Keokuk reader endorses democrats on Tuesday

Dear Editor:
As a former city council member, I know firsthand how difficult it is to maintain a budget in rural Iowa, especially with a declining population and a state government that continues to take away backfill funding and home rule rights. Meanwhile, state leaders boast about slashing taxes while staying quiet about what that means for rural Iowans: cuts to the services our communities depend on.
Because of this experience, I will be voting for Matt Mohrfeld for Iowa House District 100.
I want someone who has paid an electric or gas bill in his own name in Lee County. Someone who has had the hard conversations with school districts across District 100, understands the challenges facing our major industries, and knows firsthand what it takes to keep a rural community going. I want someone who has established roots here and WILL feel the consequences of his votes in Des Moines every single day.
I want someone who has served the public and knows what it is like to be stopped at the grocery store and either thanked or held accountable for a vote cast the week before. That kind of accountability comes with serving the people you live alongside every day.
As a former public servant, I have a voting record I stand behind when it comes to public safety and public works. I have witnessed firsthand the challenges our police, fire, and public works departments face. I have made difficult decisions that were not always popular because I believed it was important to ensure our police and fire departments had the support they needed.
For this reason, I will be voting for Nate Willems for Iowa Attorney General.
Nate's professional history demonstrates a willingness to do more than host roundtable meetings and take campaign photos with public safety personnel. He fought to secure what has been described as the largest collectively bargained police wage increase in Iowa history. I want to look at the record, the actions taken, and the results delivered, not just the campaign appearances. When it comes to supporting our public servants, I want to know where a candidate stands and what they have actually done.

In September 2024, I was the only person in attendance, aside from the editor of the Daily Gate City, at Rob Sand's South Lee town hall. Rob stood with me at the corner of 7th and Blondeau and never rushed the conversation, even though I was the only member of the public who had shown up.
That interaction mattered to me. He took the time to be there and listen, regardless of the size of the audience. From my perspective, his commitment to putting Iowa first has not changed.
I will be voting for Rob Sand for Governor of Iowa because I believe our governor should show up for every Iowan, not just those who agree with him.
There is a lot at stake for Lee County residents. No matter how you vote, please do your research. Look beyond the campaign slogans and photographs. Make sure a candidate's positions align with your values. And most importantly for those in Lee County who only vote for a ‘color’, make sure they’re not just utilizing ‘R’ or ‘D’ to get your vote. Look at their experience, their record, and whether they can be held accountable for their decisions.
Most importantly, ask yourself this: Will they show up for everyone, even when it is difficult or when nobody is watching?
Then make your voice heard. Vote on November 3, 2026.
Just my two cents, for what they are worth.