By State Senator Paul McKinley – Iowa Senate Republican Leader
This is a special time of year.
This time between Thanksgiving and Christmas when Iowans enjoy reconnecting with their families, indulging on delicious food and shopping ‘til they drop is also a time when we gather in churches and houses of worship to remember the true reason for the season – that Christmas is more than just Santa, presents under the tree and bargains at the local downtown store.
It’s about the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.
As we remember the reason for the season – let us also make this a season of reason.
For the most part, the election has passed and we have entered that seemingly brief period in Iowa politics where there is not any radio or television ads and our mailboxes are filling with Christmas greetings instead of political postcards.
Even so, your elected officials are still out there meeting with citizens, voters and other locally elected leaders. Various community and interest groups are already sitting down to discuss their agenda. Shouldn’t you make sure your voice is being prominently heard, too?
Voters fired many Democrats and elected many Republicans last month because they said it was time for reasoned solutions, a serious dialogue about the future and an end to the big government status quo that had begun to permeate all levels of government.
As Senate Republicans, we believe this election was the dawning of a new era in Iowa. This is a new day – the current status quo will end and things WILL be changing for the better.
We must act to reduce the size and scope of state government – as we promised the voters we would do. We must work tirelessly to make Iowa open for business, to remove the barriers to private sector job creation and to create a climate where job creation can flourish. We must keep taxes low and do a better job prioritizing the spending of the taxpayers’ dollars.
We must give Iowans a greater voice in their government at all levels because it is Iowans who run government and not the other way around.
Success will take strong leadership from elected officials, but perhaps as importantly, an engaged and attentive public willing to hold their elected officials’ feet – both Republican and Democrat – to the fire.
So as you enjoy the holiday season, the warm embrace of quality time with your family, the gifts under the tree, the lights on your street, the scrumptious food on your table and most especially – the true reason for the season – please also remember to make this a season of reason.
Make your voice heard because there is far too much at stake for us not to get it right.
