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Saturday, September 27, 2008 6:09 AM CDT
Challenger, incumbent clash over state budget, union power in Senate District 10 face-off
DISCLAIMER: The Courier provides our story commenting feature in order to solicit feedback, debate and discussion on topics of local interest. Please keep in mind that civility is a necessary component of productive conversation. All blatantly inflammatory or otherwise inappropriate comments (i.e. vulgarity, marketing, etc.) are subject to rejection and/or removal. Comments will appear if and when they are approved. For a more in-depth explanation of our policy, please see our Rules of the Road. Thanks for reading, and thanks for participating.
Challenger, incumbent clash over state budget, union power in Senate District 10 face-off
By JENS MANUEL KROGSTAD, Courier Staff Writer
Second in a series of stories on state legislative races in the November election.
CEDAR FALLS --- Opposing views on the state's budget and state employee union negotiations will collide in the race for Senate District 10.
Republican challenger Walt Rogers called current state spending unsustainable "credit card budgeting."
The legislature has raised the state budget by 13 percent in the past two years.
"We think the budget is out of whack," Rogers said.
However, a recent increased credit rating for Iowa from a well-respected independent agency directly contradicts those criticisms.
In defending the budget, Democratic incumbent Jeff Danielson said revenues increased last month by 9.5 percent, and the state enjoys a record $620 million in reserve funds.
"Iowa's economy is in pretty good shape, thank goodness," he said.
Last week, Standard & Poor's increased Iowa's credit rating to its highest level, one of 10 states to receive a AAA rating.
The agency wrote that it based its decision on the state's good fiscal management, willingness to restrain spending, strong reserves, good income levels and low debt burden.
Another fear voiced by Republicans is that a recession could wipe out the state's reserve funds. But Danielson said such worries demonstrate a lack of understanding of how budgets are constructed.
"If it's a hypothetical, it's akin to arguing about nothing. They ought to know there's a one year budget passed based on revenues," he said.
However, a stalling national economy could suddenly impact Iowa, a possibility Danielson acknowledged. In that case, he said, mid-year adjustments to the budget will be made.
A willingness to make mid-year corrections to the budget was noted as a strength in the state's credit evaluation.
Both candidates expressed a desire to improve education. Danielson pointed to bills passed by a Democratic legislature. They include increasing teacher pay, expanding childhood education and keeping college tuition in check.
He noted University of Northern Iowa experienced its lowest tuition increase in 27 years.
"None of that was an accident. A growing economy provided the resources it took to invest in education," he said.
Rogers said one key to improving performance in education is finding a fairer balance between the power of teachers unions and government.
"It's very hard to get rid of bad teachers. A local principal needs to have the authority to ask a teacher, very kindly, that maybe you shouldn't be doing this," he said, echoing a statement made recently by Republican presidential candidate John McCain.
Rogers said a bill Danielson voted for to allow state employees to bargain over a wide array of issues would have swung the pendulum of power to much towards unions.
Gov. Chet Culver, a Democrat, bucked his own party and vetoed the bill.
Danielson, for his part, said he does not regret his vote. Professionals should be able to negotiate with their employer at the bargaining table.
"We have to put aside the old us versus them, labor versus management, divisions we create for ourselves. Everybody has to work together; everybody's voice matters," he said.
Rogers, a social conservative, said he supports a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
During the last legislative session, Democrats squelched efforts by Republicans to bring up the measure.
"I would like to see Iowans vote on that," Rogers said.
Contact Jens Manuel Krogstad at (319) 291-1580 or jens.krogstad@wcfcourier.com.
CEDAR FALLS --- Opposing views on the state's budget and state employee union negotiations will collide in the race for Senate District 10.
Republican challenger Walt Rogers called current state spending unsustainable "credit card budgeting."
The legislature has raised the state budget by 13 percent in the past two years.
"We think the budget is out of whack," Rogers said.
However, a recent increased credit rating for Iowa from a well-respected independent agency directly contradicts those criticisms.
In defending the budget, Democratic incumbent Jeff Danielson said revenues increased last month by 9.5 percent, and the state enjoys a record $620 million in reserve funds.
"Iowa's economy is in pretty good shape, thank goodness," he said.
Last week, Standard & Poor's increased Iowa's credit rating to its highest level, one of 10 states to receive a AAA rating.
The agency wrote that it based its decision on the state's good fiscal management, willingness to restrain spending, strong reserves, good income levels and low debt burden.
Another fear voiced by Republicans is that a recession could wipe out the state's reserve funds. But Danielson said such worries demonstrate a lack of understanding of how budgets are constructed.
"If it's a hypothetical, it's akin to arguing about nothing. They ought to know there's a one year budget passed based on revenues," he said.
However, a stalling national economy could suddenly impact Iowa, a possibility Danielson acknowledged. In that case, he said, mid-year adjustments to the budget will be made.
A willingness to make mid-year corrections to the budget was noted as a strength in the state's credit evaluation.
Both candidates expressed a desire to improve education. Danielson pointed to bills passed by a Democratic legislature. They include increasing teacher pay, expanding childhood education and keeping college tuition in check.
He noted University of Northern Iowa experienced its lowest tuition increase in 27 years.
"None of that was an accident. A growing economy provided the resources it took to invest in education," he said.
Rogers said one key to improving performance in education is finding a fairer balance between the power of teachers unions and government.
"It's very hard to get rid of bad teachers. A local principal needs to have the authority to ask a teacher, very kindly, that maybe you shouldn't be doing this," he said, echoing a statement made recently by Republican presidential candidate John McCain.
Rogers said a bill Danielson voted for to allow state employees to bargain over a wide array of issues would have swung the pendulum of power to much towards unions.
Gov. Chet Culver, a Democrat, bucked his own party and vetoed the bill.
Danielson, for his part, said he does not regret his vote. Professionals should be able to negotiate with their employer at the bargaining table.
"We have to put aside the old us versus them, labor versus management, divisions we create for ourselves. Everybody has to work together; everybody's voice matters," he said.
Rogers, a social conservative, said he supports a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
During the last legislative session, Democrats squelched efforts by Republicans to bring up the measure.
"I would like to see Iowans vote on that," Rogers said.
Contact Jens Manuel Krogstad at (319) 291-1580 or jens.krogstad@wcfcourier.com.
More Stories from News » Politics
avee wrote on Sep 27, 2008 7:40 AM:
" It appears that the Courier put in the 3 paragraphs about Iowas AAA credit rating as it does not show as a Danielson quote.
Was this a debate between Rogers and the Courier ?????? "
Was this a debate between Rogers and the Courier ?????? "
avee wrote on Sep 27, 2008 9:09 AM:
" If the Courier and Danielson think the State of Iowa is in such great shape financially will they go on record as not supporting any form of tax increase? Maybe a tax cut!! "
cf4life wrote on Sep 27, 2008 10:02 AM:
" Hmmm. Let me guess which candidate the courier writer is voting for. Wow. And what's with the sound bytes from Danielson...was he even interviewed for this article? How about a real debate with the candidates instead of clear arm-in-arm support of just one?
That record $620 million in reserve funds - how about helping some of your Iowans - those who voted you into office - get their lives back after the tornado and floods? I'm guessing they'll re-think their vote in November.
It's interesting, too, that Danielson would even mention UNI's tuition increase - sure, this year was the lowest in 27 years - because the last 27 years have seen unbelievable increases that make it near impossible for some to go to college.
Danielson used the phrase "everybody's voice matters." Is that politician for "this'll sound good in print"? "
That record $620 million in reserve funds - how about helping some of your Iowans - those who voted you into office - get their lives back after the tornado and floods? I'm guessing they'll re-think their vote in November.
It's interesting, too, that Danielson would even mention UNI's tuition increase - sure, this year was the lowest in 27 years - because the last 27 years have seen unbelievable increases that make it near impossible for some to go to college.
Danielson used the phrase "everybody's voice matters." Is that politician for "this'll sound good in print"? "
andy1 wrote on Sep 27, 2008 11:03 AM:
" The reasoning behind why they gave Iowa a good credit rating is one more reason to vote for Walt. The state's goal should not be to bring in record revenues. This is not a corporation. It should be to provide the needed infrastructure for the lowest cost to the tax payer. If we have all this extra revenue why don't we see a tax cut? I know why...it's because the democrats will do what they do best, find another way to spend OUR money. "
sobeit wrote on Sep 27, 2008 3:20 PM:
" It seems to me like this article is very one-sided. Maybe the Courier writer could have just told everyone to vote for Danielson. We need someone like Walt Rogers in office to stir things up a bit. "
CedarValley2 wrote on Sep 27, 2008 5:53 PM:
" I believe this article paints an incorrect picture of the two candidates and the current state of Iowa's economy. Focusing on only these two issues creates a very narrow view of their stances but worse then that I felt the Courier was looking to sway voters in a specific direction. I hope the next article the writer is able to get a more accurate view of our state and the candidates views on these issues. "
fairplay wrote on Sep 27, 2008 7:56 PM:
" I got to tell you, I have lived my life in the cedar valley and until recently I never heard of Jeff Danielson. I see Chet Culver all over, I have traveled with Chuck Grassley as he comes home every weekend, and i dont consider myself a republican. But I have seen throughout the cedar valley what Walt Rogers has done, and it remarkable. If Jeff Danielson wants to represent his area he should have been visible, in the trenches finding out how the sweat and tears taste in the middle of his responsible area. Election time cannot be the only time to communicate with your people. Its like the old friend that never calls unless he/she needs something. How does that make you feel? I don't know this guy and the fact that he represents our area without being known largely embarasses me that he represents us. I don't know if Walt Rogers can solve world hunger in the senate, I doubt it, but I know he will break his back trying, and let us know whats going on and how it effects our area. Thats one of things that makes Iowa great, we cordially communicate and help each other, not just ourselves. Don't beleive me, drive ANY gravel road in Iowa and count the waves you get. Then think of who will be the one helping you change that flat tire when you get it. thats right the same people. The Taxpayers.
And does anyone know how a AAA tax rating is going to put more food on my table in the next 12 months?
We need a plan, a strategy and a realistic vision. As far as Danielson is concerned, either pony up or ....Next!
Good luck Mr Rogers, your people in yoru community beleive in you because of your work. "
And does anyone know how a AAA tax rating is going to put more food on my table in the next 12 months?
We need a plan, a strategy and a realistic vision. As far as Danielson is concerned, either pony up or ....Next!
Good luck Mr Rogers, your people in yoru community beleive in you because of your work. "
hound wrote on Sep 27, 2008 9:44 PM:
" Maybe Rogers should put out a more generic TV commercial. I think "strategic" is as specific as the commercial gets. Yeah, we need somebody who is strategic all right. I suppose he'd rather see evolution taught in science class and the queers put back in the closet. Just the kind of leaders we need, if we want to go back to the 1950's. "
Freak73 wrote on Sep 27, 2008 10:31 PM:
" It sounds as if John McCain wrote everything that Rogers said! Rogers is just playing Devil's advicate to try and create a problem when their is none! Danielson is doing one heck of a job at the state capitol and he will continue to do so after he wins in November! "
cf4life wrote on Sep 27, 2008 11:08 PM:
" Hound, did you make that up as you wrote it? Do you know ANYTHING about Rogers as a candidate? Or as a person for that matter? Clearly not.
At least Rogers HAS a commercial (and last I knew, the term strategic was anything but generic - LEADERS are strategic). Do we know anything about Danielson's campaign other than a handful of yard signs? Fairplay said it well - I've also lived here my entire life and only surrounding election time do I ever hear about or from Danielson. Shouldn't we know his name well if he's the one representing us in Des Moines??
Before you attack Rogers as a leader, look at his track record...and then stay silent, because you'll have to dig your foot out of your mouth. "
At least Rogers HAS a commercial (and last I knew, the term strategic was anything but generic - LEADERS are strategic). Do we know anything about Danielson's campaign other than a handful of yard signs? Fairplay said it well - I've also lived here my entire life and only surrounding election time do I ever hear about or from Danielson. Shouldn't we know his name well if he's the one representing us in Des Moines??
Before you attack Rogers as a leader, look at his track record...and then stay silent, because you'll have to dig your foot out of your mouth. "
cf4life wrote on Sep 28, 2008 7:28 AM:
" Freak73, you are a perfect example of someone who knows absolutely nothing about what is happening with state-level government. What is it, exactly, that Danielson is doing so well in Des Moines? Can you name a single thing?
You think Rogers is creating a problem when there is none? Did you know the state auditor has estimated the state will be almost 600 MILLION DOLLARS over budget next year? Are you kidding me? You don't see that as a problem? You need to do some reading. "
You think Rogers is creating a problem when there is none? Did you know the state auditor has estimated the state will be almost 600 MILLION DOLLARS over budget next year? Are you kidding me? You don't see that as a problem? You need to do some reading. "
css wrote on Sep 28, 2008 10:41 AM:
" Hey cf4life, quit using the Republican handbook and start using that thing called a brain.
By the way cf4life, Danielson voted for same day registration of voters (similiar too many states), Electronic filing of candidates on campaign funding (most Repubs voted against it) and paper receipts of electronic voting machines (it's about time). You want more?
The rest of you complaining about taxes should go live in MN (Under a Republican Governor) as their taxes are higher. I think the current tax system here in Iowa is fine. It could use some tweaks, but works well. I just dislike this state's filing forms.
Those that didn't like the vehicle tax increases are the same ones that complain about the roads. Now the roads and bridges are being repaired. I think we need to temporarily increase the fuel tax a nickle for 3 years to speed up this construction.
At least our taxes are paying for services we've needed for a long time.
I think many of you should work on hounding Black Hawk Cty and Waterloo on their taxes and not the state. Those 2 waste the most money on such little services you receive.
It does matter that this state has a AAA rating as it gives this state flexibility in getting low-rate loans and other incentives when things go bad or an emergency is needed. Don't knock the rating. "
By the way cf4life, Danielson voted for same day registration of voters (similiar too many states), Electronic filing of candidates on campaign funding (most Repubs voted against it) and paper receipts of electronic voting machines (it's about time). You want more?
The rest of you complaining about taxes should go live in MN (Under a Republican Governor) as their taxes are higher. I think the current tax system here in Iowa is fine. It could use some tweaks, but works well. I just dislike this state's filing forms.
Those that didn't like the vehicle tax increases are the same ones that complain about the roads. Now the roads and bridges are being repaired. I think we need to temporarily increase the fuel tax a nickle for 3 years to speed up this construction.
At least our taxes are paying for services we've needed for a long time.
I think many of you should work on hounding Black Hawk Cty and Waterloo on their taxes and not the state. Those 2 waste the most money on such little services you receive.
It does matter that this state has a AAA rating as it gives this state flexibility in getting low-rate loans and other incentives when things go bad or an emergency is needed. Don't knock the rating. "
cf4life wrote on Sep 28, 2008 11:39 AM:
" Hey css, while we're at it, should we talk about Danielson's voting record regarding state funding for partial-birth abortion? "
css wrote on Sep 28, 2008 10:09 PM:
" Well cf4life, if you really want to get down too the abortion issue, why didn't the Repubs ban all abortion when they had control of the federal gov? I'll tell you why, because they need fear and wedge issues to win elections.
They're all talk and no action. They'll pander to those that will believe they'll band it. Repubs are hypocrits when it comes to abortion.
Besides, abortion is only one issue out of many. I can look beyond single issues... how bout you? "
They're all talk and no action. They'll pander to those that will believe they'll band it. Repubs are hypocrits when it comes to abortion.
Besides, abortion is only one issue out of many. I can look beyond single issues... how bout you? "
cf4life wrote on Sep 29, 2008 8:22 AM:
" Is there something in my posts that gave you the indication I looked at single issues? It seems to me we've covered a lot in the last few days. Your previous post brought up voting issues - I offered one up. Don't read more into things than is written.
I'm also not sure where you started thinking I'm a republican voter. THIS vote for Rogers is just common sense in my book - I've never voted a single party ticket and don't intend to start now. My arguments in this blog are in regards to Rogers as a candidate - not to the republican party. In fact, I don't believe I've used the word republican until this post. "
I'm also not sure where you started thinking I'm a republican voter. THIS vote for Rogers is just common sense in my book - I've never voted a single party ticket and don't intend to start now. My arguments in this blog are in regards to Rogers as a candidate - not to the republican party. In fact, I don't believe I've used the word republican until this post. "
lovewaterloo wrote on Oct 1, 2008 1:57 AM:
" Walt Rogers has my vote!!!! Jeff has been in there to long and is in with the wrong people in town now. new leadership with fresh ideas is needed! "
Freak73 wrote on Oct 2, 2008 5:14 PM:
" #1 Thing he did was ban smoking in public places, saving potential millions in health care costs to non-smokers!
#2 If we suppossedly will be 600 million over budget sometime in the future? Then, the $620 million in reserve we enjoy now is rather genius!
#3 Jeff was elected by his peers to be the Pro temp for the senate! He is the youngest senator to ever acheive this, that means the all of our local problems will be 1st on the agenda board. If you need anything from Jeff he is only a phone call away;
319-226-3604.
#4 As far as out with the old and in with the new this is only Jeff's 2nd term in the senate... For all he does it seems like a lot longer than that!
#5 Jeff Danielson is the best thing to happen to the Cedar Valley and Hudson in a long long while! "
#2 If we suppossedly will be 600 million over budget sometime in the future? Then, the $620 million in reserve we enjoy now is rather genius!
#3 Jeff was elected by his peers to be the Pro temp for the senate! He is the youngest senator to ever acheive this, that means the all of our local problems will be 1st on the agenda board. If you need anything from Jeff he is only a phone call away;
319-226-3604.
#4 As far as out with the old and in with the new this is only Jeff's 2nd term in the senate... For all he does it seems like a lot longer than that!
#5 Jeff Danielson is the best thing to happen to the Cedar Valley and Hudson in a long long while! "
cf4life wrote on Oct 2, 2008 8:21 PM:
" Okay Freak73
#1 - he took away the rights of small business owners. Way to go, Jeff!
#2 - do your research on what reserve funds are used for. Not genius.
#3 - how great he's the youngest pro temp in history - too bad those in Des Moines want him OUT...and they're certainly not afraid to say so. And FYI, that does NOT mean our local problems are first on the agenda. Do your research on that one, too.
Oh - and give Walt a call any time - 319-504-0787.
#4 - you're right - it does seem a lot longer than that. A whole lot longer.
#5 - Jeff has lived here his whole life - what was it he did for the Cedar Valley and Hudson before he was elected to the Senate? And why do we hear his name only in the months surrounding an election? Check Walt's record in the Cedar Valley. "
#1 - he took away the rights of small business owners. Way to go, Jeff!
#2 - do your research on what reserve funds are used for. Not genius.
#3 - how great he's the youngest pro temp in history - too bad those in Des Moines want him OUT...and they're certainly not afraid to say so. And FYI, that does NOT mean our local problems are first on the agenda. Do your research on that one, too.
Oh - and give Walt a call any time - 319-504-0787.
#4 - you're right - it does seem a lot longer than that. A whole lot longer.
#5 - Jeff has lived here his whole life - what was it he did for the Cedar Valley and Hudson before he was elected to the Senate? And why do we hear his name only in the months surrounding an election? Check Walt's record in the Cedar Valley. "
cedarheightsforlife wrote on Oct 4, 2008 3:53 PM:
" Well, I HAVE known Walt for more than 30 years and that is why I am voting for Danielson. Walt Rogers brings his own agenda to this. For those of you who say that you haven't seen Danielson out in the community, you haven't been looking. I see him often and get email-type updates as well. By the way, I agree all the way with the poster who said the Republicans could have gotten the abortion issue off the table but they never will because they NEED that issue to get votes. As far as I know, all of Rogers "accomplishments" have been with his church. I've never seen him do any volunteer wor not associated with his church/job at the same church. Can anyone list is "accomplishments" for me? YOu can go back to 1978 --- that is when I first met him. "
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DISCLAIMER: The Courier provides our story commenting feature in order to solicit feedback, debate and discussion on topics of local interest. Please keep in mind that civility is a necessary component of productive conversation. All blatantly inflammatory or otherwise inappropriate comments (i.e. vulgarity, marketing, etc.) are subject to rejection and/or removal. Comments will appear if and when they are approved. For a more in-depth explanation of our policy, please see our Rules of the Road. Thanks for reading, and thanks for participating.
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hillaryc wrote on Sep 27, 2008 7:06 AM: