Legislative Forum in North Liberty, Iowa
by Paul DeatonSixty percent of Johnson County's state legislators showed up for the League of Women Voters forum at the Gerdin Conference Center at the North Liberty Community Center Saturday morning. As is often the case, none of the Republicans showed up, indicating their lack of interest in representative democracy.
The missing elected officials were Representative Jarad Klein (R-89), Representative Jeff Kaufmann (R-79), Senator James Hahn (R-40) and Senator Sandy Greiner (R-45). The author does not recall ever seeing Senator Hahn at any of these non-partisan events, even though he represents residents of Johnson County. The usual slate of Democrats were present: Senator Bob Dvorsky (D-15), Senator Joe Bolkcom, (D-39), Representative Vicki Lensing (D-78), Senator Mary Mascher (D-77), Representative Dave Jacoby (D-30) and Representative Nate Willems (D-29). It was a full house for Democratic legislators and the room was crowded.
The first discussion topic was that all of the district numbers listed above will soon be obsolete. On Thursday morning, the first map of the new district geography will be distributed to members of the 84th General Assembly. Representative Mascher explained that the first map is usually the fairest map and that a period of sorting things out will occur. If the first map is refused by the legislature, a second will be drawn. If that doesn't settle the district boundaries, a third will be produced. If the third is rejected, then the Iowa Supreme Court will finish the redistricting. According to Mascher, “We do have one of the fairest systems in the land” for redistricting.
Senator Dvorsky elaborated that areas where the population is growing more rapidly will see some division as a Senate District should have a bout 61,000 people in it. His district 15 which includes North Liberty and Coralville, currently has 76,000 people and should shrink in size.
Tom Carsner of the Sierra Club kicked off a discussion of HF 561/SF 390 on nuclear power financing and a number of questioners expressed concern about the issue. Representative Jacoby, who believes nuclear reactors should be in Iowa's “energy portfolio” stated four objections to the current legislation: safety (Japan, which is still happening, should be fully understood), disposal of spent nuclear fuel needs to be addressed, concerns about Iowa Utilities Board oversight need to be addressed, and both the upfront and purchased electricity costs need clarification. Jacoby and others would like to see debate on the measure delayed until questions are answered in a way that protects consumer interests.
There was a lengthy discussion about the dove hunting bill which ratified the account BFIA gave earlier today. There was a bit more emphasis on the raccoon aspect of the bill.
Legislators each presented positive and negative descriptions of the 84th General Assembly, and what has been accomplished. There was consensus that in the House, Democrats have not received a seat at the table where important discussions are occurring. Senator Dvorsky indicated that the Senate has been more accommodating to the opposition party.
Members repeatedly talked about how many e-mails they receive on bills and about how it may influence their votes. If you have an opinion about the legislature, readers are encouraged to e-mail their Senator or Representative. The addresses can be found here.
Perhaps the best part of the league forums in Johnson County is that school children ask questions at the end. Today, their topics were animal rights and treatment (particularly in concentrated animal feeding operations), childhood obesity (Senator Bolkcom recommended eating more vegetables) and potential abandonment of preschool by the legislature (work in progress).
There would be a longer list of discussion topics from BFIA's eleven pages of notes, but seriously, if you are not attending these forums or meeting with your legislators, you should get involved this week. You will be glad you did.
~Paul Deaton is a native Iowan living in rural Johnson County and weekend editor of Blog for Iowa. E-mail Paul Deaton
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