Joint Resolution 9 to ensure that women's health protections are not dictated by politicians' personal agendas. Additionally, we need to expand access to contraceptives, family planning resources, and postnatal care. Women should be able to consult with their health care providers and make their own health care decisions without being told what to do by politicians.
Michaela Lamb is a medical officer at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at mramm@registermedia.com, (319) 339-7354 or on Twitter: @Michaela_Ramm.