Election 2012: H.D. 37 Candidate Boehm Advocating for the Repeal of Iowa's Primary Election Laws

Ankeny voters will head to the polls on Nov. 6 to decide who will represent them in several local races.

One of those races will determine who will serve a portion of Ankeny residents as the Iowa House District 37 representative.

Today, Ankeny Patch is acquainting you with John Boehm, who was nominated by petition and is running against Republican nominee John Landon.

Boehm, who describes himself as a moderate Republican, is advocating for the repeal of Iowa's primary election laws. To learn more about why, see the attached letter to this article.

N. JOHN BOEHM

Age: 62

Address: 9678 NE 26th Court, Ankeny, IA 50021

Employer: Retired from Iowa State University

Number of Years in the District: 27

Summary of Education: In August 1979 I received a Master of Arts in English from Iowa State University. In May 1973 I received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa. During 1971-72, I studied German at the University of Goettingen in Germany. From 1968 to 1971, I studied English at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. I received a Diploma from Sigourney High School in Sigourney, Iowa.

Family: My wife, Janet, and I have raised two children since moving to Ankeny in 1985. My wife, Janet, is a graduate of Anthon-Oto High School and Drake University, and is Director of Worship Ministries at Ankeny First United Methodist Church.

What do you see as the state government’s role?

State government is representative democracy for the citizens of Iowa; it is where the Legislature makes the law, the Governor administers the law, and the Court interprets the law.

What were the top 3 successes of the most recent legislative session?

The three successes of the last legislative session were that the legislature spent within its revenues, approved mental health reform, and promoted renewable energy.

What were the 3 biggest failures?

The three biggest failures of last legislative session were that it did not achieve property tax reform or school reform and did not provide adequate funding for transportation infrastructure needs.

What should be the top priority of the next legislature?

The top priority for next session should be property tax reform.

How can the state restructure property taxes?

There have been a number of studies of this issue, but the bottom line is that all property taxpayers (homeowner, business owner, or farmer) are paying too much.

Is the current tax structure hurting the state’s economy?

Yes, property taxes are hurting the ability to retain and attract businesses.

Should the next legislature take up the issue of same sex marriage?

No, the Court has interpreted the law consistent with the Constitution.

Should the remaining Iowa Supreme Court Justices who ruled in favor of allowing same sex marriage be removed from the bench?

No, the Court did its job of interpreting the law consistent with the Constitution.

What is the most effective way the legislature can improve Iowa’s economy?

The legislature needs to make Iowa more competitive by approving property tax reform, school reform, adequately funding transportation infrastructure, and further promoting the use of renewable energy.

What is the most important way the legislature can improve Iowa’s schools?

Iowa needs to look at ways to recruit high-performing students to the teaching profession and to provide boards and administrators with evaluative tools which are easy to use and cost effective.