COLUMN: Wind warning

Iowans are weather watchers. We stand outside and watch tornadoes pass by for sport. We’re accustomed to tornado, thunderstorm, red flag, blizzard, ice, hail and even derecho warnings from the National Weather Service and local radio and TV stations. This spring winds fueled pasture fires, wildfires and burn bans in many counties.

This spring another wind change seems to be blowing across Iowa, drawing political attention. Iowa is receiving national notice of a political wind shift rushing across the state and nation.

Political wind warnings show signs Iowa may be shifting from “ruby red” to “purplish”.

Iowans and Americans are weary of the political winds of the past ten years. We’re weary of mean late night social media posts, rants about a failed 2020 election, inhumane treatment of immigrants and families, ignoring the Constitution, erratic behavior, starting a war in Iran and picking a fight with the Pope.

Iowa’s legislative leaders and those in Washington, D.C. regularly ignore constituent opinions not aligned with the GOP stance.

Wind warning. Iowans are watching and there is change in the air. The same old strategies won’t work anymore.

3rd District Congressman Zach Nunn hasn’t held a single open meeting during his time of service. If county visits happened, only GOP members were invited. Letters aren’t answered or result in irrelevant form letters arriving weeks after contact was made. Zach Nunn posts on Facebook proclaiming his work. There is little evidence of his work in the 3rd District. Representative Nunn nods his head and fails to separate himself from the party line.

Wind warning. Sarah Trone Garriot has shown herself to be a person who listens to and respects constituents during her time in the Iowa Senate. It’s time for a change.

Senator Grassley’s 99-county tour became an invitation-only event. His voicemail is usually full. No answers are needed if the voicemail is full. Senator Ernst followed the same strategy, but a voice message is available. No response to the calls. It’s to be expected. Senator Ernst is retiring. Ashley Hinson, the Republican candidate, followed Grassley and Ernst lead and had only invitation-only events in our area.

Wind warning. Iowa has two quality candidates to fill her position: Josh Turek or Zach Wahls. Both men are ready lead Iowa’s Senate delegation. They give a great option for a new start and breaking the strangle hold of two GOP Senators that have failed to help Iowa.

Wind warning. Time for Iowa to have one Democrat and one Republican senator.

The Iowa legislature has failed to listen to Iowans about education and public education funding to the detriment of rural districts. Overspending Iowa’s budget by implementing private school vouchers, charter schools and home schools with no oversight while simultaneously cutting taxes is depleting Iowa’s fiscal resources.

Culture wars dominated the legislative decision-making. They stripped away civil rights, women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights. They minimized local control of cities, counties and schools seeking control. So much for small government.

GOP leaders have ignored water quality, increasing cancer rates, stagnant economy, exodus of young Iowans, economic development and imminent domain. Iowans are sick of being ignored.

Wind warning. Governor Reynolds is retiring. The primary lineup for the GOP promises nothing but the same playbook or worse.

Rob Sand is prepared to be Iowa’s governor. His law background, service in the Attorney General’s Office and as Iowa’s Auditor is an asset. It’s time for a change.

Politicians often attempt to determine direction of the political wind to ensure elections. Iowans must stop voting for a party that doesn’t address their economic and human needs. Iowa needs new leaders up and down the ballot.

The political winds are changing in Iowa and across this county.

Like in “The Wizard of Oz,” the Wizard’s spell has broken. The curtain is coming down on the charade of power dissolving and melting it like the witch. The wind is gathering. Watch out for falling houses.

Iowans understand weather changes ushering in an atmospheric change. Iowa needs a change. It’s in our hands to make it happen. Show up. Vote.

Be a part of the wind change.