"They should vote for me because I have the values and life experience that fit extremely well in this district."

Telegraph note: Ahead of the November 8 General Election, Tama-Grundy Publishing sent out questionnaires to all of the declared candidates in the contested races in Tama County. We will print responses for the next three weeks in alphabetical order beginning with the Iowa House of Representatives; District 1 Supervisor and County Treasurer will print next week, followed by Iowa Senate.

Candidate Spotlight: State Representative District 53

Includes most of Tama County including Clutier but excluding Traer, Dysart, and Buckingham.

DEAN FISHER

Age: 66

Residence: Rural Montour

Family: Wife Vicki

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Devry Institute of Technology

Profession: Retired from Electronics Engineering and Farming

1. Why are you the best candidate for this office – what differentiates you from your opponent?

My values are in line with the core values of this district. I have a breadth of experience that includes growing up on an Iowa farm, moving to Chicago and experiencing a large city during college, then spending 26 years in the electronics industry where I lived in small towns and other cities while working in an office environment as well as factories. I then moved back to the family farm and farmed with my brother for ten years before retiring. This variety of experience allows me to relate to, and understand, my constituents’ needs and situations.

2. What kind of legislator do you envision yourself to be? Are there any particular issues you would like to see addressed by the Iowa Legislature?

I am a thoughtful legislator that questions things instead of accepting them on the surface. I research the issues thoroughly, and I consider the needs of my constituents. I am a legislator that is rooted deeply in the values of my district.

We have already addressed many key issues in my ten years, but of course, there is much more to do. With inflation stretching families’ wallets much thinner, I want to work to find ways to ensure you can keep more of your hard-earned paycheck. You work hard for your money and you know much better how to spend that money than the government.

3. What sources do you consult when hoping to learn more about a particular issue?

Of course, it depends on the issue. The constituents that are immediately affected by the legislation are at the top of the list, it must fit their needs to work. Another obvious resource is the various lobbies surrounding the issue, they can be a great resource for information. Of course, any opposing constituents and lobby groups are also to be consulted so that the issue is fully understood.

4. Where do you stand on funding for public schools, particularly rural public schools like those in Tama County – is it adequate or otherwise? Further, what is your position on the Student First Scholarship Program (private school voucher bill) backed by Gov. Kim Reynolds?

Our funding has been adequate. However, with the high inflation created by the Democratic Party policies under President Biden, school funding will need to be carefully considered within the context of the state’s budget. We have maintained a strong, balanced budget that has continued to increase funding to our schools while respecting the taxpayer’s dollars as well.

It is imperative that we increase educational choices for our students, I fully support Governor Reynolds’ initiatives regarding school choice. The wealthy have every choice available to them, but low-income families typically have only one, their public school. Low-income families often need, and deserve, more choices so they can select a school that best fits their child.

5. Where do you stand on access to abortion in Iowa?

I am Pro-Life and have heartily pushed for Pro-Life legislation throughout my time in the legislature. It’s a baby, and it deserves the right to life that any of us deserve. I voted for the Heartbeat bill in 2018 which is based on the premise that a life begins when a heartbeat is detected, and I support Governor Reynolds’ lawsuit to remove the court’s Stay on that bill.

6. Do you believe the Iowa legislature is doing enough to address/prepare for the changing climate – particularly as the issue relates to farmers? Why or why not?

The climate change debate, including the idea that human activity has the ability to change our climate, is far from settled. Therefore, the premise of this question is fundamentally flawed. Our climate is always changing naturally and our economy will change with it.

However, many coastal liberals use the climate change debate as a way to force their far-left policies on middle America. They have failed to persuade the population to adopt their policies on their own so now they are attempting to force states like Iowa to follow the policies of states like California and Iowans are not having it.

7. If elected, what legislation will you support to ensure rural counties in Iowa like Tama County are places young families want to live and are able to live in the future?

First and foremost Iowa must continue to be fiscally responsible and carefully manage our budget. The 3.9% flat personal income tax and zero percent income tax on retirement income that we passed last session is one big way that we can make Iowa a place to stay, and move to, for generations to come. Also, by implementing education choice we can make Iowa a destination state for families looking for that freedom.