CEDAR FALLS - At the state Capitol, politicians

are tugged in all directions as constituents and colleagues vie for time, attention and money.

At Friday night's legislative forum at Area Education Agency 267, Cedar Valley residents presented local representatives and senators with a variety of issues, challenges and requests.

Taxes, trade, gay marriage and cell phone usage were some of the topics raised during the two-hour session. More than 80 residents attended. Local legislators in attendance were Rep. Bob Kressig, Rep. Tami Wiencek, Rep. Doris Kelley, Sen. Jeff Danielson and Sen. Bill Dotzler.

"It's been an extremely busy week," Rep. Kelley said. " … And it's been a tough seven weeks."

Legislators first offered progress reports that included perceived successes, ongoing challenges and disappointments.

A proposed smoking ban that would forbid lighting up in most public buildings, restaurants and bars continues to be a hot topic, Rep. Wiencek and others reported.

The Senate approved a broad version of the bill this week, and it is now on its way back to the House.

Some in the audience spoke in favor of a ban, though legislators reported receiving mixed feedback from Iowans.

Brittany Argotsinger of Waterloo gave a nod to the health benefits of a smoking ban and asked legislators to consider economic benefits. Argotsinger believes that banning smoking would increase worker productivity and lessen building maintenance, which would save the state money.

"Every Iowan deserves to work in a smoke-free environment," Argotsinger said after the forum. "Every Iowan deserves to breathe smoke-free air."

Education was also a topic of concern on Friday.

Carole Gustafson of the Waterloo School District asked legislators to widen the provisions of a bill that increased teacher pay to include more district employees. She also asked legislators to support school infrastructure and neighborhood schools.

"It's just not always a matter of economics," Gustafson said. "It's a matter of families and kids."

Legislators offered specific comments and clarified their positions on many issues.

Next week's agenda at the Capitol calls for sub-committee work, and Rep. Wiencek predicted legislators would have a lot to report on at the next forum.

Participating in the legislative process is a tough yet humbling responsibility, Sen. Danielson said.

"You heard competing ideas here tonight," he said.

The Iowa senator said he tries to separate personalities and parties from the issues at hand when making decisions.

"We are all subject to James Madison's wonderful experiment," Sen. Danielson said.

"And I think it's a wonderful way to solve problems."

Contact Karen Heinselman

at (319) 291-1581 or karen.

heinselman@wcfcourier.com.