Unifying Northwest Iowa

Congratulations to John Wills, now our Republican candidate for House District One this fall.  He ran a good campaign for the seat and I thank him for his friendliness every time we met.

Thank you!  To every supporter, voter and volunteer.  My wife and I thank you for all of your hard work and effort.  I cannot tell each of you enough my gratitude for all you did.  Thank you also for all of the kindness and hospitality that all of the voters expressed as I visited across the district.  We live in a great area with many of the best of people in our country and we should never forget that we are capable of anything we set our minds to.

The primary is over.  I am not disappointed in the results, we did well and I have nothing but optimism for our future.  Some of the goals of the campaign were to remind the voters that they are more important in the process than the politicians and that the ideas discussed should be addressed.  I think both of those are clear to John and I trust that he will move forward with those ideas.

Now will be the time to unite as one district so that when John arrives in Des Moines they will know that our resolve in District One is set and we will not be swayed into others agendas.  Don't forget to keep communicating with him and all of our elected officials, from township level to national level, to remind them all that we the people are the most important ingredient in the operation of this country.

We, not Me

I had several questions this morning from someone that should be answered to more than just one.  The first was "Why haven't you talked more about yourself?  You have worked with just about everything.  Lenders, attorneys, contractors, judges, farmers, business owners, working men and women, old and young, rich and poor.  Under just about every circumstance, dissolving partnerships, corporations, estates, property disputes, greed, envy, hatred and cooperation.  Why not more about you?"  The answer: "I don't think it's about me."  I have not been one to talk about myself and it does not seem appropriate to talk about "I or me".  The important thing I thought was to remind all of us about our basic agreement with government, we allow them some decision making at a minimal cost for our organization as a state and country, they insure and protect our liberty for our pursuit of happiness.  Government at a minimum with decisions made as close to home as possible.  They leave us alone and we use them as little as possible.

Another question was "If you are elected and are gone part of the time, who will take care of our stuff?  Who will hold the auctions and watch out for us in the real estate world?"  There are already good people working here and there are others out there.  That was the easier part of the conversation.

Another question: "Why didn't you promise more?"  I found that in political campaigns you have to be as sharp as reading a contract.  What I heard was lots of promises to "fight for" but never an "I will".  That seems to be the key wording for many.  My personal and business experience taught me to never promise unless I can deliver or can back up what I say personally.  The most successful life and business delivers more than is promised.  Will I fight for things?  Sure.  Can I promise to fight?  Sure.  Can I outright promise results?  No.  I look at this situation as a farmer or businessman hiring an employee.  The best employees I can find only promise to work with all their heart and mind and effort.

I hope and trust that all of you have carefully considered all of the candidates for each of the races.  I hope you have taken time to discuss candidates and issues with them and with your friends and neighbors.  Any support you give to me I do appreciate.  However, the most important thing that you can do as a citizen is to show up and vote.  That is one of the responsibilities that we have.  We must live up to our promises or the system won't work the way it was designed.  Keeping our promise to participate is a key step.  (We and our, better words than I or me.)  The next step is reminding government and the people serving in it their part of the agreement.  Let's take that step together after the primary.  We can do this.  Together and not alone, staying on target for our goals.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask

How many of us remember asking a question in school?  How about at a meeting with lots of people?  Or asking a difficult question during a church meeting?  We wish that we could ask these things on a one to one basis.  No one wants to look uninformed or feel foolish for asking a question when others might already think the answer is clear.
Someone asked me a question today about an issue that could (and probably will) come up in our state legislature.  This question had to do with an issue that won't effect many people directly.  But it will effect everyone in some way through either more taxes or more laws (if we take the conventional approach to the problem).  The best way for me to give the answer was to ask this person a few questions so that they could already be thinking about some of the solutions.  I told a few stories about similar situations that also helped the person pick and choose between some of the solutions put forward by other people.  Then, after narrowing the possibilities down, it was easier for her to see the obvious answer.  It was also easier for her to see some of the difficulties (but not impossibilities) in achieving the goal.
I do not think it is hard for anyone to talk to me, but I only took notice that real questions from people have come more in the one to one visits.  Several have talked to me at the office, on the street, on the phone, emails or at their door.  If you have a question that you did not want to ask in front of a group of people please call or email or message me.  I will be happy to answer.  My thinking is that if I am a public servant in any way then I better be ready to talk to and explain to my bosses (you the voter) the reasoning and actions for any issue.  The best teachers I ever had said there is no such thing as a dumb question and they were always willing to explain so that anyone could understand.  I always appreciated that.  The best educators and leaders don't dictate with force, they gently help people to understand and guide them into thinking for themselves.  Like today's chance meeting.
Political campaign stuff can't answer everything.  Many times in the past I thought I knew where a candidate stood on something but really did not know for sure.  Or worse I was surprised to find out later how they acted.  If you aren't sure about something, ask me.

Wisdom Shared

It is nice to be remembered and needed.  That seemed to be the theme for today, especially the evening, but that would be jumping ahead.  The morning was spent with catching up on some more paperwork but visiting with several people in between.  Then I had the opportunity to catch up with a family in Minnesota who I helped sell a house to 19 years ago.  They remembered me from that first time and wanted my advice on reselling that home.  They are sharp people who had most of the plan figured out already but wanted some reassurance that they were on the right track.  Another example for me that everyone in this area has the ability to think, reason and act on a situation for themselves, they just needed another opinion to confirm.  A NW Iowa Realtors meeting in Orange City for the evening exchanging a few stories with others from the four county area.  Then the best part of the day with a lesson included.  We stopped at my wife's aunt and uncle in Orange City.  Both are in their 90's and doing well.  They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary recently with their family.  She told us about where they first met and what her first thoughts were about him.  Her uncle was telling us about how he was a radar operator in the Aleutian Islands in World War II and how he was in the only spot attacked by the Japanese and how he survived.  Then she shared some age-old wisdom in a poem that we thought would be good for our daughters.  My wife, Laurel, asked if we could video her saying the poem to share with our girls and also asked if we could include it on this blog.  She was happy to share.  It goes along with some of what we talked about in some of the community meetings, wisdom never grows old.  We are rich in wisdom with the older generations around us if we just take the time to listen, think about it, reason it out, confirm it and then act on it.  They were glad for the company even though it was a short visit.  Remembered and needed.  Yes, Ray and Myrna Van Pelt, that you will always be.

Do You Remember Decoration Day?

Thank you to all of the members of American Legion Rex Strait Post 103, VFW Post 6960, VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries in Rock Rapids for inviting me to speak at your Memorial Day Service today.  We did record a good portion of the program but our sound quality did not work well.  If there is anyone who has a version with good sound quality, please let me know.  I am including a transcript of the message portion I shared today.  

Good morning and happy decoration day or as we know it now Memorial Day. I thank all of you for allowing me to speak with you today and am honored that on this important day where we remember those who have died in military service, that you have asked me, a simple man from Northwest Iowa to share some thoughts and ideas about the day with you. I did not know if I would be able to live up to the great expectations of speeches that I have heard at other Memorial Day services in the past. But maybe my greatest gift for everyone today will be to help young and old understand a little bit more about some of the customs that we have at the cemetery on this day.

One of my bigger questions that I have had about this day that no one has been able to answer well is, why do we honor or bring flowers & decorations to graves of men and women or children who did not die while in service? I searched for answers in books in history and on the Internet without ever finding a real answer so I went back into my own experiences before I came up with what I think is the answer for all of us today.

The answer starts with a story. When I was between younger, about 10 years old, one of my jobs around Memorial Day was to accompany my grandma Elma in her 1967 gold colored four-door Plymouth Fury to all of the local cemeteries. I would help her load the trunk and the backseat of that car with 5 gallon pails of dirt, plastic flowers, real flowers, water cans, garden tools, hoes, spades, grass clippers, and even cleaning supplies. My job was to accompany and help her decorate the graves of great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and many friends. As we traveled between country churches and small-town cemeteries she would tell me stories about relatives and friends that lived on certain farm places and in local small towns. When we got to the cemeteries and as we began to work to clean the headstones and place flowers and decorations, she would continue to tell stories about some of the things that these people had done while they were alive. It was very important for her to make sure that I knew the stories. On several occasions she even said to take special care that I remember the stories and the locations of the graves because I might be one of the last in our generations to have some direct link with the past. That might be one of the reasons that I like to hear the local stories and try to remember as many as I can, although I wish I would've written down many more.

Everything that has ever happened has been given to us as an example. We know that those who have died in service are some of the best examples of Americanism that we can ever have. And I know we sometimes decorate graves of the recently deceased either in our grieving or in a celebration of their life. But I think that reason that we honor and decorate gravesites of nearly forgotten relatives who had no military service is that they were also, in their own way, examples for us of patriotism as well. The stories that my grandma wanted me to remember were about the character of the people that she talked about, not so much about any specific thing that they did.  So what were the stories about and do they show some of the characteristics of a true American?

If these people were examples to us, what was in their character that was so important that my grandma wanted me to remember, to learn from, and to pass along. In short what made them bad or good people, or bad or good Americans. One of the first things that I know was important in her stories was that these people had a love for each other and for God. She would also share about their contented and happy lives and how they could find great joy in the simplest of day-to-day events. It seemed that most of them lived in harmony with their neighbors that included a gentle quietness, and the ability to work as one with relatives or neighbors when the need arose. They had great self-control in difficult circumstances. Most were kind and moral people, although she also gave me some examples of the not so kind and not so moral. There were stories about belief and trust in the future of our country and some of the things that they did to demonstrate that faith.  Some were graced with humility, the ability to praise others more than themselves and their consideration for other people.  I think what she was trying to do was to teach me in her own way about patriotism, history, faith, what was important to try to do, and what was important to avoid. Most were the traits of a good American and a good citizen.

I think she used these examples because they were people and situations that she had known about firsthand.  And I think that's why we all use relatives and friends as examples for our own families. This is something I think we need to explain better to our children so that they too can understand why we are at the cemetery today and why we decorate graves.

One of the more surprising things to me was that after looking at the best characteristics of a good American I was reminded of several Bible verses. Verses come from Galatians 6:22 and 23, and it says:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance: against such there is no law.

If anyone would ever ask you about whether or not United States of America was founded on biblical principle you now have one of the best arguments that proves that this is true. Whether it's the service man or woman or a local friend or relative their example of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance reveals the fruit of the Spirit shining through them and woven thickly into our history.

And I want to take one moment to speak to that person who's here today who would tell me that they have had a lousy life. They had bad parents, or bad relatives, or bad friend, or bad circumstances and that they will never be able to enjoy that fruit of the Spirit that we talk about today. Let me give that person a reason to rejoice in hope for the future. If you can thank your parents for nothing more, honor them for the simple reason that you are here today. Without the two of them you would not exist. Thank God for them for that reason. Thank God that you have the common sense to recognize bad characteristics of friends or relatives. Through those examples you realize what you do not want to become. The choice to change or the choice to learn from those examples is your responsibility. Your choices determine what type of an example you will be in the future.

Today, and every day, please, talk to your friends and your family about the people who have been laid to rest in this cemetery. Talk to them about the good and bad using each as an example. Explain to your children about the veterans laid to rest and why we are here. Explain to them also about your friends and families and histories that are the examples they can use in their futures. While you are doing this you will also be setting one of the finest examples of being an American, teaching by example. Past and present examples, one of the reasons we are here today. Please don't waste any opportunity to share.  Thank you to all of our veterans, and let us humbly and proudly honor those today who gave their lives for our country, our finest example of the fruit of their spirit.

Small Seeds, Big Results

When I started writing these posts for everyone to read, ponder, share and maybe apply to life I had a central theme that I was working toward.  Seems like I have not been able to see the forest for the trees over the last few weeks visiting with people and making as many stops here and there as I could.  The theme though kept popping up when we discussed ideas.  In some of the first posts before the visiting started we looked at who are we, should there be another law, consistency, pennies making dollars, focusing and aiming, and then ethics by government.  The thoughts are easy enough to follow and should be leading you to certain conclusions.  In Who Are We the entry told to show how reliant we are all becoming on government and systems to solve all of our problems.  No responsibility.  There Oughta be a Law entry showed a little of how we are convinced that more laws are better.  No responsibility either.  In Consistency there is a look toward better foundations, personal responsibility.  Pennies Make Dollars was another look at some of the systems our government has created and a look to the future if we don't take control.  Responsibility.  Focus and Keep Aiming took a look at more local responsibility.  Ethics by Government showed one aspect of relying on governmental instruction for responsibility.
This brings me back into that central theme.  If this country and state is going to work well and in the way intended, the WE the people must work at restoring the responsibility to the local level.  We must be responsible for us, not government or laws.  I borrowed something from the Project Appleseed website that says it very well.

"Civic Involvement

There are those who feel that America’s future is grim, that is, that America has lost something special and it can never be regained. And in their consternation they mutter about “dark choices” and the like. Appleseed has a message for them. Just over two hundred years ago our ancestors genuinely faced a tough choice. They could submit to those they felt were depriving them of their rights as Englishmen or they could fight. Because they chose as they did, we may never have to face their dilemma because we have a third alternative.
So what must you do with your third choice? Well, you must roll out of the recliner, cut off the computer, turn down the TV and get involved. That’s it. Talk to family, talk to friends, interact with neighbors, take part in local community decisions, and become active in whatever political party best fits your idea of how America should be governed. Write to your elected representative, attend town halls, correspond with newspaper editors, and wholeheartedly enter the discussion in both online and traditional forums.
Read! Think! Debate! Vote! You are an involved, committed American making responsible use of the liberties gifted to us so long ago. The future is what we make -- YOU make -- of it."

"Mounds" of Knowledge

Ocheyedan today and what a nice reception from everyone there.  There was more group participation today in what I remember as the old wisdom passed down from generations past, thank you for those pearls of wisdom also.  We talked about some of the old sayings that have been handed down, what they meant and how they relate to our lives and the world around us today.  Simple things, wisdom and manners, seem to be out of style in today's world.  The folks that were there talked about the strange looks that they get from kids (or grand-kids) whenever they bring up anything from the past.  Sometimes they felt like the younger generations think they are crazy when they try to teach them any of it.  Everything today has to be "new", including information and knowledge.  Better yet, (for them), it has to be from the internet or something else electronic.  These generations are missing out on loads of experience handed down over time that, maybe stated in older stories or language, are still the same truths today.  I encouraged everyone to share more of that old wisdom, forget the strange looks.  Since there is nothing new under the sun, we can apply that old knowledge to the problems of today.  "Don't spend more than you earn" would be pretty good for governments along with "look before you leap", "the trees don't grow to the sky", or "a penny saved is a penny earned".  A sports team can have lots of talent and never win a game.  A good coach will see that the players don't remember the basics and that the team is not working together.  Pretty simple really, in life and in government.  Back to the basics and work at things together.  I spent some time this evening working on a legal description error with three separate owners.  The cooperation of all of the owners was required to fix the problem from the past.  After explaining the problem, how it started and the easiest and cheapest route to fix it everyone agreed to work together to fix it.  See, there is loads of common sense out there, we just have to explain the problem, the possible solutions, find an agreement and work at it.  The last part is sometimes the hardest (work) but once in agreement, with a clear and common goal, even the work is easy.  That is where our state can be as well.  Don't let the words of work or doubt scare you.

New Chapter!

This past weekend was one of big steps moving ahead for our oldest daughter, Hannah.  On Sunday morning she made profession of faith in our church.  She also graduated from Sibley-Ocheyedan High School this weekend.  Both of these steps include responsibility.  She will continue to grow with her faith and continue to learn at college and through life.  But each step forward means responsibility to participate, vote, work and share, in church or out.
We had been busy with plans and food for church and graduation that we did not take time for emotion.  Maybe that is a bit of a blessing and a curse in disguise.  We could not see the forest for the trees of things to do in front of us.  But that is how we need to look at everything I think.  Is getting everything we want for the best in our lives?  Is not getting everything we want for the worse?  Hannah's family and friends are all joyful that she is maturing and moving ahead in life.  Soon she will be in college and preparing to take her place in the adult world.  Everyone she knows has a little sadness as well.  We won't have that young girl, or teenager, or high school student so near to work with or just spend time with.  That can be called change.  Changing is not about grading simply on better or worse, it is more about the maturing and seeing someone able to take the control of their future through thought and deed.  We can only have confidence that the experiences and teaching together have taken root and will continue to surface and grow.
When Hannah was born by C section I asked the surgeon at the time to look for an instruction book.  Anything we get has some instructions and I wanted to know if there was anything special I should know as our children were born.  The surgeon said there was none.  I know that we already have one such book that gives us our guidance from beginning to end, but I wanted what everyone else does, answers to all of the questions that can come up.  "Is this a good color on me?  May I go on a date?  Do I have to eat vegetables?  What should I be when I grow up?"  My worry was for nothing.  The answers come from that teaching and experience from the past.  The answer is a solid foundation to nurture the change to the next generation's responsibility.  Simpler than I thought.  I want to share with Hannah and everyone a short story that may help all of us occasionally.

"What's the secret of your success?" asked a reporter.
"Good decisions." said a famous banker.
"How did you learn to make good decisions?"  he was asked.
"Experience."  came the reply.
"But, " asked the young man, "how did you get the experience?"
"Bad decisions." said the banker.

Hannah,  learn, grow and mature from every experience you have and don't be afraid to try new things.

George and Superior Visits

George on Thursday and Superior on Friday 

visits went well last week.

There was deeper discussion about issues in George.  We all have some issues that are important to us and we are in general agreement about final outcomes that we would all like to see.  The discussions focused more on how to get there within the governmental systems that we have.  Or maybe it can be better said that we have to work on changing the systems that we have in order to guide them toward the long-range outcomes that we would desire.  We are a society that wants things fast and I could see the frustration increase when we talked about working over a period of time.  We must remember that the journey in getting there is part of what shapes the trip and the outcome.  Layovers and weather delays can frustrate us when we are traveling.  If we dwell on the problems we won't enjoy our trip after we arrive at our destination.  It is better if we take some time to remember the problems, plan better for the next trip, and then move on to enjoying our arrival.  At least we made it safely and can use our experience and common sense for future reference.  I could also see some fear of the unknown in the eyes of the people I talked to.  This involves the idea of taking more responsibility for our own area rather than relying on large agencies with faceless voices on a phone or text from an email.  We have gotten used to someone else taking care of all of our needs, wants and desires, if we only pay the price.  But the price to keep going down this road is increasing and the system lines are becoming blurred because we all have
some small "morsel" that we get for our circumstances.  The ideal world to me has no one fearful of losing their "morsel" by telling their government, it's agencies, workers or politicians something that needs improvement.  Then, young or old, man or woman, rich or poor, we can begin working together on the better solution for everyone's benefit.

The Softail Saloon at Superior was a great place to meet people and I thank the staff and patrons for their warm kindness and hospitality.  There were people there who I found had similar interests to mine in our free time.  I talked to a farmer who had attended several auctions in the past where I was the auctioneer so he already knew who I was when he walked in the door.  This has been one of the most pleasing things to me for the campaign, meeting people and reconnecting with those that I don't get to see regularly.  We did talk about our state government too.  A lot of the talk was about the resurfacing of Highway 9 going on between Superior and Spirit Lake.  We watched a lot of traffic going through with the guidance of the pilot car.  I stopped at a couple of other places as well and found everyone to be friendly.  Even more friendly after I explained that I wasn't a typical politician type, just a common man from this area like everyone else who had made a decision to try to help make our area and state a little better than when I arrived.  The common thread here was asking if I thought it could be done.  You already know my answer is yes, if we work together and remember that we won't change things overnight.  Keep aiming at better, we can all achieve it.

Northwest Iowa Alive

There are reasons for us to be proud of our area.  The beauty in our surroundings.  The opportunities that we have in our jobs and professions.  The freedom and safety that we enjoy compared to other areas of our country and world.  There is one that I want to point out that I noticed this past weekend.
One of the girls had to stay at home for a band/choir contest and to work so it was my wife, two girls and me that traveled to Marshalltown for Hannah's rodeo.  Hannah rode well and we had a great time visiting and working with our friends from across a three state area.  I noticed in the trip there and back though that after leaving this area I did not see hardly any signs for anyone running for any position.  There were two signs I noticed concerning the US Senate race and one sign for the governors race.  Nothing else.  Anywhere.  I know that there are contested races in our state so I did not understand the lack of signs, enthusiasm or effort.  I think that our area is more involved directly than most and we put more thought and effort into our government and leadership.  That is another great reason to be proud of the people here.  We don't think about our involvement or maybe we assume everyone is just like us.  But no other area matches our independent spirit and attention to how the outside world will impact us.  Let's make sure that we keep that spirit alive and well here.  It serves us well and leads by example to our neighbors around us.

Common Threads: Spirit Lake and Little Rock

A busy day, but always trying to listen as much as explaining;  learning as much as sharing ideas.

Spirit Lake in the morning and meeting with people.  I heard a very common theme here that I have also heard in my other visits.  Please, if you are the one that goes to Des Moines for us, get something done and don't become a politician.  Most everyone I talk to is very tired of the games that get played at the national and state levels of government.  They realize that these are the times of necessary action rather than talking around a subject to insure future political success.  I had great reception to my ideas that the good of the citizens must be the first priority.  I hear the message from the people loud and clear.

In Little Rock for the evening.  Sharing my ideas with people is only a part of what I did here.  More important was observing and listening to the business part of a Town and Country Club meeting.  We take it for granted, but there are many small things that go into the planning to make a community work.  Things that we sometimes don't think about.  Like scheduling a fund-raising raffle so that it does not interfere with other fund-raisers and community events.  How much time, money and effort it takes from volunteers to maintain a park for the community AND to keep all of the users of the park and grounds happy.

I knew the history of the club here a little better than some and I think it is a story that reflects what we can do.  The original Town and Country Club was once part of the national Optimist Clubs of America.  My dad was a member for many years.  At one point the local group had to make a decision, keep up with the growing requirements of rules and dues or start their own club.  They started on their own and look at what they have accomplished since for their home town.  Just one event that they have sponsored for over 20 years has raised nearly $200,000 in that time.  Hard-earned money from volunteers that went into programs and equipment, all in the community.  See, local people can do anything.  We just have to use the confidence and common sense, along with some work, that we have in our communities.  We only need the opportunity to use these talents from the local level first, not rules and dues from the top.

Silver Lake, Silver linings, Lake Park

Thank you for the warm reception in Lake Park today.  Everyone was cheerful and the discussion of problems, ideas and solutions was great!  Also, thanks for the Hellinga family stories (some roots in this area in my wife's family history).  There were some pretty good ones that I promise not to use with any other members of the family.
I sometimes wondered if the main theme that I have been working with, working together as a district along with working together with other like-minded people in other districts, was catching on with anyone.  I think that today I can say the theme is catching on more and more.  Some of you have been reading my posts here, others voiced the general ideas I have been posting without realizing it.  Those who had not read any of these yet were happy to hear that working together as a district and returning to fundamentals was on my list. They were also not surprised that taking more local control may mean a bit more work by themselves or their families, civic groups or churches.  I am met with more and more determination in each stop and community.  I have always been optimistic about Iowa's (and our area) future but responses like this raise my hopes even higher.  We can succeed.  Together.  We only have to begin to try.

Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand.

Colin Powell

Common Sense and Promises Kept

Hannah rode well in Estherville this past weekend, one of the closer Iowa High School Rodeos for us.  Laurel took Ellie to a JOAD archery shoot Saturday, she won, earning her third state title this year.  Natalie spent some time at Inspirational Hills Bible Camp as a part of our middle school retreat for church.  The best was when we were able to be together again when we all came together in the mud and cold for the final day of the rodeo.

Some people say we should be campaigning and give up our family time.  Don't think that is the best wisdom.  A promise made is something that must have consistent follow through.  When you say things they cannot be empty words.  I trust that those who know me, know that they can rely on that.
I did learn about lots of things for our district even though I was slightly east of the line.  I talked to many people that work at Polaris, heard about the plant hours and the wages, talked about the commute for many from this area to work in Spirit Lake and Milford and the conditions of the State highways to get there.

It takes lots of hands and donors to make a rodeo happen.  I learned that even as something as simple as a high school rodeo, a national organization can require more and more in the near future while the people at the grassroots level have to try to make the time, work and money fit what the national wants.  Sound familiar?  Changing anything in a routine or system can seem to be a bother aimed only at us.  When you have to detour your route to work for only one day it can seem to throw your entire system off.  We complain, but we can adapt, we can even find out that there are better approaches to a job or situation.  My approach to the State level of government is less reliance on the system and more freedom to make our own choices on the local level.  That won't be an easy task with systems in place and our comfortable reliance on "the system".  Even more so because it will mean that the government and systems will have to return some of their control to the people.  I am more confident every day that the people in Iowa, if they come together, can adapt, grow stronger and succeed if given the opportunity.  The first steps in that direction will be slow, much like learning to walk, but before long we can walk and then run with confidence in our own local abilities.  We have it in us to accomplish, I promise.

Real Hope for Change

Thanks for the warm welcomes in Lester and Rock Rapids today.  Good people, good conversations and good ideas from everyone.  We talked about some of the old wisdom and sayings that used to be passed on from generation to generation.  They are still true today, we just need to dust off the memory, repeat them, explain them if need be, and use them with our families and neighbors.
The comment that I hear most in my travels is that we can't change anything.  It is the look and feeling of giving up.  Government has gotten so big and it will only continue to grow until it smothers us.  That is an "I give up" attitude.  Doubt.  Gloom and doom.  Failure.  We can't do it, no sense in trying.  That is so WRONG!  We need to adjust our thinking.  A wise old saying once was "When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps."  We as a group of Iowans can do anything.  If we sit and wait for disaster then that is what we will get.  I will share a little story and video clip that I hope will give everyone a small dose of the "can do anything" spirit that I think we need.

News report from Bruno , NE In 1981, Herman Ostry and his wife, Donna, bought a farm a half mile outside of Bruno, Nebraska, a small community sixty miles west of Omaha.
The property had a creek and came with a barn built in the 1920's. The barn floor was always wet and muddy.
When the creek flooded in 1988, the barn ended up with 29 inches of water covering the floor.
That was the last straw. Ostry needed to move it to higher ground.
He contacted a building moving company and was discouraged by the bid. One night around the table, Ostry commented that if they had enough people they could pick the barn up and move it to higher ground.. Everyone laughed.
A few days later, Ostry’s son Mike showed his father some calculations. He had counted the individual boards and timbers in the barn and estimated that the barn weighed approximately 16,640 pounds.
He also estimated that a steel grid needed to move the barn would add another 3,150 pounds, bringing the total weight to just under10 tons. He figured it would take around 350 people with each person lifting 56 lbs. to move the barn.
The town of Bruno , Nebraska was planning its centennial celebration in late July of 1988.
Herman and Mike presented their barn moving idea to the committee. The committee decided to make it part of their celebration.
So, on July 30, 1988, shortly before 11 a.m., a quick test lift was successfully made. Then, as local television cameras and 4,000 people from eleven states watched, 350 people moved the barn 115 feet south and 6 feet higher up a gentle slope and set it on its new foundation.

The reason most people think that something cannot be done is because they know that they can’t do it by themselves.
But impossible things can be done if we join together in the task. Working together, we can not only move barns, but change the world.  Let's start right here in Iowa!

Golden Rule Living

Thank you to the kind folks in Larchwood today who put up with hearing from another "politician".  I do mean what I told them today and as I have told others in the past.  My experiences of working at some of the lowliest jobs, and a good return to that now and then, help to keep my common sense tank from running down to empty.  If that common sense and humility tank ever seem to be running low in my life then help me out with an adjustment.  No man is more important than another.  Each of us can contribute in our own way with whatever we have.  There are no experiences to any of us that haven't happened to someone else before.  So, if you believe in golden rule living then I will rely on good, guiding advice from time to time.  To all of the observations, viewpoints, advice and wisdom that I have heard from each of you in the communities I have visited so far, thank you.  Hope to see you tomorrow in Lester and Rock Rapids!

Dickinson County Republican Women Event

Thank you to the Dickinson County Republican Women for the chance to meet together and share ideas last evening.  It was great to put faces on some of the people we work with or read about and hear some of their stories.  The most uplifting moments for me were when I could see ideas connecting to others in the room.  This shows me that people here can still agree on the basics.  In my travels around the state I find the same common threads of beliefs, so take encouragement from this night that we can unite and advance once we renew our foundations.  I hope to see all of you again, I learned a lot about the wide range of career backgrounds and the vast knowledge and skills that abound.  So much talent at our fingertips if we just remember to work together and use it!
I departed quickly and I apologize to those that wanted to talk more.  Last night was my 6th grade daughter's vocal and band concert and the tradition for that grade where they display infant and current pictures.  (This is the last year that all students are required to take vocal music in our school, so it is the last year for them to present on stage and sing together).  I did get to see her play in the instrumental part of the concert and they performed very well.
Thanks again for a very informative and uplifting evening!

Doon, Alvord and Inwood Visits

Thank you to everyone I spoke with in Doon, Alvord and Inwood today.  Your warm and open reception along with your kind words and encouragement mean a lot to me.  Sometimes I wonder if anyone is really listening to anything except the routine of daily life.  Then there are days like today when I find that so many are actually thinking about the future of our area, state and country.  Experiences like today renew my excitement level for the positive that we can achieve.  Stay focused and on target.  Thanks!  Kevin

We can get things done when we work together.

Happy Tax Freedom Day!

I forgot to wish everyone a Happy Tax Freedom Day!  In Iowa we have finally worked enough to pay our federal and state and local sales and income taxes on April 13!  That is, if we worked everyday from January 1!  On the average it takes us about 38 days worth of work to pay just the state and local taxes.  Woo-hoo, now we can eat!  I think the government coined the phrase: "What's in your wallet?"

Small Towns, Big Difference

Kind of late but wanted to get this out yet tonight.  Stopped at Little Rock Fire and Rescue steak feed fundraiser.  Saw lots of people that I don't get to see often enough.  Remember to put on your calendars, their feed is always on the Saturday before Easter.  Every year.  Easy to remember, right?  The point is  that this small town group follows Teddy's advice (see above) and they get it done.  Shouldn't this be the way communities operate?  Together?

No matter the task, the person,  the town, the district, the cause or purpose, you are never too small to succeed.  Saw it tonight.

Goodnight!

Ethics by Government

I am amused when I attend a State required ethics course for my occupation.  I don't know how the course is presented to other professions where attendance is mandatory but I know the general outline in the ones that Realtors must attend.  The courses I have attended sometimes start with a story with a moral dilemma and the instructor will ask us what we would do.  Then, all of them make sure to tell us that we are here today to learn a little bit about ethics and how to recognize what they are and how to develop them.  They tell us that each person must develop their own ethics because no one can impose their standards on anyone else.  So, we are there to learn how to identify ethics and moral standards in our businesses (in case we don't have any of our own).  This is something of a feel good regulation.  I am guessing that the requirement was put in place because of some poor ethics or maybe no ethics.  Maybe those people did not know how to identify what their ethics were, but the public can now feel much better because we officially have ethics classes.  Sounds so good.

This is where some of the problems that we have with government making law and regulation starts.  Professional politicians see a winning situation here, an act of caring for the public to show they are really mad about bad business practices, make sure they pass something or at least talk about it, and then let everyone know what was done because of their outrage (and don't forget about asking for a reward for caring, a vote).  They must be politically correct also, can't tell anyone how to live their lives.  So in the end we get either confusion or emptiness.  We can feel good though, because we made all of these professional people attend ethics classes.

There are studies and statistics that say church attendance continues to decline.  I have trouble believing everything presented to me because I realize that the information can be skewed for a specific result.  But let's say that is true.  Is it because we have learned (from example) to be cautious about what we say or do so we don't offend?  Are we putting practices and procedures in place to feel good or so that everyone feels good about themselves and our groups and our communities?  Good possibility.  So, what can be done?  The simple answer is to better instruct young AND old between right and wrong, but it starts at home.  Next to your home should be additional help from your individual church, family and friends.  All of these choices you make influence everything around you and in your daily lives.

Maybe we are frustrated in this part of the world.  We want the state and world to know and practice the simpler truths we find to be self-evident in our corner of the world.  However, we have a duty to remain on guard that our frustration does not set precedent for imposition of empty morality standards.  Political solutions and career politicians will forever be looking for ways to please people for the wrong reasons.  We end up with confusion or emptiness.  Be careful on what is promoted as government cures for all ills (morally or legally).  You might only feel good for a while until the next crisis (or opportunity) arises.

Focus and Keep Aiming

Someone sent this to  my wife earlier today and it is a good perspective to think about our lives, our area, state and country.  It was a few years ago when the girls were little that we shut off the TV in  our house.   I mean shut off as in no cable, no antenna, no nothing.  We had trouble getting them to focus on chores around the house and schoolwork.  There was a short time of withdrawal, but they quickly got through that.  From then on we played games, read books, got our  work done and had fun together.  We did not worry about what the latest bad news on TV was or what the latest fads were.  That lasted between five and six years.  I think we caved in and got some TV back in our house again when some of the more severe storms came through the area and we wanted to be a bit better informed for safety.

Well Kevin, what does this quote or your story have to do with anything?  I thought you were running for the office of representative for the State of Iowa, not some inspirational speaker.  True, but they do relate to each other.

Let's look at our daily lives.  How often do you hear any of these phrases: "My boss is a jerk!  I hope that little car that cut me off crashes.  I spilled food on my clothes right before an appointment.  Oh great, now comes another speeding ticket!  My dog ate my homework! I stepped in a dog's pile right before coming in the house!" If you let excuses or anger take over you will most likely fail because none of your efforts are looking ahead at what positives can be attained from these experiences.

Now take a look at the news, particularly government.  How often do you hear any of these phrases: "Taxes to rise again soon.  Budget shortfall predicted.  New law keeps loophole open for worst offenses.  No hope seen in latest negotiations. Officials indicted.  Favors for cronies."

Again, if all we do is listen to the worst we will probably all give up and pull the blankets over our heads and hide waiting for the end to come.  OR we can experience, learn and focus on how these situations can be used to make changes for the better.  Sure, there is some short term withdrawal symptoms, or pain or anger.  It is really easy to stew in our own anger, but let's launch forward together into the great area and state that we can become.

Our district has about 25,000 people.  We fight and fuss and feud with each other while getting all of the bad news on top of it from our government.  We don't think we can change things, or we think there is some system to solve all of our problems so we don't have to worry about it.  This is where the greatest opportunity is missed.  Don't be a complainer, but actively think and work toward solutions while realizing the possible good that came from the bad.  Our district can look at the problems that our state government has either contributed to or ignored here.  If we take the perspective that we have a sprawling community of 25,000, maybe we can work better together to solve our own issues locally.  When circumstances drag you back, when government drags you back, keep focused, take aim and expect greatness.  Take aim at the problems and stay straight and true to the course.

Pennies make dollars

I had a great uncle that told my sister and me one bit of advice every time we visited.  "Pennies make dollars kids" and sometimes he would add "That applies to everything else as well."  We knew deep down that the advice was sincere and sound, but we thought it was kind of strange that this was the same thing over and over.  I did not realize until later in life how true that statement does apply to every aspect of our lives, not only business.  When you take care of the small things the big things take care of themselves either more easily or even as a surprise bonus.  But let's focus on the business aspect only for this discussion.

In my experience of appraising, buying, selling and analysis of businesses in Iowa and the bordering states, I have learned that you can't beat the basics.  No matter how anyone presents fancy numbers about a business or business asset, it all boils down to dollars and cents, profit and loss, rate of return.  I have seen people move from our area to South Dakota to establish residency because they have no state income tax.  I see people moving business assets from one state to another, again mostly because of tax.  I see other state residents buying a few selected products in Iowa and transporting them across their state lines because of sales taxes.  Partnerships are sometimes formed to shield from liability, but there can be tax reasons as well.  Corporations are formed to capitalize on tax rates and tax benefits.  After a certain amount of time some corporations are run into the ground while the assets are moved to another corporation.  Everyone wants to earn as much as they can for themselves and their families.  I applaud everyone who honestly earns their livings and each deserves our thanks for helping to make our state and country strong.  They are all reacting to the systems that have been created in each state to maximize benefits to themselves.

My experience reveals to me that the next new frontier in maximizing benefits will be not for profit groups.  If we take an objective step back from being too busy in our lives we can see that there are many businesses that have formed or have become over time not for profit.  I did not notice all of the aspects of this until I studied the business plan a bit closer.  What a great system.  The business can earn as much as it wants and it pays the top employees or shareholders very well.  The everyday working employees can be told the company line at any discussion of wages, "Don't you know that we are a not for profit business?  Why do you want more wages when it will only hurt all of the good things that we do for everyone else?  How can you be so greedy?"  The earnings here can be tremendous.  Why?  No tax.  Genius.  All we have to do is pay something in for our declared charitable goal and we have beat the system beyond belief.  Right now this is the domain of the largest organizations because of a perceived risk of audit.  Over time and as tax rates continue to rise I believe there will be a larger flow of businesses that are organized in this system.

Is this all we have to show for playing politics with our tax laws?  We have created citizens who hire experts in finding loopholes to keep up their bottom line.  Those that don't take advantage of every loophole are the poor schmucks that get to pay the taxes.  If you are a regular working man or woman, what hope is there to fight the not for profit for wages and then not have the ability to shield it from tax?  Our pennies seem to make the dollars that the state spends and their collection of our pennies seems to amount to real dollars.  There are better systems than this.  Open and honest systems that reward earning money through hard work, risk and investment and saving.  Fighting through the politicians to change this will only be one fight in a large battle.  The other battle will be with the businesses that have already formed into whichever partnership, LLC, corporation or not for profit that they have already become.  They want to protect their bottom line.

My goal is to work at changing the tax system in Iowa so that every man, woman, child, partnership, corporation, LLC and not for profit group is back on a level playing field.  If we have more money in each individual pocket to save, spend or waste at the individual level there will be more opportunity for real business growth and employment in our state.  Iowa alone can't change national tax policy, but maybe if we are a good example, other states or our nation will follow our lead.  My great uncle will be proud of us all at that point for remembering his advice: "Pennies make dollars!"