Like many of you, I have been dismayed by the direction of the state and federal government. Compromise has become a dirty word, and few, if any, politicians pretend to even care about representing all Iowans. The growing gulf between rural and urban voters, and Democrats and Republicans, has led to incivility, brinkmanship and anger directed at those we see as “other.”
My disappointment has been paired with frustration at how limited my ability is to prevent the state from increasing this vicious cycle of polarization. But when I look to other states, I see a way forward that gives citizens a real voice: the ballot initiative. I am ecstatic to hear Iowa Senate District 37 candidate Eric Dirth promote the ballot initiative as an important tool that empowers Iowans to have a stronger say in our governance.
I firmly believe the ballot initiative would change the trajectory of this state, because voters could hold leaders accountable at any time.
Out of the four Democrats running in District 37, only Dirth is on the record as an advocate for bringing the ballot initiative to Iowa. I understand, as does Eric, that implementing the initiative will be difficult. Elites on both sides of the aisle will fight to protect their ability to control legislation and maintain political power. Only if we elect candidates like Dirth will we return power back to Iowa voters.
I encourage you to support Eric Dirth in the Democratic primary on or before June 5.
Scott LaCombe
Iowa City
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