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Tax issues take center stage at fourth candidates' forum
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| State Sen. Gene Fraise (right), D-Fort Madison, answers a question during Tuesday night’s candidate forum at the Keokuk Public Library. At left is Jerry Kearns, the Democratic candidate for the Iowa House from the 92nd District. |
By Steve Dunn/Gate City Managing Editor
Four local candidates for the Iowa Senate and House Tuesday had empathy for commercial property owners but no answers on how to ease their property tax burden without having other property owners pay higher taxes.
State Sen. Gene Fraise of Fort Madison, his opponent, Republican Doug Abolt of Donnellson, and two candidates for the state House, Republican Gary Ramaker and Democrat Jerry Kearns, both of Keokuk, discussed taxes among other issues at a forum sponsored by the Daily Gate City at the Keokuk Public Library.
“It's complicated in that the Legislature hasn't been able to change the (property tax) system,” said Kearns, who is seeking the seat in the 92nd District held by Phil Wise. Wise is retiring after serving 11 terms in the House. “Do I have a solution? I wish I did.”
Addressing Kevin Kuckelman, the owner of The Hotel Iowa in Keokuk, Ramaker said, “I'd call you. I'd ask for your expertise.”
Fraise said he doesn't have a solution either.
“The Legislature can't figure out who to shift the tax burden to,” Fraise added.
Abolt said he owns a 250,000-square-foot building that is assessed at 97 percent of its value.
“Gene is right. Where do you move it (tax burden) to?” Abolt commented. “It's a huge, huge issue. It's on the list of things to address.”
In fact, Ramaker said, taxes are one of the reasons more businesses and industries don't locate in Southeast Iowa.
When asked why there isn't more economic development in Southeast Iowa, the former Keokuk police officer said, “I asked my younger brother to come to Keokuk from Texas. He said, ‘It won't work here because of high energy costs and a skilled labor shortage.”
Abolt agreed that high utility costs and commercial property taxes present a barrier.
“I don't like more and more spending (by the state) year after year,” he added. “Has anyone thought of incentives rather than TIFs (tax increment financing)?”
Kearns said Iowa actually has a fairly good business climate, noting that a study ranked the state second in the cost of doing business.
“We'll never be a New York or even a Des Moines,” he said. “We have to work on what we can really get.”
As a legislator, he would try to bring people together as in the fight to equalize electrical rates, he added.
Fraise pointed to his involvement with legislation that included specific tax breaks for companies interested in locating in Keokuk, Fort Madison and a few other Iowa cities. Those tax breaks were a key reason why Siemens opened a plant in Fort Madison, the veteran state senator said.
One audience member asked each candidate to elaborate on the state budget.
Fraise said the Legislature adopted a balanced budget with a $600 million “rainy day” reserve fund.
Abolt told the audience member the state tries to estimate how much revenue it will have and sometimes diverts money from funds such as the senior living trust fund.
“When the state has financial problems, they go into these funds and don't replenish them,” he added.
Kearns said 60 percent of the state budget goes for education. Human and health services and justice also account for a large portion of the budget, he added.
“It's always easy to say you have to cut the budget,” he said. “I'm not going to say I'll cut the budget when I don't know where I'd cut.”
Ramaker said Iowa has a weird way of coming up with a budget.
Citing his retirement from the Keokuk Police Department, he said he is a product of money not coming in like people thought it would.
“I wasn't ready to retire, but I didn't want to see anybody else laid off,” he explained.
He also brought up Touch Play machines and the cost to Iowans when the machines had to be recalled and blacktopping Highway 61 north of Keokuk.
“Those things have to be stopped and the only way is to cut revenue,” he said. “The state is not in good shape and it should have all kinds of money to pay for the floods (of 2008).”
One union member in the audience asked each candidate for his position on legislation requiring employees to pay their fair share if they benefit from negotiations with management.
Abolt said the so-called fair share legislation stifles economic development.
Ramaker took a different approach.
“I absolutely believe you should pay your fair share,” he said. “If you're going to get the benefits, you should pay your fair share.”
Fraise concurred with Ramaker, while Kearns explained the legislation doesn't mean an employee has to join a union. At the same time, Kearns said he didn't believe individual employees should be allowed to negotiate on their own.
During his opening remarks, Fraise said he is running for re-election because he wants to make sure the Fort Madison bypass and new penitentiary stay on line. Fraise succeeded Lowell Junkins in the Iowa Senate after serving seven years on the Lee County Board of Supervisors.
Abolt said he is concerned about the likelihood of tax increases and burdensome regulations.
“I believe we can do a better job of minimizing the tax burden on Iowans,” he said. “In four years we went from a $5 billion to a $6.5 billion (state) budget.”
Abolt started his own business in 2000 after working for Hubinger and Roquette for 12 years.
Kearns said his legislative priorities would be jobs and economic development, the Fort Madison bypass, and keeping the new prison in Fort Madison and making sure it is built. A former journeyman electrician, Kearns has been a staff representative for the United Steelworkers Union the past 10 years.
Ramaker said his priorities would be alternative fuel, laws that are unenforceable and “take the fun out of life” and taxes.
“We pay way too many taxes in this state,” he said.
A product of a one-room school, Ramaker added, “I'm pretty blunt. I'm a conservative. I don't tell you much about my feelings.”
The Daily Gate City will have profiles of the four candidates for state office and candidates for the Lee County Board of Supervisors from Districts 4 and 5 in the coming weeks before the November general election.
State Sen. Gene Fraise of Fort Madison, his opponent, Republican Doug Abolt of Donnellson, and two candidates for the state House, Republican Gary Ramaker and Democrat Jerry Kearns, both of Keokuk, discussed taxes among other issues at a forum sponsored by the Daily Gate City at the Keokuk Public Library.
“It's complicated in that the Legislature hasn't been able to change the (property tax) system,” said Kearns, who is seeking the seat in the 92nd District held by Phil Wise. Wise is retiring after serving 11 terms in the House. “Do I have a solution? I wish I did.”
Addressing Kevin Kuckelman, the owner of The Hotel Iowa in Keokuk, Ramaker said, “I'd call you. I'd ask for your expertise.”
Fraise said he doesn't have a solution either.
“The Legislature can't figure out who to shift the tax burden to,” Fraise added.
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“Gene is right. Where do you move it (tax burden) to?” Abolt commented. “It's a huge, huge issue. It's on the list of things to address.”
In fact, Ramaker said, taxes are one of the reasons more businesses and industries don't locate in Southeast Iowa.
When asked why there isn't more economic development in Southeast Iowa, the former Keokuk police officer said, “I asked my younger brother to come to Keokuk from Texas. He said, ‘It won't work here because of high energy costs and a skilled labor shortage.”
Abolt agreed that high utility costs and commercial property taxes present a barrier.
“I don't like more and more spending (by the state) year after year,” he added. “Has anyone thought of incentives rather than TIFs (tax increment financing)?”
Kearns said Iowa actually has a fairly good business climate, noting that a study ranked the state second in the cost of doing business.
“We'll never be a New York or even a Des Moines,” he said. “We have to work on what we can really get.”
As a legislator, he would try to bring people together as in the fight to equalize electrical rates, he added.
Fraise pointed to his involvement with legislation that included specific tax breaks for companies interested in locating in Keokuk, Fort Madison and a few other Iowa cities. Those tax breaks were a key reason why Siemens opened a plant in Fort Madison, the veteran state senator said.
One audience member asked each candidate to elaborate on the state budget.
Fraise said the Legislature adopted a balanced budget with a $600 million “rainy day” reserve fund.
Abolt told the audience member the state tries to estimate how much revenue it will have and sometimes diverts money from funds such as the senior living trust fund.
“When the state has financial problems, they go into these funds and don't replenish them,” he added.
Kearns said 60 percent of the state budget goes for education. Human and health services and justice also account for a large portion of the budget, he added.
“It's always easy to say you have to cut the budget,” he said. “I'm not going to say I'll cut the budget when I don't know where I'd cut.”
Ramaker said Iowa has a weird way of coming up with a budget.
Citing his retirement from the Keokuk Police Department, he said he is a product of money not coming in like people thought it would.
“I wasn't ready to retire, but I didn't want to see anybody else laid off,” he explained.
He also brought up Touch Play machines and the cost to Iowans when the machines had to be recalled and blacktopping Highway 61 north of Keokuk.
“Those things have to be stopped and the only way is to cut revenue,” he said. “The state is not in good shape and it should have all kinds of money to pay for the floods (of 2008).”
One union member in the audience asked each candidate for his position on legislation requiring employees to pay their fair share if they benefit from negotiations with management.
Abolt said the so-called fair share legislation stifles economic development.
Ramaker took a different approach.
“I absolutely believe you should pay your fair share,” he said. “If you're going to get the benefits, you should pay your fair share.”
Fraise concurred with Ramaker, while Kearns explained the legislation doesn't mean an employee has to join a union. At the same time, Kearns said he didn't believe individual employees should be allowed to negotiate on their own.
During his opening remarks, Fraise said he is running for re-election because he wants to make sure the Fort Madison bypass and new penitentiary stay on line. Fraise succeeded Lowell Junkins in the Iowa Senate after serving seven years on the Lee County Board of Supervisors.
Abolt said he is concerned about the likelihood of tax increases and burdensome regulations.
“I believe we can do a better job of minimizing the tax burden on Iowans,” he said. “In four years we went from a $5 billion to a $6.5 billion (state) budget.”
Abolt started his own business in 2000 after working for Hubinger and Roquette for 12 years.
Kearns said his legislative priorities would be jobs and economic development, the Fort Madison bypass, and keeping the new prison in Fort Madison and making sure it is built. A former journeyman electrician, Kearns has been a staff representative for the United Steelworkers Union the past 10 years.
Ramaker said his priorities would be alternative fuel, laws that are unenforceable and “take the fun out of life” and taxes.
“We pay way too many taxes in this state,” he said.
A product of a one-room school, Ramaker added, “I'm pretty blunt. I'm a conservative. I don't tell you much about my feelings.”
The Daily Gate City will have profiles of the four candidates for state office and candidates for the Lee County Board of Supervisors from Districts 4 and 5 in the coming weeks before the November general election.
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| Carnahan pushes for early voting |
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of dailygate.com.
WELFARE... wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:37 AM:
" WELFARE is when a entity gets a free government hand-out or benefit they didn't earn. Yes those ladies out there in the so-called Johnson St. Rd. "bang-bang" house are getting a form of welfare. SO ARE THE BANKS! One form of welfare is okay....when its for rich folks. Better known as WEALTHFARE. When its for families and the poor its not okay and called welfare.
Personally, I'd rather give my money to the bang-bang houses than the fat cat bankers who spend it all on lush vacations and spas. "
Personally, I'd rather give my money to the bang-bang houses than the fat cat bankers who spend it all on lush vacations and spas. "
voter wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:35 AM:
" I'm sorry, but I stand by what I said: our community leaders and representatives should be articulate and well-spoken. They are meeting with nationally-known executives and politicians, and if they present themselves as hicks who don't even have fundamental skills, then our district loses credibility and respect. It isn't a snob thing; the correct use of English is taught in grades K-12, and all you have to do is pay attention. His English is poor, his social skills (at least in candidate forums, where we are supposed to learn about him) are limited to put-downs and ridicule of others and blustery posturing, and that will not advance us at a time when we need solid representation. This is critical right now. "
Real Okay wrote on Oct 8, 2008 3:16 PM:
" To forget okay. No I actually have a life, and my own thoughts. As hard as it is to believe not everybody in Keokuk think alike. I refuse to believe statements unless they can be backed up with facts, how hard is that to understand? Saying a friend of mine told me is not factual. An example would be that I could say that my Uncle being from Chicago knows Obama, and says he has taken bribes from Avery. I could say my other uncle, who knows the Mayor of Keokuk, says he has taken bribes and kickbacks. DOES THIS MAKE THESE STATEMENTS TRUE? Not in the least. So here is a thought, why don't you stop and actually think about the facts Fred was presenting, and tell me how exactly is it supposed to be a trusted source.
To the drug testing stipulation. I agree 100%. Although I would make it where if you flunk your out of the program period. "
To the drug testing stipulation. I agree 100%. Although I would make it where if you flunk your out of the program period. "
to the real ok wrote on Oct 8, 2008 2:31 PM:
" one more fix for the welfare system I think is monthly drug tests if you are collecting welfare. if you flunk you don't get your check. why should we fund drug use. just my opinion. "
real okay wrote on Oct 8, 2008 1:32 PM:
" To No You don't- Pompous much? I think to a person who has no biased either way, they would realize what my point was and is. Which AGAIN my point was, why should I believe a source such as a "friend". What kind of evidence is that? I am not doubting that it might be true that he is on welfare. I am saying provide a better source for your proof then a "friend". If you cannot understand that I will not take a hearsay source as fact then sorry.
To the other Okay. I would be interested any seeing you get a letter published providing legitimate sources, so I can make my decision based on factual argumants. But when can go back and forth on this till election day.
I will never argue with having an education betters life's. Lets not confuse poor grammar with lack of education though. I was referring to "English majors" statement about "voters" post.
I agree that our Welfare system is in need of an overhaul. When we pay around 8 trillion dollars in approximately 40 years out for welfare, and it hasn't worked, then yes we have a problem. Some abuse the system, and are not willing to better themselves so that they can be in a position to contribute with taxes and such. One main problem is the lack of time limits to the welfare program or extremely generous time limits. Around 40 states have time limits that can result in the termination of welfare benefits. 17 of those states have limits of fewer than 60 months.Nearly half the national welfare caseload is in states that either have no time limit or time limits that reduces/modifies benefits when the limit is reached. The federal government does not have a set time limit. We are not gong to get rid of the Welfare program, so it needs fixed.
A few fixes IMO opinion would be:
-The Federal government mandating a national time limit of how long a recipient can receive welfare regardless of the number of children and their age.
-Required job search training
-Required job interview training.
-Required job skills assessment.
-Requiring participants to make VERIFIABLE job contacts each week, much like unemployment.
-Monthly appointments with their workers to asses what they have done, and what they can do better.
So yes I have an idea of what is wrong with the welfare system. Now can anybody tell me, between the candidates, which one has a better grasp on this subject? "
To the other Okay. I would be interested any seeing you get a letter published providing legitimate sources, so I can make my decision based on factual argumants. But when can go back and forth on this till election day.
I will never argue with having an education betters life's. Lets not confuse poor grammar with lack of education though. I was referring to "English majors" statement about "voters" post.
I agree that our Welfare system is in need of an overhaul. When we pay around 8 trillion dollars in approximately 40 years out for welfare, and it hasn't worked, then yes we have a problem. Some abuse the system, and are not willing to better themselves so that they can be in a position to contribute with taxes and such. One main problem is the lack of time limits to the welfare program or extremely generous time limits. Around 40 states have time limits that can result in the termination of welfare benefits. 17 of those states have limits of fewer than 60 months.Nearly half the national welfare caseload is in states that either have no time limit or time limits that reduces/modifies benefits when the limit is reached. The federal government does not have a set time limit. We are not gong to get rid of the Welfare program, so it needs fixed.
A few fixes IMO opinion would be:
-The Federal government mandating a national time limit of how long a recipient can receive welfare regardless of the number of children and their age.
-Required job search training
-Required job interview training.
-Required job skills assessment.
-Requiring participants to make VERIFIABLE job contacts each week, much like unemployment.
-Monthly appointments with their workers to asses what they have done, and what they can do better.
So yes I have an idea of what is wrong with the welfare system. Now can anybody tell me, between the candidates, which one has a better grasp on this subject? "
Forget OKay wrote on Oct 8, 2008 1:00 PM:
" Forget that Okay person. They are the type of person that refuses to belive anything. I think it really is that ROFLCOPTER using another name now. Sounds like the type of person that has no life. "
No you dont wrote on Oct 8, 2008 7:45 AM:
" Just ask the REAL OKAY nothing ANY of you say is a FACT, because the REAL OKAY says nobody KNOW's anything for a fact! I guess only the REAL OKAY is smart enough to know FACTS even though they are ANTI EDUCATION! "
FYI on Fife La-Frenz wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:52 PM:
" Why is former supervisor George Morgan helping Janet Fife-LaFrenz with her campaign? Isn't it true that those two didn't even like being in the same room when he was on the KPD? I heard that from TWO reliable people.
Maybe promises of a better political job are in the works for Morgan. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. That's how the Democrats work. "
Maybe promises of a better political job are in the works for Morgan. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. That's how the Democrats work. "
South Side responds wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:27 PM:
" Janet Fife-LaFrenze was a teacher, so she probably had good grammer. Didn't make her effective for small business owners though did it? I agree that she voted against tavern owners getting liquor licences, I know personally that is true. Have you tried to talk to her about how you as a taxpayer don't agree with her views? She doesn't care about your views. It is about her views. She was for the rich in our community. Quite a few of her signs are on Grand Avenue aren't they? I'm tired of our elected officials supporting the rich. Make a change. Vote for a supervisor who represents the people. We don't all live on the north side of town. "
fred wrote on Oct 7, 2008 7:27 PM:
" to the real ok why don't you call the candidate and ask. two of us have told you the truth so far and all you want to do is say it is not true so why don't you call and ask. "
Another question wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:45 PM:
" Hey, let's talk about Janet Fife-LaFrenz running for supervisor. She made the comment that she wants to work with and for the people of this area at a recent forum, But her voting on the city council says otherwise. She voted against liquor licenses for taverns every single vote. I know this as a fact because my brother owned a tavern. Now how can small business owners survive if our city councilwoman is against them on every vote? But now she's going to work with the people of our community and area? Right.
Did Mrs. Fife-LaFrenz have a change of heart? Of course not. Say anything to get the vote, just like Obama Think about that when you vote in November.. "
Did Mrs. Fife-LaFrenz have a change of heart? Of course not. Say anything to get the vote, just like Obama Think about that when you vote in November.. "
Okay wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:29 PM:
" I know it for a FACT why can't you understand that! And the question was about a way to be able to lower taxes! The point is when people WON'T work and want the taxpayers to take care of them and their families there is no way to lower taxes! Get back to the point instead of trying to say I don't know for sure about my facts when I do!!! And yes education plays a very important part in a persons life! Or do you tell your children not to worry about school? "
The Real Okay to the other okay wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:08 PM:
" I have no clue where he works or what he does. Bu t I also will not rely on second, third, fourth, or fifth hand information. I will rely on VERIFIABLE facts. My post was an attempt to bring a little light to the subject of "My friend told me" type of posts in an attempt to degrade another.
As far as the grammar, what does that have to do with the lack of jobs in this area? Does bad grammar cause our gas, food, and service prices to go up? I guess the Wall Street debacle was all because of bad grammar? My point was and is, using someones grammar, as a way to debate that persons points, lacks intelligence. It shows how people tend to respond when they can't think of any intelligent response that pertains to the persons points made or subject at hand. Flame on. "
As far as the grammar, what does that have to do with the lack of jobs in this area? Does bad grammar cause our gas, food, and service prices to go up? I guess the Wall Street debacle was all because of bad grammar? My point was and is, using someones grammar, as a way to debate that persons points, lacks intelligence. It shows how people tend to respond when they can't think of any intelligent response that pertains to the persons points made or subject at hand. Flame on. "
Ramaker Supporter wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:40 AM:
" I agree, let's debate the issues and not worry about silly things like grammar and usage. I'm personally alarmed at the time some of you must have to come up with these wild stories about Ramaker's past. I know Ramo, and I know Voter 2 is misinformed and ignorant, plain and simple. Voter 2, it takes a lot of courage to accuse someone from an anonymous blog, you must be a real upstanding citizen judging by your earlier post. Ramaker and his wife are the kind of people I want to see in my community and it's a shame we have to have people here who dwell on unimportant things like whether or not a person says "ain't" or make completely false accusations from people with nothing but a venomous agenda to smear someone who's running for a leadership position. Let's focus on the issues facing southeast Iowa; the real focus of this story. "
just wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:38 PM:
" I'm sorry but just because somebody runs does not instantly make them a good person! Some are and want to really try and help, and some are just crooks trying to get something out of it for them. So you can't just give somebody credit because they were willing to run. Not everybody is the same! Also just because somebody says something you think is nasty does not make what they said untrue! Sometimes the truth hurts! "
okay wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:25 PM:
" Ok so where does Kearns son work then, and don't say once a month doing guard weekends and you know if you get a good education it does help you in life. "
Bottom Line wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:21 PM:
" Attack the issues, not the persons. I'm in favor of a debate of ISSUES That's a good friendly way to discuss what our district needs. Slamming the Dems or the Reps' ISSUES make a good debate. That's not what's happening when you hit a candidate's family. Our town is better than that. "
I am a Voter too wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:13 PM:
" I am voting for Ramaker, Walrath, Palin, and McCain. What do you think about that Voter and Voter 2? "
I agree with okay wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:10 PM:
" Running for any kind of public office is a task I wouldn't want, but I respect the people who do. I don't always agree with their positions or their viewpoints, but I try to see both sides and be an informed voter. Some of the comments I have read here are nothing but nasty. Look in the mirror Voter2, I am sure you do not like what you see. "
Voter also wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:01 PM:
" I've been reading this blog with interest and I want to respond to Voter 2. From your posting, you make comments about how unethical Mr. Ramaker was on his job. But you sit anonymously and and make unethical, false statements against a man that I worked with and respected.
I really don't care about your opinion because you sound bitter and full of venom. Snakes are like that too. Isn't it easy to sit back and condemn others who are willing to serve whether it be Mr. Kearns or Mr.Ramaker? At least they are trying to better our community, unlike you, who seem to want to bring everyone down to your level. Sorry, you didn't convince me., little snake. I'm still voting for Ramo (not Rambo), another error on your part, but you were so close... "
I really don't care about your opinion because you sound bitter and full of venom. Snakes are like that too. Isn't it easy to sit back and condemn others who are willing to serve whether it be Mr. Kearns or Mr.Ramaker? At least they are trying to better our community, unlike you, who seem to want to bring everyone down to your level. Sorry, you didn't convince me., little snake. I'm still voting for Ramo (not Rambo), another error on your part, but you were so close... "
Okay wrote on Oct 6, 2008 2:55 PM:
" My uncles, sisters, daughters, husband former college roommates, niece says she knows Jerry's son, and says he does not receive welfare and has a job. Seriously I really love all these "well I heard", "Or my (insert name here) says its true" statements, sounds like a nice FACTUAL argument to me. Yea I know, we should just take peoples word for it, and use that as actual facts but then again, people who usually use the "I heard" line have no real facts to back it up, so that is basically all they can do. You can always go to the source of these rumors, but alas whose to say that person is actually telling the truth or not.
But then again, instead of looking at the issues at hand, or helping find a way to improve not just this community but this whole area, we are sitting here whinnying over grammar and sentence structure. Sad Sad Sad. (Note to self. I may loose my job, my house, and eventually my family. I paid $100 dollars to fill my truck up to work so I can support my family. But by gawd I must improve my grammar and sentence structure. After all in the end that is what really matters) "
But then again, instead of looking at the issues at hand, or helping find a way to improve not just this community but this whole area, we are sitting here whinnying over grammar and sentence structure. Sad Sad Sad. (Note to self. I may loose my job, my house, and eventually my family. I paid $100 dollars to fill my truck up to work so I can support my family. But by gawd I must improve my grammar and sentence structure. After all in the end that is what really matters) "
voter2 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 2:52 PM:
" Ramaker would be an embarrassment as our representative as he was for many years to the Keokuk Police Department... Rambo Ramaker behaved unethically on many occasions. He interviewed a woman who had been attacked by by an intruder in her home and then went down to the police station and told those present all the details while laughing and making fun of her. Maybe his wife, who is a long time Language Arts teacher in Keokuk, could help Ramaker with his usage problem. "
fred wrote on Oct 5, 2008 1:04 PM:
" i am not sure about fraise but i have a friend that knows kearns son.he has 3 kids no job and draws welfare.could people like that getting jobs help make it possible to reduce taxes. "
voter wrote on Oct 4, 2008 8:51 PM:
" I don't think most CEO's are going to parse anything Ramaker says, but I think they are going to be put off by his inability to function at the most basic level. He thinks it's cute and folksy - many people think it's ignorant. And it's a shame - if he didn't talk as if he were a hick, I might vote for him. Oh, wait a minute; no, I wouldn't. And feel free to criticize my grammar and sentence structure. You have a couple of little glitches there, yourself. "
Master of the English language wrote on Oct 4, 2008 2:18 PM:
" Voter, no one has truly mastered all the intricacies of the formal English language including yourself, as a former English tutor I can see several critical errors in your post alone. Ramaker's language reflects a vernacular that is easy to understand and I think business leaders would be impressed with his ability to represent his people. That's what he will get paid to do if he gets elected and I'm sure with all confidence that is what he'll do. I was impressed by his lack of political polish, we don't need another politician in Des Moines, we need someone who will get things done in November. "
Kearns and Fraise wrote on Oct 4, 2008 6:05 AM:
" IF IT WASN'T FOR YOUR POLITICS OF THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE CARE OF YOU FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE, INSTEAD OF HAVING TO WORK FOR A LIVING, THEN TAXES WOULDN'T HAVE TO BE SO HIGH! "
voter wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:49 PM:
" I'm aware every candidate was asked the same question. Ramaker's answer just stood out from the rest as being a bit nonsensical. And I'm sorry, but if you can't master the English language, how do grasp the finer concepts a respresentative should have to deal with? Doesn't your grammar say something about how well you are able to learn and comprehend? Are corporate CEO's and agents from other states and countries going to be impressed? I'm just asking - but I don't think it's even a good example for kids. "
Actually attended the forum wrote on Oct 2, 2008 9:03 PM:
" Evidently "Voter" didn't attend the forum (so how did you see Mr. Kuckelman's face?) , but only read Ramaker's comment in the newspaper article. Mr. Kuckelman asked the panel to respond, not Ramaker. Ramaker took the question and what he actually said was that he would listen to Mr. Kuckelman's concerns about taxes. Just like he would listen to the people of District 92. Working with the people to find ways to cut taxes is what Ramaker said he would do.
Ramaker may say ain't now and then, but he's for the people. He makes issues easy to understand and he doesn't talk over the common man's head. He deals with issues with common sense and a sense of humor. I felt Ramaker and Abolt did the best job explaining their views and their goals. "
Ramaker may say ain't now and then, but he's for the people. He makes issues easy to understand and he doesn't talk over the common man's head. He deals with issues with common sense and a sense of humor. I felt Ramaker and Abolt did the best job explaining their views and their goals. "
voter wrote on Oct 2, 2008 6:02 PM:
" Clarity, you missed the point: Kevin Kuckelman doesn't know how to cut taxes, he asked RAMAKER how HE could cut taxes. It's fine to consult constituents if their area of expertise is helpful, but Kevin was asking RAMAKER how to do it. And Ramaker's answer was: "I'd call you." Well - doesn't seem to me like that's a good solution! Or a good answer! But it's a free country, people can vote however they want. Even for someone who says "ain't" every other word. "
clarity wrote on Oct 1, 2008 10:31 PM:
" Because God forbid we'd actually consult our constituents who actually live in the real world and pay our elected officials salaries. The Democrats haven't for 30 years in this county, so why should we start now?! "
voter wrote on Oct 1, 2008 8:39 PM:
" I don't especially want a representative who would call Kevin Kuckelman for advice on cutting commercial building taxes. Kevin Kuckelman owns a building; he's not a tax expert. Even Kevin looked a little puzzled by that answer. And does anyone know what "tax school" he went to? Because that's a new one on me. "
jim wrote on Oct 1, 2008 3:46 PM:
" Kunkelman got his building renovated with tax payer money, and most of his tenants have their rent payed for, or least subsidised by tax payer money. Youn would think he would'nt mind paying higher taxes. "
Ken L wrote on Oct 1, 2008 3:12 PM:
" Gene Fraise was voted the least effective member of the Iowa Senate for the last 2 years by his fellow senators.
If his colleagues see him as ineffective, why can't we? What does it take?
It's time for a change and Gene Fraise does not represent change. For him, change would be improvement to the level of his peers.
We don't have time to wait for that to happen. Thank him for his service and send him out the door.
As for Kearns, I don't think we need a union representative in Des Moines supported by out of state PAC money trying to cram their agenda down the our throats. We can't afford it. We can't even afford a new water plant but we're getting that anyway. "
If his colleagues see him as ineffective, why can't we? What does it take?
It's time for a change and Gene Fraise does not represent change. For him, change would be improvement to the level of his peers.
We don't have time to wait for that to happen. Thank him for his service and send him out the door.
As for Kearns, I don't think we need a union representative in Des Moines supported by out of state PAC money trying to cram their agenda down the our throats. We can't afford it. We can't even afford a new water plant but we're getting that anyway. "
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critical now wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:23 PM: