Every January, I’m reminded of the long walk, the long horse and carriage ride, or the long train ride to state capitals. There is a great book out about Abe’s inauguration journey to Washington D.C., which took thirteen days. Tough to tell if JFK or Abe found their 13 days more stressful, as if you don’t know, during Lincoln’s journey, he experienced his first assassination attempt.
Nowadays we have planes, trains, and automobiles, and in a few weeks, the weekly journey to Des Moines begins again. The start of the 91st Iowa General Assembly is January 13 and ends in May. Working with the DeWitt Chamber & Development Company, we have a full calendar of legislative events. These events are for the public to have the chance to engage their elected representatives.
The legislative events kick off January 9 with the Legislative Breakfast. Held at the Clinton County School Administration Building, this event starts at 8am and runs to 9:30. This is a moderated event and an event where we share some of our legislative priorities. Thanks to Rich Phalen for moderating this breakfast.
Did you know there is a special election on Tuesday, January 28? The Iowa Senate District is vacant as our very Senator Chris Cournoyer is now Lt. Governor Cournoyer which is a great thing for our region. This vacancy means there is a tight window for the special election. With great nimbleness from our partners and parties, the special election candidate forum will be on January 16 at 6pm in DeWitt at the Clinton County Satellite Office. Thanks to John Eisenman for moderating this forum.
January 25 is the first of our legislative coffees. The remaining will be February 15, March 15, and April 26. The coffees are held at 9am at Camanche City Hall and then 11am at DeWitt Community Center. This series of town halls is a great chance for you to ask your legislators the questions you are passionate about. Every year it is amazing to see the wide range of questions and topics levied at our officials, and all three would provide amazing responses. And if you have only watched Schoolhouse Rock, then definitely attend one of these coffees as you will see why the weekly and yearly journeys are made.
Also, depending on the results of the selection process and special election, there might be another special election, which means another candidate forum. So we might have another legislative event. These events exemplify just how available our elected officials are.
These events are successful due to your participation so please make time to attend. And if you can’t attend, please send any questions to Angela arheingans@dewittiowa.org or myself at mparbs@growclinton.com. We will also stream the coffees and forums on Youtube.com/@GrowClintonCountyIowa.