Mike Owen

July 31, 2004



Friends:



We are
94 days away from Election Day.  And we all know what that means
… 94 days more of grass-roots campaigning, so we can have some
grass-roots government in the State Capitol.



The word
from the doorsteps of District 79 continues to be good.  Iowans
are concerned about the direction of our state government – as well as
the direction of the federal government.  Together, we can change
that direction.



The Big Message of Six Words



Good schools.

Good jobs.

Health care.



Tired of
hearing those same six words from us?  Somehow, I doubt it,
because you and I both know this is why we need to win in District
79.  You can bet the Republicans are tired of hearing those words,
because those words represent three big concepts they have ignored for
too long at the Statehouse.  And they know that sooner or later,
the voters will call them to account for it.



Let's make it sooner!



I invite your thoughts and suggestions as we work together for good schools, good jobs and health care for Iowans.



Events Ahead – Clarence Parade, Hooverfest



Saturday, July 31 — Clarence – Lincoln Highway Days Parade, 10 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 7 — West Branch – Hooverfest Parade, 10 a.m.



Like to walk?  Like our message?  Join us in a parade!



Behind Our Message



When we
talk about “strong, well-funded public schools,” and “making education
our priority,” what are we saying?  There is nothing to read
between the lines.  We mean exactly what we say.



Iowa's
schools have been under-funded at all levels, for many years. 
When teachers have to supplement their classroom resources out of their
own pockets, we should be ashamed.  When we expect our teachers to
do more, with less, and we won't even pony up for their professional
development, our Legislature is derelict in its duty to our children
and our teachers.  These are our responsibilities, and they are
met through the public school system.  Our way to do it in Iowa is
with excellent teachers.  It's the best way, and it's the proven
way.  So, when our colleges and universities are producing some of
the best teachers this nation can offer, we must compensate them
adequately if we want them to stay.  Instead, we see our young
teachers leaving the state, or leaving the profession for a
better-paying job in the private sector.



When we
say education is our priority, it means we place it first.  There
are those who believe that cutting taxes always comes first and
shrinking government at any cost is more important than
education.  Education is not their priority, because it doesn't
come first.  There are times we can cut taxes, but now is not the
time.  In times of budget problems, especially, a tax-cutting
agenda is mutually exclusive with the concept of improving public
education.  Teachers know it, principals and superintendents know
it, and school boards know it.  So do parents.  And, so must
our Legislature.  It is simply impossible to improve the quality
of public education without more resources.  It is simply
impossible to make Iowa a place where leaders of cutting-edge
industries want to locate if we cannot offer a top-of-the-line
education.



Iowa
always has been a leader in education, but as the Republicans'
indifference has shown, we can no longer take this for granted. 
When our Legislature falls down on this responsibility, it does not
reflect Iowa values.  Anyone concerned about education should be
focused on this House seat, because it will say a lot about who sets
the agenda next year in Des Moines – those who make education a
priority, and those who don't.  Even Republicans who support
education need Democrats to win this seat.



Ask Us, Not Them



Not
surprisingly, the Republicans twist our position, to “more, more, more”
and “throwing money at problems.”  That's their message, not
ours.  And I learned long ago that if I want to understand
someone's position, the best way is to talk to that person, and to ask
direct questions.  If you want to know our position, ask us – not
them.  Our focus on education is for excellence and
accountability, and where that costs more, we need to ante up, and help
our local school boards to put resources where they are most
needed.  Our education system is a cost-effective, sound
investment in the future and the promise of Iowa.



Thank You!



Our
campaign is strong because of the many volunteers who have stepped up
to pitch in.  Thank you to all who have helped – by registering
voters, passing out literature, painting signs, talking to their
friends or making a contribution.  We have a lot of work left for
the next three months, and we welcome more hands to do the
lifting!  Give us a call or send an e-mail to us at owen4iowans@Lcom.net.



Mike Owen

Democratic candidate for State Representative
District 79

Cedar, Muscatine, Johnson counties


(319) 643-5714

owen4iowans@Lcom.net



Owen for Iowans

563 Oliphant St.

West Branch, IA  52358