"I will stand up for Iowa agriculture, be a voice for hard-working families, and fight for common-sense conservative policies to address the issues facing Iowans and I am asking for your vote in the November 8th election!"

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. On October 14, we printed responses from candidates for the Iowa House of Representatives. Last week we focused on Tama County Supervisors District 1 and County Treasurer. This week we are publishing responses from candidates for Iowa Senate. Early voting by absentee ballot in Iowa began on Wednesday, Oct. 19 – including in person in county auditors’ offices.

Candidate Spotlight: State Senate District 27

Includes most of Tama County excluding Buckingham, Dysart, and Traer. Beginning with the 90th General Assembly in January of 2023, State Senator Eric Giddens (D-Cedar Falls) will represent the new Iowa Senate District 38 which includes Buckingham, Dysart, and Traer. Sen. Giddens was not up for reelection this year.

ANNETTE SWEENEY (REPUBLICAN)

Age: 64

Residence: Rural Buckeye

Family: Husband Dave Sweeney of 37 years, two sons, one daughter-in-law, one grandson

Education: B.S. Education

Profession: Past teacher, publishing business, and farmer

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

I am proud to be running for my second full term in the Iowa Senate. Throughout my time there, we have passed a number of bills to help Iowa’s hard-working families, like historic income tax relief, eliminating the inheritance tax, tax relief for small businesses, and protecting Iowa’s agricultural industry. This is only the beginning of our successes, and as the voice for Senate District 27, I want to continue to fight for Iowa’s farmers and agriculture, responsible, conservative budgeting, and common-sense solutions to the issues Iowans are facing.

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?

As a farmer, agriculture issues are what I am passionate about at the Capitol. I’ve served on several committees in the Iowa Senate, including as the chair of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, the vice chair of the Agriculture Committee, the Education Committee, the Human Resources Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee. I’ve worked on a number of issues in these committees, and the issues my constituents bring to me. For example, this year I am proud to pass a bill addressing fertility fraud after this horrible practice was brought to my attention by a constituent.

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

When trying to learn more about an issue, I aim to work with the experts on the issue or topic, whatever it may be. This could be talking with state agencies, community members involved in the issue, and professionals who work in that area of the economy.

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?

During my time in the Iowa Senate, I have supported increases to K-12 education each and every year. We’ve also passed legislation to help rural schools, like transportation and per pupil equity, to make sure money dedicated to educating Iowa students, especially in rural areas like Senate District 27, was actually being spent in the classroom and not on transportation. The Student First Scholarship Program proposed by Gov. Kim Reynolds is an issue I have heard a lot about. After talking with constituents, I decided not to support the bill in the Senate. I do want Iowa students to have options for their education and parents to have more of a voice in their child’s education, and education is always a priority issue for me in the Senate.

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

I am pro-life and have been proud to support a number of pro-life bills in my time in the House and Senate. While I want to ensure life is protected, I think it’s best we see how the [Iowa] Supreme Court handles the laws we have already enacted before we move forward.

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?

Our farmers and ranchers are working hard developing practices to reduce carbon footprint, improve water quality and establish habitat for wild animals. For water quality and carbon foot[print], Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy has been in place for almost 10 years and the adoption of those practices has continued to expand. For example, cover crops are now being used across the state for approximately 13 million acres. We have also increased access to cleaner burning fuel with ethanol. I am concerned about an overly heavy hand of the government forcing farmers to do practices that do not work on their operation.

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?

We have a lot to offer young families, like tight-knit communities, good schools and affordable cost of living. One of the best things we can do to grow our state is continue looking at tax reform to make Iowa attractive for businesses and families, finding ways to make Iowa more competitive with the states around us, and bring more opportunities to Iowans. This is especially important for rural areas like ours as we continue making our state the best in the country to live, work and raise a family. Tax cuts also provide some relief to Iowans and young families trying to get started who are all struggling with record inflation caused by the reckless spending policies coming out of Washington, DC.