Message from Ed Fallon

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By Ed Fallon

 

Dear Friends,

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I remain greatly concerned about the direction state government is taking regarding economic development. The Iowa Values Fund costs taxpayers $50 million annually, yet I see very little proof that it’s getting the kinds of results its backers promise.

 

Last week, the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) reported that companies receiving assistance from the Iowa Values Fund had pledged to create and retain 30,000 jobs statewide. What’s been pledged and what’s actually being created are miles apart.

 

This week, after months of extensive analysis of Values Fund progress reports, I submitted my third open records request of 2006 to IDED. The request asks for clarification on a number of ambiguous or confusing points in IDED’s data, including claims about job growth and wage levels. I submitted a similar request in April, with five pages of detailed questions. IDED promptly “answered” that letter, yet provided no real information, and requested that I re-organize my questions. This seems like nothing more than an effort to stall or stonewall me.

 

Over the past three years, I’ve spoken and written at length about why I think the Iowa Values Fund is wrong-headed. By spending millions of taxpayer dollars annually and refusing to provide program transparency, IDED presents a rosy picture of expenses that are difficult for the public to independently analyze and justify. At my request, State Auditor David Vaudt has agreed to audit the Values Fund, and I hope that effort will lead to greater clarity and exposure.

 

For details about this  recent communication with IDED, check out my website, Fallonforgovernor.net, where I’ve posted copies of the most recent letter to IDED, and other files of note.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />Ed Fallon

 

 

Upcoming events where I’ll speak or perform music

 

 

Thursday, October 26

 

Fundraiser for Susan Radke, candidate for Iowa House

720 Duff Ave, Ames

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Contact Brett at (515) 232-5322

 

 

Tuesday, October 31

 

Des Moines Public School Board Meeting

Discussion about redevelopment of Rice School site

Hiatt Middle School, 1214 E. 15^th Street, Des Moines

6:00 p.m.

Contact Sharon at (515) 279-8793

 

 

Thursday, November 2

 

Get Out the Vote Rally

Pedestrian Mall, corner of Dubuque and Washington streets, Iowa City

5:30 p.m.

Contact Sara at sara-baird@uiowa.edu

 

 

Saturday, November 4

 

Tama County Democrats GOTV event

Eagles Hall, 112 E 3^rd Street, Tama

6:30 p.m.

Contact Dori at (319) 479-2937 or 476-4567

 

 

Sunday, November 5

 

“Stop the War With Words and Music”

Ritual Café, on 13^th Street between Grand and Locust avenues

3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Contact (515) 288-4872