Letter to the Editor: Submitted by Elaine St. Clair

To the Editor:

I share some thoughts on the 2025 Iowa Legislative Session.

State legislative sessions sound mysterious and feel beyond any control by this citizen. We put people in power with our votes. It is a leap of faith the senator and the representative will do what is best for our family’s safety and economic security. However, uncertainty can be managed with communication with those who are working for us.

Citizens of northeast Iowa, this is a reminder of who represents your county of residence in the legislature in Des Moines. Iowa House District 63 residents are served by Representative Michael Bergan. The counties in District 63 are; Howard, Winneshiek and a northern tier of Fayette. There are over 31,000 residents in the district.

Iowa House District 64 residents are served by Representative Jason Gearhart. The counties in District 64 are Allamakee, Clayton and a northern tier of Dubuque. There are over 31,000 residents in the district as well.

Iowa Senate District 32 residents are served by Senator Mike Klimesh. The counties in District 32 are; Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee, Clayton and a northern tier of Fayette. There are over 63,000 residents in the district.

I am disappointed not to see a phrase or sentence in an article about politicians stating appreciation for votes received in an election. Also, I would be grateful for a reference to the idea that all will be represented regardless of their vote.

This is a good time to call or email Representatives Bergan or Gearhart and Senator Klimesh to tell them you are eager for each of them to be successful in their work on our behalf. Their contact information is on each of their websites. Each of these men has personal knowledge of how rules created in legislative sessions in Des Moines affect budgets in counties and city governments.

Long time residents of northeast Iowa may remember Mr. Bergan serving on the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Gearhart has served on the Strawberry Point City Council and the Starmont School District Board of Directors. The past mayor of Spillville, Mr. Klimesh, knows the difficulty of complying with state laws with a small town budget.

We look forward to frequent visits to Senate District 32 and Representative Districts 63 and 64.

Thank you for this opportunity,
Elaine St. Clair
Decorah