Worthan, Camerer vie for House District 52 seat
By Bret Hayworthbhayworth@siouxcityjournal.com | Posted: Wednesday, October 08, 2008
In the Iowa House District 52 race, incumbent Republican Gary Worthan is running for re-election, opposed by Democrat Russell Camerer. House District 52 is composed of all of Buena Vista County and part of Sac County.
Name: Gary Worthan
Party: Republican
Age: 54
Residence: Storm Lake
Occupation: Grain farmer
Biographical info: Albert City-Truesdale 1972 graduate, associate of arts degree from Iowa State University in 1974, farmer since 1974.
Electoral experience: Elected in December 2006 special election for District 52.
Three main issues for 2008:
Spending. "We've got to get the budget under control." Worthan cited a 17 percent increase in state spending over the two years under Democratic control. He said that is unsustainable, particularly if a recession strikes and tax revenues fall. "It's sad that it takes an economic downturn to get a government to take a look at what they are spending money on."
Property tax relief. "The political will has not been there, and it is such a complex issue. We've got so many things that are financed off property tax that have absolutely no relation to property or the ability of that property to pay a tax."
Highway 20. On the issue of expanding U.S. Highway 20 to four lanes and adequately funding other highway infrastructure, Worthan said he is leaning toward support for raising the gasoline tax by a nickel to pay for improvements."We need to put money into our roads and bridges; we've neglected them."
Why vote for me: He brings experience from prior positions in farm cooperatives and Farm Bureau. "I'll be able go down there and bring the values that we have up here in Northwest Iowa -- conservative, hardworking, core values that I represent."
Name: Russell Camerer
Party: Democrat
Age: 53
Residence: Storm Lake
Occupation: Manager of Crossroads Motel for three years
Biographical info: Alta High School 1973 graduate, worked in construction into the 1980s, owned cabinetmaking business, worked for Bil-Mar, Sara Lee and IBP in Storm Lake for about 20 years.
Electoral experience: None
Three main issues for 2008:
Bike path. Camerer want to build a recreational bike path around Storm Lake by seeking cooperation with the Buena Vista County supervisors and state programs that could fund it.
Renewable energy. "Making sure ethanol and biodiesel and wind power is a sustainable asset to this county" by making sure sufficient research and development in renewable energies is taking place in Iowa.
Highways. Citing a need for adequate highway infrastructure, Camerer said he supports expanding U.S. Highway 20 to four lanes in western Iowa as well as inspections to make sure highways and bridges are safe throughout the state.
Why vote for me: Camerer said he will represent all people in the district, including crossing party lines to vote for legislation when bipartisan action is warranted. "I'm running as a Democrat yes, but I do know the voting record of my opponent. I've seen that he's very, very, very Republican."
Name: Gary Worthan
Party: Republican
Age: 54
Residence: Storm Lake
Occupation: Grain farmer
Biographical info: Albert City-Truesdale 1972 graduate, associate of arts degree from Iowa State University in 1974, farmer since 1974.
Electoral experience: Elected in December 2006 special election for District 52.
Three main issues for 2008:
Spending. "We've got to get the budget under control." Worthan cited a 17 percent increase in state spending over the two years under Democratic control. He said that is unsustainable, particularly if a recession strikes and tax revenues fall. "It's sad that it takes an economic downturn to get a government to take a look at what they are spending money on."
Property tax relief. "The political will has not been there, and it is such a complex issue. We've got so many things that are financed off property tax that have absolutely no relation to property or the ability of that property to pay a tax."
Highway 20. On the issue of expanding U.S. Highway 20 to four lanes and adequately funding other highway infrastructure, Worthan said he is leaning toward support for raising the gasoline tax by a nickel to pay for improvements."We need to put money into our roads and bridges; we've neglected them."
Why vote for me: He brings experience from prior positions in farm cooperatives and Farm Bureau. "I'll be able go down there and bring the values that we have up here in Northwest Iowa -- conservative, hardworking, core values that I represent."
Name: Russell Camerer
Party: Democrat
Age: 53
Residence: Storm Lake
Occupation: Manager of Crossroads Motel for three years
Biographical info: Alta High School 1973 graduate, worked in construction into the 1980s, owned cabinetmaking business, worked for Bil-Mar, Sara Lee and IBP in Storm Lake for about 20 years.
Electoral experience: None
Three main issues for 2008:
Bike path. Camerer want to build a recreational bike path around Storm Lake by seeking cooperation with the Buena Vista County supervisors and state programs that could fund it.
Renewable energy. "Making sure ethanol and biodiesel and wind power is a sustainable asset to this county" by making sure sufficient research and development in renewable energies is taking place in Iowa.
Highways. Citing a need for adequate highway infrastructure, Camerer said he supports expanding U.S. Highway 20 to four lanes in western Iowa as well as inspections to make sure highways and bridges are safe throughout the state.
Why vote for me: Camerer said he will represent all people in the district, including crossing party lines to vote for legislation when bipartisan action is warranted. "I'm running as a Democrat yes, but I do know the voting record of my opponent. I've seen that he's very, very, very Republican."
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 0 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
