I’m Danny Carroll…and I’d like to serve as Iowa’s Republican Party Chairman
December 26, 2008 by Danny Carroll
I have expressed an interest in serving the State Republican Party as its next Chairman.
I look forward to the forum to be held on Saturday December 27th. I admire the effort the committee has made to allow for an open and fair process in the selection of the new Chair.
It will be challenge for the Republican Party of Iowa to overcome the adversity of recent years. But we have been able to do so in the past and will again in the future.
I think it is important that the new chair bring County Chairs and the State Central Committee together in a more inclusive process. There is too much work to be done just to leave key players out of the communication loop. With email, conference calls and the like communication should not be a problem. Travel to Des Moines is not always necessary.
For example many ask about the new Executive Director. The State Chairman usually chooses the new director and informs the committee. I think a sub-committee headed up by the State Chairman should receive resumes and letters of interest from applicants for the position and conduct interviews. That sub-committee then would make a recommendation to the full central committee. This would allow for a healthy process and hopefully result in someone who has a strong base of support from the central committee and Chairman as soon as they start the job. Such a process will continue the practice of open and meaningful communication.
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…and the people shall decide
December 26, 2008 by Danny Carroll
- Image by programwitch via Flickr
I have been thinking about the debate about the Republican Party’s balance between the conservatives and moderates. Some say we need to broaden our message and focus and avoid being too conservative while others insist that Republicans need to move toward the middle.
I think the matter should be left up to the people.
That is a concept often forgotten in today’s focus on party leadership. If someone wants to see a focus on conservative issues they should either run for office or encourage someone who shares their views to do so. The people in a state or legislative district can then make their views known through the Primary Election process. That is the essence of self-government. If an elected official strays from the message they stood for prior to election the same people can certainly hold that person accountable in the next election cycle.
The same goes for the party platform. If the Republican Party platform is not to your liking plan to attend the 2010 Republican Caucus, county, district and state conventions and let your voice be heard. Our current platform was determined by the people in the past 2008 cycle.
Republican leaders should honor the choice of the people and help Republican candidates win in the General Election. Those leaders can certainly advocate for certain platform issues just like any other citizen. However, once the Primary is over it is time for all Republicans to come together and work for victory in the General Election. County and state leaders should set an example.
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Response to Eric Palmer’s Latest Attacks
October 24, 2008 by Danny Carroll
Friends,
Unfortunately, my opponent has leveled some unfair last minute attacks against my record. I am proud of my voting record and want you to know the whole story. Specifically, Eric Palmer has twisted my record on three issues: the economy, taxes and illegal immigration. Here is just one example:
Myth: No change on taxes
Bill: HF 701( I voted “Aye”)
Fact: I voted for this bill because it gave income tax breaks to ALL Iowans. Especially low income house holds.
My friends, “change” is being thrown around a lot these days. Forget the political slogans, I’m excited for the chance to be your State Rep. so I can put more “change” back in your wallet.
Sincerely,
Danny
Thoughts from the ICCI Forum on Hog Confinements
October 16, 2008 by dannycarroll
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.
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Danny Carroll
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Thoughts from the Recent Candidate Forum
October 15, 2008 by dannycarroll
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