Political newcomers Eric Helland, a Republican from Grimes, and Richard Sosalla, a Democrat from rural Elkhart, will go head-to-head for the Iowa House District 69 seat in the November general election.
The district covers Johnston, Grimes, Polk City and parts of northern Polk County. State Rep. Walt Tomenga, a Johnston Republican who currently holds the District 69 seat, decided not to seek re-election.
Sosalla and Helland differ on many issues.
Sosalla says the state's education goals need to move beyond a focus on teacher salaries. "If you look at a successful school at any level, you will find a successful administrator, one who works to improve teacher quality and, yes, eliminate the weak links. It is the administrators that need to be held accountable."
Helland said he believes in involvement and decision-making by parents. "Public education must focus on the basics and allow parents the ability to make the best decisions for their children. What works well for one child may not work for another, and no amount of law or regulation will change the way a child learns."
Sosalla said an overall environment that is conducive to expanding the Iowa economy needs to be put in place; that can't be accomplished with any one action, he said. He listed the transportation committee as one that he would ask to be assigned to because "economic development is tied to infrastructure."
He said he also would want to focus on improving health care coverage for all children and programs for veterans.
Helland said the Legislature could help Iowa's economy by creating a more friendly business climate, including lower taxes and fewer burdensome regulations. "The fastest-growing states are the least-taxed states, and Iowa is not one of them," he said. "When government gets out of the way, the entrepreneurs are free to create and grow."
