Tim Mohs is a retired teacher from Winterset who is challenging State Representative Stan Gustafson (R-Cumming) in the Republican primary for Iowa House District 25. The district includes Madison County and parts of Warren County. The winner of the primary on June 7th will take on Justin Knight of Van Meter who is currently running unopposed in the Democrat primary.
Mohs taught in the Orient-Macksbug School District from 1985-93 and in Winterset from 1993-2015 when he retired. Mohs enjoy traveling, reading, almost all sports and spending time on his farm with family and friends. Mohs graduated from the University of Dubuque with a degree in American History in 1984. He has been married to his wife, Jacque, for almost 30 years. The couple has 3 daughters, twins Kara and Kelsey are 26 and Casey Jo who is 22.
Mohs completed the survey that Caffeinated Thoughts sent his campaign.
Why do you want to become a state legislator?
I have interested in politics and the political process since I was very young but my profession prevented me from running for public office. I retired from teaching after 30 years last May and decided that now was the time to attempt to become more involved. I feel that I have the knowledge, passion and ability to help shape public policy. Our society has lost civility and common sense in the the political system and I would love to help bring civil discourse back while advancing a conservative agenda.
Describe your worldview and what role that would play as a state legislator:
Editor’s note: Mohs did not provide an answer for this question.
Your top three issues of concern are?
- The education of our state’s children.
- Promoting a conservative fiscal policy.
- (Tie) Supporting our Iowa veterans medically and in employment opportunities and expanding our abilities as a state to help with the treatment of mental health issues.
What is your position on education, in particular Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, Iowa Core and high stakes testing?
This is really a huge question which I will attempt to answer with my passionate belief in the necessity of a world class education for every Iowa child. I believe that any education policy that is mandated by the federal government is fundamentally flawed as it by nature fails to allow for state and local adjustments. I think that Common Core in its original form had the goal that all of us share, the high quality education of our children. The problem is that it doesn’t work and is too expensive. education works best when broad objectives are defined at the State level and implemented at the local level. I really see a very limited role for the federal government in our educational system.
How do you define local control of education?
I define local control of education as a collaboration between state educational officials and local education and community leaders. I don’t see a major role for the federal government in education.
Do you support recently passed legislation in the Iowa House allowing kids under 14 to use handguns with parental supervision:
I do support the parental supervision proposal for children under 14. I also support the suppressor bill and the bill to allow property owners to carry firearms on ATV’s.
Do you support Constitutional carry and the Second Amendment:
As a hunter and firearms owner I am a supporter of the 2nd Amendment and concealed carry laws. Overly restrictive guns laws do nothing to prevent crime. Felons don’t follow gun laws.
Do you support raising any taxes. And, have you supported raising any taxes in the past? If so, which ones?
I can’t think of any taxes that need to be raised. The State needs to live within its means while still providing the vital services necessary for a well run,safe and growing society.
What will you do as a state legislator to lessen the tax burden on farmers and small businesses?
Farmers and small business owners are the backbone of a strong Iowa economy. Property tax rates need to be reevaluated as do corporate taxes, especially on small businesses. We need to continue to provide an attractive environment for the development of businesses in the state and to allow our farm community to thrive in this time of low commodity prices.
Do you support traditional marriage and is there anything you hope to do as a state legislator regarding marriage and how?
I do support traditional marriage. I have been happily married to a wonderful woman for almost 30 years. However, I also agree with the recent Supreme Court ruling allowing same sex marriage. I do not feel that the state should be in the business of discriminating against individuals based on sexual preference.
What is your position on Christians refusing service at same-sex weddings?
In answering the very narrow question about providing services to a same sex wedding, yes I believe a business should be able to decide if they want to in essence provide a service for the event. They are being approached to be hired for a service and should be free to decide if they want to work for that potential client. However, I would not extend that option to store owners. The thought of a restaurant refusing service to a gay person based on no other criteria is not something I could support.
What will you do as legislator, if anything, to strengthen religious liberty?
I believe all people should be free to practice their religious beliefs in both public and private venues. The Supreme Court over the past 50 years has reversed years of protections for people of faith in public venues of all sorts. I would support legislation designed to restore those lost liberties.
Do you support allowing Syrian refugees into Iowa?
At this time I cannot support the settlement of Syrian refugees in Iowa. There are just far too many possible dangers associated with allowing that to go forward. As troubling as the situation is in Syria, I feel that other Middle Eastern countries need to take the lead in providing the relief necessary to cope with the crisis.
When does someone become a person and at what point should they be granted all constitutional protections of a person under the law? What type of pro-life bills would you support?
I believe that life begins at conception and that a fetus should be granted the protection of any other child. I would support legislation that would strengthen the rights of the unborn.
Should taxpayer money pay for Planned Parenthood?
Absolutely no taxpayer money should be made available to planned Parenthood as long as this organization provides abortions. I appreciate the need for medical services for women and understand that Planned Parenthood provides some of these services but so long as they continue to provide abortion services, tax dollars need to be withheld.
In what circumstances would you go against the leadership of your own caucus if elected?
I am running to represent the people of District 25. If I feel that the Republican Party is supporting a bill that wouldn’t be in the best interest of my constituents I would be compelled to go against them.
