Two candidates are running in the primary to represent Iowa House District 42, which includes southern Ankeny.
Incumbent Democratic Rep. Heather Matson is seeking a third term in the Iowa House of Representatives. Republican Heather Stevenson is also running. The two men are expected to face off in the November general election.
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:Early voting for the June 4th Iowa primary election has begun. Here's what you need to know:
Who is Heather Matson (current)?
Year: 47
party: Democratic Party
Town where I currently live: Ankeny
education: in Government from Western New England College.Master of Laws, George Washington University
Profession: self-employed
Political experience and civic activities: State representative (second term). Director of Ankeny Service Center. Director of the Ankeny Kiwanis Foundation. Iowa Interfaith Alliance Board Member/Vice Chair (2017-2019). First Vice Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party (2013-2015). Iowa Family Planning Voter Board Member/Chair (2010-2015)
Who is Heather Stevenson?
Year: 46
party: republican party
Town where I currently live: Ankeny
education: Ed.D. from Maryville University. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Iowa State University. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Iowa State University. She received an Associate of Arts degree from a Des Moines area community college.carroll high school
Profession: Training consultant and community college part-time instructor
Political experience and civic activities: This election will be Heather's first run for political office. Heather previously worked in the Iowa Juvenile Court. Current civic activities: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library Board Director; Past Civic Activities: Ankeny Wrestling Club, Polk County Foster Care Review Board, Iowa National Guard Auxiliary Personnel, Iowa Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, Iowa Children's Advocacy Commission, Iowa National Guard Family Support Bureau Chairman's Office , Iowa Operation: Military Kid, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (Founding Member of Beta Theta Xi Chapter)
What are your top priorities if you are elected?
Matson: I believe all issues should be viewed through the lens of how we can best ensure economic security and economic opportunity for all Iowans. Life isn't just about surviving, it's about thriving. economic development that prioritizes small business entrepreneurship and the uniqueness of each community; recommitment to public education; making housing more affordable for homeowners and renters; investing in the direct care workforce; We need to put policies in place, such as protecting individual medical decisions. At the state level, ensuring Iowans have the opportunity to thrive together.
Stevenson: Property tax reform is my top priority. Iowa has one of the highest property tax burdens in the nation. According to WalletHub, Iowa ranks 42nd out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia with 51 of the highest property tax rates in the country. The current property tax system unfairly collects unrealized gains. Additionally, Iowans on fixed incomes could have taxes taken out of their homes. In addition, high property taxes are a barrier to homeownership. All of Iowa is affected by property taxes, as rising property taxes also increase rents.
What policies would you support to improve Iowa's education system?
Matson: Strong public schools have been the heart of Iowa's communities for generations. But heated debates over vouchers, the tearing apart of local education agencies and special education services, and a decade of underfunding have damaged the framework of Iowa's education system and made teachers' jobs harder. We need to invest funds in our children that meet the needs of our school districts so that everyone can thrive. I was proud to vote for a pay increase for teachers and paraprofessionals, but it is only the first step in rebuilding trust and morale for the Legislature.
Stevenson: Iowa's education system must prepare students for employment and provide pathways to career education, technical education, and/or higher education. Results from the 2023 Iowa Spring Student Assessments show large proficiency gaps between overall student performance and students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, students with disabilities, and English language learner students. It is shown that there is. My primary interest is in supporting policies that ensure all students receive the best possible education to prepare them for the transition to adulthood.
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?
Matson: I want all Iowans to pay their fair share in investing in the common good, like strong public schools, public safety, and protecting our most vulnerable neighbors, at no cost to our families and communities. I support tax policies that ensure payment. A fair tax system prioritizes economic security and opportunity for all Iowans, not more benefits for big corporations and a few wealthy individuals. We will invest in lowering the cost of housing, child care, health care, and utilities, ensuring fair wages with collective bargaining rights, and expanding retirement security for more Iowans. need to focus.
Stevenson: Iowa's tax policy should reduce the tax burden on Iowans and allow everyone to keep more of their hard-earned money. At the same time, Iowa needs to be competitive with other states to attract both residents and businesses. I believe we need more transparency in both tax policy and government budgeting. This is essential for public participation and uptake of the services that their tax dollars pay for. Government always has a moral responsibility to be accountable for how people spend their money, especially as Iowans continue to feel the pressures of inflation.
What policies would you support to improve the safety of Iowa's schools?
Matson: With gun violence on the rise, school safety has rightfully become a top priority. How this is effectively addressed is critical to public safety both inside and outside of schools. Law enforcement and responsible gun owners agree that with every right comes a responsibility, including common sense gun safety laws. Rather than arming teachers, I support universal background checks, upgrading school safety infrastructure, and investing in mental health care. I support safe storage awareness and extreme risk protection orders with due process to keep guns out of the hands of those who would harm themselves or others.
Stevenson: I support providing funding to school districts to complete vulnerability assessments and fund identified security improvements. We also support having well-trained, armed professionals in school buildings.
What next steps do you think the Iowa Legislature should take regarding abortion?
Matson: Reproductive health decisions, including abortion, are deeply personal matters and are best made between the patient and the doctor. As a mother who has experienced fertility challenges and very complicated pregnancies, I can speak to the fact that every pregnancy is unique, often difficult, and sometimes dangerous. Politicians are not doctors, so it is not their job to decide when or whether to become parents, or to legislate all decisions regarding pregnancy. I will continue to champion the reproductive freedom rights of all Iowans, whether it's access to contraception, IVF, or abortion care.
Stevenson: As a woman who has experienced a miscarriage, I understand that pregnancy is complicated. Going forward, the debate over abortion will depend on the Iowa Supreme Court's decision, expected in June. We welcome conversations about abortion laws because the U.S. Supreme Court has made this a state-level issue. I do not support abortion as a method of contraception. But women need access to medical care for miscarriages, in vitro fertilization, and countless other situations that occur during pregnancy and infertility treatment. I support exceptions to abortion restrictions in cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal abnormalities, and medical emergencies.
Chris Higgins covers the eastern and northern suburbs of the Register.please contact him chiggins@registermedia.com Or contact us at 515-423-5146 and follow us on Twitter @chris_higgins_