Former Tama County resident Sean Dengler, back right, speaks in Toledo during the July 9 meeting of Tama County Citizens to Restore Democracy. SUBMITTED PHOTO

TOLEDO – On July 9, the Tama County Citizens to Restore Democracy held a successful gathering in Toledo, beginning with an informal dinner that facilitated networking and camaraderie among attendees. Sean Dengler, a former Tama County resident and member of the Iowa Rural Caucus was our speaker.

Dengler’s address moved beyond typical political rhetoric, offering a deeply personal account of his family’s farming experiences and the challenges faced by small and medium-sized farms in today’s agricultural climate. He highlighted the detrimental effects of agricultural monopolies and advocated for policy reforms to support family farms and rural communities. He encouraged active participation in the political process, urging attendees to join the Iowa Rural Caucus of the Democratic Party and support candidates who champion these critical issues.

Following his presentation, a robust discussion ensued, focusing on concerns regarding recently enacted federal legislation (signed into law by Pres. Trump) and its potential impact on our community, state and nation.

Nancy Purk then provided a demonstration of the Five Calls application, empowering attendees with tools to effectively communicate their concerns to elected officials.

The evening also included a tribute to Minnesota state Sen. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were recently murdered in their home. We collectively explored ways to honor their memory with personal acts of peace and justice.

A subsequent survey indicated strong support for a coordinated visit to the Iowa congressional offices to advocate for our shared concerns.

Maria Gonzalez of Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice shared a deeply personal and powerful narrative of her immigration and naturalization journey, including her family’s experiences during the 2006 ICE raids. Her testimony provided valuable historical context, contrasting the due process afforded then with the current climate of fear and uncertainty, and served as a stark reminder of the human cost of current immigration policies.