Greetings, Democracy for Iowa Members,



My name
is Mike Owen, and I am a native Iowan. Eleven years ago, my wife, Deb,
and I returned home to Iowa to run a small business and raise our
family. I know our state can offer our children a great place to see
their future and pursue their dreams. I also have an appreciation for
elected officials who will deal with the facts and their constituents
honestly, because that gives us a chance to produce sound policy for
our state.
 

As a
candidate for state representative in Iowa House District 79, I bring
that foundation of confidence and hope. Over two decades in journalism
have shown me how government can work at every level, and how it should
work. The current Iowa Legislature does not measure up. After 12 years
of control, the leadership in the current Republican majority is so
driven by arrogance and partisanship that it will not listen to anyone
outside its closed-minded circle. We need a change, and this race
offers the best opportunity for that change for residents of our
district.


Iowans
want a voice in their Legislature, and they deserve it. Two years ago,
we called for an Iowa Legislature that would focus squarely on an
agenda for good schools, good jobs and attention to our seniors'
needs.  We didn't get it, and that's why we're back in 2004.



Our
children need tools and opportunities to succeed here, in Iowa, and
that begins with reversing legislative indifference to the pursuit of
excellence in our public schools, colleges and universities. We will
put protection of household budgets ahead of the corporate giveaways
and tax cuts for the rich that have undermined critical public services
at both the state and local level. We will reach across the aisle to
achieve this, and I will push that effort. Iowans need to see we won't
allow partisan bickering to stand in the way of progress on the issues
that hold the key to our future. We must restore confidence among our
friends and neighbors that we all can make a difference.



This is
our call for a New Iowa Statesmanship in Iowa. It is a call to the best
in us. It is a call for stewardship that honors the legacy of our
ancestors, and prepares our state for our children. It is a call for
access to our government for everyone, not as spectators, but as
participants. Our Legislature should offer a place for that to happen.
Let's turn the concept of grass-roots campaigns into grass-roots
government – open-door, open-minded and even-handed government.


Please, be in touch!  And join us!



Mike Owen

Democratic Candidate for State Representative

District 79 – Cedar, Johnson, Muscatine counties