Local News
Governor candidate wants Iowa to be ‘economic engine’
CLINTON — Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bob Vander Plaats stopped in Clinton on Wednesday, telling a crowd of about 30 people that Iowa could be the next “economic engine in the entire country.”
Vander Plaats, speaking at the Pizza Ranch, said Iowa’s location, infrastructure and workforce, were ideal for businesses, but state leaders weren’t doing enough to facilitate growth.
“We need a CEO from the private sector who knows how to make more with less,” Vander Plaats said.
Vander Plaats, a Sioux City businessman, focused most of his attacks on Democratic Gov. Chet Culver but said his best chance to win re-election would be electing someone with a longer political record than him.
Vander Plaats is in a three-way contest for the GOP nomination with former Gov. Terry Branstad and Rep. Rod Roberts of Carroll.
On Wednesday, Branstad agreed to a three-way debate April 7 in Sioux City. “It’s very important and it will really assist our campaign and help us stand out,” Vander Plaats said.
Vander Plaats, who was also a former school teacher and principal, called what the state was doing to education “unconscionable.”
He said if elected governor he would not participate in the federal education program called Race to the Top, which will hand out millions of federal dollars for states implementing reforms.
“The federal government has no constitutional right to be in the classroom,” he said.
He also responded to questions from the audience on several topics, saying he would not raise the sales tax and opposed any expansion of gaming.
Vander Plaats was on the ticket in 2006 as a candidate for lieutenant governor, running with Jim Nussle. The pair were defeated by Chet Culver and Patty Judge.
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Clinton police officer promoted today
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DeWitt leaders tour Central District’s new construction
