Jane Jech, Republican, is running for the Iowa State Senate Seat now held by her opponent, Democrat Steve Sodders. The district includes Marshall & Tama counties. Jane agreed to answer some questions for Caffeinated Thoughts. Here they are in completed form.
Dear Jane, here are the questions for your candidacy:
1. What is your position on home schooling? local control of public schools?
I believe the primary responsibility for educating children lies with the parent and I want to reinforce their right to do so. I also want to make information available for their use in making the best choice for their student. I have consistently said that I want to return dollars and decision making to parents and local school boards. Every school district is different and needs the flexibility to utilize funds in the most efficient and effective way possible for them.
2. What can be done to reduce the size of the budget for Social services, if anything?
I would hope the improved use of technology for storing and communicating information might be helpful in reducing costs in the long run. I think we also need to look at the bureaucracy at the top and question its effectiveness and efficiency. Unfortunately, the needs in this area seem to only grow and they nearly always affect children so I am doubtful about reducing the number of workers. I need a lot more information about Social services at the state level.
3. What is your position on the 2nd Amendment?
I am committed to supporting and defending full 2nd Amendment rights.
4. What is your position on the 10th Amendment?
I am encouraged to hear State’s Rights being discussed so often today and recognize they play a critical role in protecting our personal rights. I appreciate the lead other states have taken in this area and hope we can move Iowa in the same direction.
5. Is it the role of state government to punish drug users? What can or should the government do on this issue, otherwise?
It is the role of state government to protect children. There needs to be strong penalties for those who use drugs that affect children, or anyone else in anyway.
6. Should governors ignore judges’ rulings that do not require them to personally act? For example, Chet Culver and Mitt Romney ordered that marriage licenses be given to homosexual couples, though neither Supreme Court required that they do so.
It was wrong for the governors to create law with their orders. There may be rare occasions when an executive order is appropriate but not in creating a law that has the monumental effect of changing the definition of marriage for our entire population. Defining marriage should be initiated by the legislature and decided by a vote of the people.
7. Should child abuse be handled in the criminal justice system or the social services system? Why?
I think it depends on the case and I need to know a lot more on this issue.
