Veterans event draws Andrews to Greenfield

More than 40 veterans and elected officials gathered last Wednesday for a lunchtime edition of Coffee with Comrades, hosted by Adair County Veterans Affairs at the Iowa Aviation Museum outside Greenfield.

Organizers said they were pleased with the turnout for the event, which is typically held the second Wednesday of each month.

Among those attending was Republican candidate for governor Eddie Andrews.

“I’m excited to be here talking with veterans — people who not only love our country, see what’s going on and are paying attention, but have put their name on the dotted line to serve our nation,” Andrews said. “They know the meaning of sacrifice and of putting themselves out there. When a veteran tells you something, it carries a little extra weight. I’m grateful for the comments and insights they’ve shared today on local, national and rural issues. I’ve learned a lot.”

Andrews, currently a state representative from Johnston, as well as a minister and tech entrepreneur, describes himself as a constitutional conservative. Having visited all 99 counties, he said the campaign has been “the time of his life” and “extremely rewarding.”

The candidate said his campaign is focused on several key areas:

• Education: Andrews said he wants to return Iowa schools to a top national ranking, as they were when he was younger. He emphasized phonics, discipline, order and expanded shop classes that allow students to work with their hands. He pointed to Mississippi’s adoption of similar strategies about six years ago as evidence improvement is possible.

• Property taxes and property rights: Andrews said he supports what he calls the “biggest and boldest” property tax reform, which would gradually restructure the system. He also said he has built a reputation for standing with farmers facing eminent domain concerns, adding he aims to not just “talk the talk,” but “walk the walk.”

• Mental health: Andrews said his family’s experiences have shown him Iowa’s mental health system needs “a lot of attention.” He cited progress through expanded psychiatry residency programs at the University of Iowa, incentives for doctors to practice in the state and improved continuity of care between facilities, but said more work is needed. He added cancer is also a key issue he is addressing at the Statehouse.

• Voter integrity: Andrews said he wants to reduce the influence of “dirty money” in Iowa politics. While he said the issue is less pronounced than at the federal level, he added that “money breeds corruption.” He said elections should be about “who has the best ideas and who is going to lead Iowa forward as the 44th governor.” He described his district as “purple” and said his record shows growth in Republican support since his election.

Andrews said Republicans should carefully consider their choice for governor.

“The résumé of the Republican who has the best chance in that election looks a whole lot like my résumé,” he said. “We need someone with a proven track record of leading, adding people to the cause and attracting independents and some Democrats.”

Other Republicans vying for governor against the probable Democratic nominee Rob Sand, who is state auditor, are Iowa’s fourth district congressman Randy Feenstra of Hull, farmer and businessman Zach Lahn of Belle Plaine, Williamsburg pastor and former state representative Brad Sherman and Adam Steen, a businessman from Runnells.