(Le Mars) — Chuck Holz and Pat Ritz are both vying for the state House District number 5 seat. Holz is republican and is the incumbent after being elected to the post following former state representative Chuck Soderberg accepting an executive post with the Iowa Association of Electrical Cooperatives. Ritz is a Democrat who is challenging Holz. During the next few days KLEM news will present each candidate’s comments regarding issues and bills that we believe may be introduced in the Iowa legislature. Chuck Holz of Le Mars is a retired veterinarian who practiced in Le Mars for more than 38 years. Holz also served on the Le Mars Community School Board. Pat Ritz is a farmer and agriculture equipment sales dealer from Akron. We begin the discussion with water quality. Ever since the Des Moines Water Works has filed suit against Sac, Buena Vista, and Calhoun counties for high levels of nitrates found in the Des Moines River, water quality and the manner to finance a program to clean up the inland waters and prevent run-off has taken center stage. Governor Branstad has suggested to take some money that is already collected through an existing tax for school facilities infrastructure upgrade, and devote a portion of the money for water quality efforts. Both the Iowa Farm Bureau and the Iowa Soybean Association have adopted resolutions that would be in favor of a new tax to be directed towards water quality. Chuck Holz comments first.
Holz says the Republican controlled House of Representatives did propose a plan in last year’s session. He expects the bill to resurface again this year.
Ritz offers his comments regarding the clean up process of Iowa’s waters.
Ritz believes additional educational and promotional efforts for conservation practices in the rural areas are needed to help reduce the nitrate run-off.
Ritz says it is not just a rural concern, but towns, suburban areas, and cities will also need to a better job of maintaining water quality.
Each year, school officials from across the state lobby the state legislature for funding. In recent years, the amount of money to be allocated to the public school districts varies greatly between the state House of Representatives and the State Senate. Holz is a former school board director with the Le Mars Community School District. He believes schools may find it difficult to receive additional funding from the state legislature.
Pat Ritz offers his thoughts on how much money schools should receive.
This last year the state legislature approved Governor Terry Branstad’s proposal to privatize the Medicaid program. After several months of delay, the program was initiated on April 1st, but it has been surrounded with controversy. The state house representative candidates were asked if the state legislature should open discussion with the state’s Medicaid program. We begin with Democrat Pat Ritz
Chuck Holz says the issue may again need to be addressed in the upcoming legislative session.
