Author Archives: Paul Deaton

SMRs and Iowa's Energy Future

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Paul Deaton

During Iowa’s public discussion of nuclear power over the last three years, proponents have frequently mentioned Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as the solution to some of the problems with nuclear power. That current nuclear technology is flawed, resulting in massive … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy, Iowa Legislature | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Jobs in Post-Reagan Iowa

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Paul Deaton

Garbage pickers are everywhere. This is a photo of a gent working near where I lived through my early years, until Kindergarten. I asked him if he lived in the area. He didn’t, but knew about the current occupants of … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Jobs, Labor, Recycling | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Local Food Summit in Iowa City

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Paul Deaton

IOWA CITY— More than 80 local food producers and buyers convened during the second annual “Come to the Table Local Food Summit” at the Johnson County Extension Office on Feb. 10 in Iowa City. The purpose of the event was … Continue reading →

Posted in Farming, food, Local Events, Progressive Community | Tagged , | Comments Off on Local Food Summit in Iowa City

Nuclear Power – 'Off the Table'

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Paul Deaton

MidAmerican Energy made it clear today that if HF 561, or some form of it, does not become law, nuclear power will be “off the table” in Iowa and the electric utility will deal with it by increasing their use … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy, Environment | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Iowans Press Harkin for Diplomacy with Iran

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Paul Deaton

DES MOINES– Jeffrey Weiss of the Catholic Peace Ministry led a delegation of 16 Iowans representing nine organizations in a meeting with representatives of Senator Tom Harkin’s staff on Jan. 18 to request Harkin publicly promote diplomacy with Iran. The … Continue reading →

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Iowa Utilities Board Announces Public Comment Meetings

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Paul Deaton

Dec. 6, a story about MidAmerican Energy’s potential rate increase was making the news. The company is expected to file with the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) in February for an electricity rate increase of 3-4 percent. In anticipation of the … Continue reading →

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Governor Walker and PATCO

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Paul Deaton

In order to understand the debate over collective bargaining in Wisconsin last year, it is helpful to consider the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization, or PATCO, a labor union that represented U.S. air traffic controllers from 1968 until 1981. With … Continue reading →

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Vote NO on New Nuclear Power in Iowa

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Paul Deaton

The 2012 legislative session is only a few days away, convening on Jan. 9.  HF561/SF390 is still active and enables utility companies to charge their ratepayers before a new nuclear reactor would produce any electricity in Iowa. MidAmerican Energy has … Continue reading →

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Jeneane Beck to Leave Iowa Public Radio

Posted on December 10, 2011 by Paul Deaton

When we consider all of the writers, news people and pundits in Iowa, there is none the author will miss more than Iowa Public Radio’s Jeneane Beck. She announced on twitter that she had taken a position as State Relations … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa in the News, IPTV, Radio | Comments Off on Jeneane Beck to Leave Iowa Public Radio

Iowa Democrats, Clean Air and Socializing

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Paul Deaton

At the Kirsten Running-Marquardt fundraiser last night, I sat in a row of chairs with a group of long-time Democratic party activists. Most local Democrats know them by name, Jean and Jix Lloyd-Jones, Dick and Doris Myers and Bill and … Continue reading →

Posted in 2012 Election Campaign, ALEC, Energy, Environment, Progressive Community, Public Health, Sustainability | Comments Off on Iowa Democrats, Clean Air and Socializing