Thank you for spending time learning more about my campaign for the Iowa House of Representatives. Over the past few years I have grown increasingly concerned about the welfare of our communities, the families and individuals who live in them, and the social and economic break down that is pressing on our lives. As I think about what kind of world I want to leave for my children and grandchildren, it motivates me to do my part in making a change in the moral and economic fibers of our state. As a native Southern Iowan with many generations rooted in small family business and farming in Clarke and Decatur counties, I desire to be a voice for the needs of the majority, not just a few. Therefore, my campaign makes the following pledge to you.

Get to know Joel:

Joel, 35, was born and raised in Osceola in small family business and farming. He and his wife, Heather, have three children (ages 7, 6, and 1). They live in rural Osceola where they own two small businesses. He is president of TEAM Restoration Ministries and serves as an expert consultant for healthcare issues related to hospice and end of life care. Joel has served the public through foster parenting, serving on his church leadership board, and has been instrumental on boards of directors and committees for various local and national hospice programs. Joel holds a Bachelor of Arts from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa and a Master of Social Work from the University of Iowa School of Social Work.

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My Pledge to you:

I am listening to you. Since announcing my campaign in November of 2009 I have been speaking with constituents from Union, Clarke, and Decatur counties. It has been amazing to hear how people in all three counties are concerned about similar issues, many of which are close to my heart as well. The issues consist of both moral and economic changes. The following are some of the concerns that have been expressed by citizens throughout all three counties.

Constitutional Rights

Never before in America's history has there been a greater time for citizens to stand up and fight for their constitutional rights. Rights such as bearing fire arms, owning property, parental rights, and freedom of speech and religion are under attack. As citizens of a free country, we must stand up and abide by the Constitution of the United States. I will fight to uphold those basic rights of the Iowa Constitution to their fullest.

Economic Development

I was raised in small family business and farming. I understand the need for less bureaucracy and taxation. I support a reduction in property taxes that will ultimately fuel business and create more job opportunities. Stimulating an environment where entrepreneurial business can begin is critical to the rural way of life as well as returning Iowa's sons and daughters back to their native homes.

Education

In my experience as an adjunct college professor I have noticed the best students in the classroom come from an educational system in which the educators are able to meet the individual needs of each student. This is not achieved by federal government increasing their involvement and mandates on Iowa teachers. We have some of the best teachers in the nation and it is time to allow them to excel at what they do best - teaching the next generation.

Local school systems are also responsible to the tax payers from whom they receive their funding. Full reporting from school systems that is accurate and honest is an essential to high quality education. More than ever in our state's history, teachers are facing less time teaching and more time with paperwork. School administrators and boards are struggling to find ways to maintain budgets and save extracurricular and fine arts programs. School systems are being forced to raise property taxes because government officials are reducing state funds. It is time to remove barriers of government that are eroding the education for the next generation.

Every family deserves the choice of how best to meet the educational needs of their children. Many families are unable to choose to place their children in private or home school programs due to financial constraints. I will help create programs that allow parents the choice of how to educate their children. These options should be available to all citizens regardless of economic status.

Honest Leadership

Overwhelmingly, constituents everywhere raise intense frustration over the Iowa Supreme Court stripping Iowans of our constitutional right to vote on the definition of marriage. I am committed to standing firm on allowing the citizens of the state to vote on this issue. Attempting to pacify the voter with verbal rhetoric and no action is inappropriate in political decision making. It is time for leaders to stand on their word and moral compass. I believe that marriage is defined as a union between one man and one woman and I will work to uphold that union.

Integrity in governmental leadership seems to be slipping further away. I have been taught by my grandfathers and my father that one's word is as good as a legal binding contract. Therefore, you will not experience me pretending to be someone different in Des Moines than I am at home. Iowans deserve a leader that will represent them fairly while listening and engaging them in conversation.

Iowa's Economy

As a business owner and leader in healthcare, I understand the need to manage finances conservatively. I believe that a more stable economy means a more stable home life for all Iowans. The current economic conditions have affected all households which ultimately caused us all to review our household budget. In that review each family has to make decisions where they will choose to continue spending their income. The same must be true for government. In order to create a stronger more stable economy for Iowa households, state government must begin to look at their checkbook the same way Iowa citizens had been forced to control spending. Government should not spend more than it takes in and one time money is not the answer to balance a long term budget. One time cuts across the board does not cut waist or create stronger fiscally responsible government.

Rights of the Unborn

The rights of the unborn must be protected. I am against stem cell research, human cloning, and abortion.

I am learning from you through face to face conversations. True relationship can only be built by direct contact with the opportunity to work through questions and differences face to face. I practice this belief on a daily basis in my therapy room and see the healing power of truth consistently build trust. Just as solutions for growth and change don't rest only with the therapist, neither do they rest only with the elected official. Solutions rest among those who see the need for adjustments and have the desire to lead through transitions and opportunities for change. Therefore the leader becomes the conduit on which expertise and solutions from you, the citizen, can be deposited for future reference. I desire to hear from you about your creative ideas for positive change and growth from all aspects of our communities.

I am leading for you in multiple ways. My leadership through church, family, professional, and civic opportunities is defined by trust. Trust that I will keep my word over time and follow moral convictions that outlast pressure and expectations of conformity for the sake of conformity. Right is right and wrong is wrong. I learned long ago from important leaders in my family that one of the only things no one can strip from you is your integrity. Therefore, integrity in leadership is a value that I hold in high esteem and believe to be at the core of an outstanding trustable leader. I will strive each and every day to uphold that commitment to leadership. I believe in the concept of servant leadership and as a public servant it is my job to be the voice of those I serve - you the citizen. It is my commitment to lead in a manner that you will feel served and honestly communicated to. I lead with accountability, humility, and transparency.