Thoughts from the ICCI Forum on Hog Confinements
October 16, 2008 by dannycarroll · Comments Off
The organization known as Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (ICCI) held a candidate forum last night in Montezuma, Iowa. Approximately 60 people were in attendance. The main topic of discussion dealt with the regulation of confinement livestock feeding operations (CAFO’s). As most Iowans are aware livestock management and production techniques have changed considerably over the last 20 to 30 years. This has resulted in the concentration of animals in fewer and fewer facilities. The odor often associated with these operations is obviously objectionable to neighbors. On the other hand Iowa is well suited to grain and livestock production. Thousands of jobs are associated with this industry and billions of dollars in our local and state economy. Lawmakers and other officials have been wrestling with the control and regulation of livestock production operations since 1995.
The first question last night asked the political candidates in attendance (State Representative Eric Palmer chose without explanation, not to attend) their views on local county control versus state control of CAFO’s. I offered that counties did not have the staff and resources necessary to regulate such an industry.  Moreover they would have to look to the IDNR for consistent environmental protection guidelines which would essentially defer decisions back to the state. State wide regulation and environmental protection, in my opinion is the only way to go.
I also observed that it is too bad the issue has become so polarized. Iowans have in the past and can in this situation come together and negotiate the location and sound management of livestock facilities. Although I am not on the same page as many members of ICCI I found the discussion last night very respectful and productive. If I am elected on November 4th I look forward to working with the ICCI folks in Poweshiek County and local livestock producers in fostering a positive relationship that serves both the needs of farmers and other rural residents.
Â
Danny Carroll
Â
Thoughts from the Recent Candidate Forum
October 15, 2008 by dannycarroll · Comments Off
Several candidates for state and local office participated in a forum last recently sponsored by the Oskaloosa Herald and KBOE radio in Oskaloosa.
Many of the questions dealt with jobs and the economy. As a candidate for the Iowa House I am very concerned with the business environment in Iowa. Many jobs are created by local well established businesses. I visited one such company yesterday in Oskaloosa. The President of that company told me that the legislature’s effort to undermine Iowa’s Right to Work law, that has been on the books since 1947, will drive jobs and investment out of the state. This opinion is shared by the Wall Street Journal when it said lawmakers in Iowa could not chose a better way to discourage job creation, than to undermine the Right to Work law.
Representative Eric Palmer said “I have never voted to eliminate the Right to Work law.” He is technically correct. However, he did vote to force Iowans to pay union dues even if they do not want to join a union, which does the same thing. The net effect is to drive jobs from the state and say to businesses looking at Iowa to go elsewhere. I disagree and if elected will work hard to protect the Right to Work in Iowa without being forced to pay union dues.
A citizen in attendance last evening asked Representative Palmer about the out-of-state donations to his campaign by homosexual activists. Representative Palmer said he had no “litmus test” for donations to his campaign. He will accept money from anyone who wants to donate. That is a reasonable response. It is fair to say, however, that the reason homosexual activists donate to Representative Palmer’s campaign is that he supports their agenda. He refused to support a constitutional amendment to protect traditional marriage in Iowa. In August 2007 a Polk County judge ruled Iowa’s law on marriage as unconstitutional. The people should have the chance to vote on the matter and Representative Palmer would not allow that to happen. I disagree. If the district court says our law is unconstitutional then let the people vote on the matter. Ours is a government by the people not by the judges.
The forum last evening was spirited exchange of ideas and philosophy that I hope will inform the voter in these last few weeks before the election.
Respectfully,
Danny Carroll, Candidate
Iowa House District 75
The Smoking Ban…
October 9, 2008 by dannycarroll · Comments Off
I’m often asked about my thoughts on the smoking ban that was recently enacted in Iowa and supported by my opponent Eric Palmer. I thought I’d take this opportunity to detail my position.
Like many Iowans I am tired of government imposing on private citizens and businesses more and more regulations. The ban on smoking that has been imposed by the state government is just one more example of this intrusion.
I can understand why many people do not like cigarette smoke. I am one of those people. However, if a private business wants to allow smoking that should be their choice. If their customers don’t like it, they can make their displeasure known and/or patronize a competitor that does not allow smoking.
If the government wants to ban smoking on government property – fine. But it should leave private business alone. Letting casinos off the hook is most disturbing. Either everybody is included or no one should be.
I look forward to working with you to limit such government intrusions in the future.
Sincerely,
Danny
Great Parade Moments
October 6, 2008 by dannycarroll · Comments Off
All,
We’ve had great turnout and a lot of fun this year at the parades around the district. Thanks to all who made it happen! -Danny
Real Property Tax Relief
September 3, 2008 by dannycarroll · Comments Off
It’s property tax time again. With property tax payments due on September 30th, many of you may find your bill higher than last year. Unfortunately with property tax increases, Iowans may not have the ability to pay the higher tax. Income taxes may increase with higher income and sales taxes reflect a percentage of the item being purchased. If one has a higher salary or money for the item, then supposedly they have an ability to pay the increased tax. Not so with property taxes.
Family budgets under stress from higher gasoline, food and health care prices have less disposable income at the end of each month. I worry for those faced with higher property taxes and their decreased ability to pay. Policy makers both at the local level and in Des Moines should keep these people mind when considering state spending and the resulting increases in property taxes. Families, and those on a fixed income may be faced with cutting back on other living expenses in order to pay the tax.
Now more than ever, politicians need to show real restraint in frivolous government spending. Unfortunately we’ve seen just the opposite the past two years. I’m determined to do what I can reduce your tax burden if I’m fortunate enough to earn your vote come November.
As always, I look forward to speaking with you more as the campaign continues. As we work together to make Iowa better.
-Danny
4th of July Parades a Big Success!!!
July 7, 2008 by dannycarroll · Comments Off
We had a very nice July 4th weekend with two parades. The first was in Grinnell on Friday and the weather was great. The Carroll campaign had over 30 children and adults join the float with signs and flags. We were really honored this year to have Bill Owens with his Calliope “music machine”. It was a great addition to the parade.
On Saturday we were in the Montezuma parade and then joined the ceremony on the courthouse lawn to dedicate the Bill of Rights monument. This first in the nation monument to the Bill of Rights is an impressive reminder of those special amendments to the United States Constitution that protect some of our most precious rights as a free people. I thought it was of particular interest that the dedication came only a few days after the US Supreme court upheld the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.
As the Iowa motto reads…”Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.” What a fitting way to celebrate the Fourth of July by recognizing the importance of the United States Bill of Rights.
Thanks again to all the volunteers and supporters that helped us reach out to the people of Montezuma and Grinnell!
-Danny
Thoughts from the Campaign Trail
July 1, 2008 by dannycarroll · Comments Off
Recently, I was talking with some voters over coffee at the Mayflower Nursing Home in Grinnell. I enjoy these opportunities to talk with you informally. One attendee had recently moved to Iowa from southern California. She had seen the negative effects of illegal immigration on the region and enquired as to my position on the issue.
I replied that I have the same opinion as many Iowans in that everyone should obey the law. We understand the desire of families that want to improve their lot in life by coming to our country for better jobs and living conditions. However, if you want to enter this country to work or visit you must do so according to our laws. Companies that depend on immigrant labor should be held accountable too. They have a responsibility to verify the legal status of their workers. I don’t want to oversimplify the issue but to me it is clear…obey the law. If you choose to ignore our laws then you should not be surprised by the consequences when you are caught.
On another issue, I was pleased to learn that the US Supreme Court upheld the 2nd amendment to the Constitution in its ruling on gun ownership. We could go on at length about the issue of gun ownership, the various kinds of guns and so on. My opinion though is very simple; the 2nd Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, and secondly if we outlaw guns our citizens will not be safer because criminals will have the upper hand. This right, however, brings with it certain responsibilities. For example, parents should teach their children gun safety and guns should be properly stored and maintained. Just like any tool, they can be dangerous.
I look forward to discussing these issues with you further. See you on the campaign trail.
-Danny
Absentee Voting
June 20, 2008 by dannycarroll · Comments Off
Friends,
It is understandable given our busy lives that it may be difficult to make it out to the polls on election day in November. I would encourage you to take the brief moment to fill out a request for an Absentee Ballot. It is a simple and convenient way to cast your ballot. Below is link to the application:
http://www.sos.state.ia.us/elections/AbsenteeBallot/index.html
Thank you in advance for your support and taking the time to make your voice heard!
-Danny