"I am an empathic listener who believes that people should be the voice of the goals and changes in Iowa, not a political party."

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.

SARAH SMITH

Age: 46

Residence: Grinnell

Family: Dustin (husband), Alex (son, freshman at Luther College), Josie (daughter, sophomore at Grinnell High School), Paul & Debby Pohlson (parents; Paul is on the Iowa Valley Board)

Education: Grinnell High School 1994 and Luther College, BA in Psychobiology 1998

Profession: I worked for eight years in the underwriting department at Lincoln Financial in Chicago, then returned to my hometown of Grinnell where I served for three years as executive director of Imagine Grinnell. In 2014, I moved to my current position as director of outreach programs and events in Grinnell College’s Office of Community Partnerships, Planning and Research. I am also active in community service by serving on the UnityPoint Health-Grinnell Regional Medical Center and coaching high school girls swimming and diving.

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

The first time I ran in 2020, my platform was directed by the priorities of the Democratic party. This time, I have spent the bulk of my campaign listening to voters across the district to build a platform that was based on what people wanted, not what the party wanted. I am the best candidate for this office because I take the time to listen to the voters of this district. I care about the people in this district and I am focused on what is best for Tama and Poweshiek County. I believe that an elected official should be compassionate and civil to every person they represent.

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 envision myself to be someone who advocates for the issues that are important to Tama and Poweshiek Counties.

Public School Funding & Teacher Support: All Iowa children deserve a great education and to do that, we must support our state’s public schools. We need to increase funding to help with teachers’ wages and keep rural public schools open.

Support for our working families: Childcare deserts, unpaid sick leave, and insufficient prenatal & maternity care are the crux of many issues facing working families. I will work with local community centers and daycare providers to subsidize childcare options while championing affordable healthcare options.

Reversing the labor shortage: Small businesses are the heart of Iowa’s downtowns and many are experiencing labor shortages. In addition to ensuring equitable access to the most suitable skills training, I will collectively work with business owners and managers to ensure their profitability while increasing wages to benefit the worker.

Rural Development and stewardship: I support Iowa’s farmers and aim to ensure fair tax rates when land is moved into conservation efforts. Rural residents deserve all the same amenities as any other citizen, which is why I will continue to work toward infrastructure improvements that ensure internet access, quality public schools, and emergency services.

Safety & Security: I know that law enforcement needs support now more than ever, which is why I support mental health crisis training. I also support responsible gun owners and keeping the second amendment intact through required safety courses and background checks. As dangers evolve, I will continue to support laws that stop sex trafficking across Iowa and put an end to spam and identify theft.

Role of Government: As a non-politician, I believe the government’s role to be one of support – providing assistance rather than mandates. In doing so, I will vouch for government support for healthcare access, hunters’ rights, climate change & energy advancements and keeping the agricultural industry an even playing field.

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

When learning about potential problems, I seek out those who are at the heart of the issue and those who will be negatively affected by any change. I listen to all people in Tama and Poweshiek County because they know the issues and circumstances best.

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?

I reject the Student First Scholarship Program (private school voucher bill) attempts to take resources from public schools. All children deserve to have access to properly funded education. Proponents of the private school vouchers claim that this policy allows for increased choice for Iowan parents. However, given that 42 of Iowa’s 99 counties are absent of any private schools, it becomes apparent that the choice exists only for those in urban communities. As well, parent choice has always existed and still exists today. Those who don’t believe their local public school is the right choice for their child are free to open enroll in another district. The majority of Iowans, and my constituents, oppose private school vouchers. I cannot support this policy.

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

No matter how we feel about abortion personally, Iowans should be able to make their own medical decisions with their doctor. Medical decisions should not be made by politicians.

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?

I think that the state needs to continue to support Iowa’s farmers and aim to ensure fair tax rates when land is moved into conservation efforts. The state needs to listen and address the needs of the farmers due to the changing climate and work together as a state to address climate change issues. The longer we fail to address these concerns, the more harm the Iowa legislature will need to deal with in the future.

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?

I will stand strong to support our public schools, rural hospitals, rural maternity care, rural internet access, increase childcare facilities, paid sick leave, rural emergency services, and support the profitability of rural businesses while increasing wages to benefit the worker. These are the issues I hear about when talking with young families. These are the resources needed to create a place where young families will want to live and are able to live in the future.