Candidates debate issues at Volga event

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The Volga City Study Club hosted a meet the candidates event last week. In attendance were Jennifer Garms (Clayton County Auditor), Brent Ostrander (Clayton County Sheriff), Ray Peterson (Clayton County Supervisor), Ian Zahren (Iowa State House District 64), Jason Gearhart (Iowa State House District 64), Brian Bruening (Iowa State Senate District 32), Mike Klimesh (Iowa State Senate District 32), Jodi Puffett (U.S. Rep. District 2) and Sarah Corkery (U.S. Rep. District 2). (Photos by Willis Patenaude)

Candidates Brian Bruening, Sarah Corkery and Ian Zahren speak with one another after the meet the candidates event on Oct. 15, at the Volga City Opera House.

State Senator Mike Klimesh, who’s seeking re-election, talks with a voter.

One attendee from last week's candidate forum speaks with Republican candidate for Iowa House District 64 Jason Gearhart.

By Willis Patenaude | Times-Register

 

The current political campaign season is nearing its end, and though Iowa may have lost some of its national prominence, local and state races remain relevant, as what happens in Des Moines or within the county, is oftentimes far more consequential than what occurs in the halls of Congress. 

 

In light of this, the Volga City Study Club hosted a meet the candidates event last week at the Volga City Opera House, as a “community service” to Clayton County residents in “order to facilitate evaluation of candidates” currently running for offices. 

 

Among those invited were candidates for Clayton County offices, such as Jennifer Garms who is running for auditor, Brent Ostrander who is running for sheriff and Ray Peterson who is running for supervisor. Though they are running unopposed, all were in attendance for the event. 

 

The event also featured state-wide contests, including the race between Independent Ian Zahren and Republican Jason Gearhart for Iowa State Representative for district 64. The Iowa State Senate race for district 32 is between Democrat Brian Bruening and incumbent Republican Mike Klimesh. 

 

Even one national race—that for United States Representative for district two between incumbent Republican Ashley Hinson, Democratic candidate Sarah Corkery and Independent candidate Jodi Puffett—was included.

 

Opening the event, each candidate had five-minutes to address the audience, a decently sized group for a Tuesday night.

 

Garms led off, discussing the increase in time spent on elections over the years, which coincides with the growth of lengthy campaign seasons and concerns over election security. In the auditor’s office, Garms said there is “no gray area,” and as a result, there is fairness and equality to the process. Being elected and serving in the position is also a way for her to give back.

 

Ostrander followed, joking that, back in June, running for sheriff looked like one of the “worst decisions” he had ever made. He emerged victorious from a tough primary and is focused on bringing the basic principles of pride and professionalism to the position. 

 

Ostrander talked about the progression of his career and how “failure is the best teacher,” while highlighting his strongest values, one of which is a commitment to the community. He said one aspect that demonstrates that commitment is his involvement in coaching youth sports and the lasting connections he’s made through that, like being invited to graduations and weddings. 

 

Leading off the contested races was Zahren, who is attempting to make history as the first independent to be elected in Iowa in 100 years. He focused on his roots as a fifth generation Iowan, born on a small, family farm, and his current profession as a teacher. 

 

Zahren also highlighted key aspects of his campaign, which is heart led and data driven, with a belief in the goodness of people and the power of stories. It’s that belief that has led his campaign to knock on over 5,000 doors in 11 weeks. 

 

His campaign, Zahren noted, believes “we can do things differently in this world,” and his election is an “opportunity to set a precedent” to change the way things are currently being done. 

 

Also running in District 64 is Gearhart, who highlighted his own history as someone who was born and raised on a farm and spent the majority of his life in northeast Iowa, outside five years in the Army. He noted his conservative values and involvement in local communities, like being a coach at Starmont and a current Strawberry Point council member. 

 

Gearhart touted his belief in fiscal responsibility and how every decision he makes is based on the betterment of many, not just the few, in supporting the future of rural schools and farms. 

 

Bruening opened with a joke about the height of the other candidates before highlighting his history. He was born on a traditional family farm in New Hampton, and spent 12 years in Boston before being called home to Iowa, where he settled in Elkader as a business owner who has survived four floods and the Covid-19 pandemic. 

 

Bruening talked about the importance of small town businesses and how the success of one breeds success for others, so there is a community and neighborhood component in a world that has become too political. Bruening also stated his opposition to the recently passed AEA bill and the need to bring “balance” and “sense and sensibility back to Des Moines.”

 

Arriving a bit late due to bridge closures, road work and misguided GPS systems that don’t understand country roads, Klimesh joked about the misadventure before diving into his years in the state senate and history serving as mayor of Spillville. 

 

Klimesh highlighted his work as chair of the transportation committee, such as the recent traffic camera bill. As a member of the commerce committee, he worked to regulate and minimize the impact of prescription drug prices. He also hit on a topic of local concern: declining population and school enrollment in rural Iowa and the search for solutions.  

 

Rounding out the opening statements were the candidates for U.S. Representative, which did not include Hinson. Her absence was heavily noted by Corkery, a lifelong Democrat, who spoke about her family history and losing her mom at 15 and quitting her successful corporate job at 47. Corkery described her thrifty nature, and how the party is offering no support to the campaign. 

 

Despite that, her campaign has raised over $100,000, recently started running ads and, by her own admission, “crushed” Hinson, who Corkery labeled “Absent Ashley,” in a recent debate simply by telling the truth. Corkery said “Hinson used big words that Iowans don’t even know what they mean,” and called Hinson “out of touch,” while she is “in touch.” 

 

Current State House District 64 Rep. Anne Osmundson read a prepared statement sent from Hinson, stating she could not attend due to a “prior commitment.” 

 

Puffett, an Edgewood native, spoke about a passion for mental health services, bringing financial discipline to the federal level and the lack of support shown for veterans and teachers across Iowa. Puffett also took exception to Hinson’s support of the recent $95 billion foreign aid package, when “we have needs in our own backyard, here in Iowa that are not being met.” If elected, Puffett said she would donate her entire first-year salary to nonprofits. 

 

Following a brief intermission, the event opened for audience questions, starting with a question about transgender students being allowed on sports teams and in restrooms. Zahren led off, indicating that, from his perspective as a teacher, every student should be “seen, valued, loved and safe.” During his time as a teacher, he said five students who were members of the transgender community have committed suicide, and as a result, he keeps his door open to “keep them alive.” As far as bathrooms go, Zahren’s solution was to build family restrooms.

 

Gearhart said he would not support boys playing on girls teams and that there is a need to “protect women’s sports,” while Bruening called the entire issue an “overblown hatred of kids” and a “ridiculous sideshow,” while the bigger issue is the state taking local control away from schools. 

 

Klimesh pointed out his voting history of prohibiting boys from entering girls restrooms and keeping them out of girls sports, which he believes takes away from women’s accomplishments. Klimesh also mentioned the mental health crisis in Iowa and how the state can do better in that area. 

 

A second question focused on reproductive rights and the rationale for involving government in the decision of abortion, referencing the “fetal heartbeat bill” House File 732, passed last year. The question was directed at those currently serving in the legislature, and Klimesh wasted no time pointing out that he was the only Republican in the senate who voted against the bill.

 

The issue of eminent domain was brought up as well, with Corkery expressing opposition for the pipeline because it is “wrong for Iowans,” with Puffett sharing the same concerns. Klimesh laid blame on the Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. City of New London in 2005, “that established a legal precedent allowing the use of eminent domain for economic development.” Bruening simply wants some mechanism by which landowners can fight the use of eminent domain. Gearhart claimed he is “not a fan” of eminent domain, instead favoring property rights, which is a position Zahren shared. 

 

Additional questions focused on the AEA system, school vouchers and immigration. While there was some disagreement about the efficacy of vouchers and the consequences the program could have, there was some agreement on the AEA bill. 

 

Klimesh, who has a sister who greatly benefited from the AEA, pointed out that he voted against the bill. In meetings with Gov. Kim Reynolds, he mentioned the bill creates “destabilization.” 

 

Zahren believes it is a handout to wealthy people and will not benefit rural communities, while Puffett noted all education paths for children should be supported. 

 

As for the border, there was near unanimous agreement on the need for legal immigration, however, Bruening labeled the governor sending National Guard troops to Texas as “political theatre.” Corkery suggested raids on illegal immigrants were “political fodder” and said “diversity builds strength.” Klimesh advocated for legal immigration, but with consequences for those entering illegally. Zahren agreed that “legal immigration is needed” for the country. 

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