Election 2012: H.D. 38 Candidate Brett Nelson Says Legislature Needs to Freeze Property Taxes

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 38 representative.

Today, Ankeny Patch is reacquainting you with Brett Nelson, Independent challenger for the seat. Phoenix appears on the ballot with Republican incumbent Kevin Koester and Democratic candidate John Phoenix.

You might remember Nelson – he ran against Koester as a Republican in the June primary election. Because of this, some of these answers may seem familiar. We've added new questions in as well.

BRETT NELSON

Name: Brett H. Nelson 

Age: 49

Address: 700 N.W. 43rd Ave., Saylor Township.

Employer:  Self (Insurance/Annuity Advisor)

Number of years lived in the district: 27

Summary of Education: West Des Moines Valley High School (1981); Iowa Lakes Community College — AS in environmental studies/business law; University of Iowa — BA in political science/economics. I've also completed courses, classes and licensures at Life Office Management Association, Fellow Life Management Institute, Fellow Financial Services Institute and National Association of Securities Dealers.

What should be the top priority of the next Legislature? 

We must address the continuing regressive tax structure here in Iowa. Almost every retiree I talk to has a story about a friend or relative that has left the state to protect their retirement savings. Our current tax structure targets working families and senior citizens unfairly. Why are we driving the people who built our schools and roads out of the state when they finally retire? The state cannot afford to continue this shortsighted policy of soaking working families and retirees to support everyone else. My plan is simple. We must freeze property taxes and reduce pension taxes by providing an exemption for a greater percentage of income. 

What is the most effective way the Legislature can improve Iowa's economy?

We need property tax reform on so many different levels.  Property tax supports many different "taxing authorities."  Cities, counties, school districts, and townships are the most common.  Taxing authorities may also include community colleges districts, agricultural extention districts, assessor offices, hospital districts, and sanitation districts.  In addition, there are associations for fire protection, drainage, and other public needs that levy taxes.  Iowa has over 2,000 taxing authorities.  Most property tax is taxed by more than one taxing authority. My goal here is to make it so our local administrators can be be successful while we address this problem.   There really is no one-size-fits-all solution that works for every local community.  I'm hopeful the state can work with local communities on some sort of replacement for lower dollar amounts as budgets decrease and values of all properties remain the same which is necessary for taxes to decrease.

What is the most important way the Legislature can improve Iowa's schools?

Children deserve our support 100% of the time.  I know many teachers who care about kids, but are underpaid and granted too few resources.  I will support efforts to raise teachers salaries.  The legislature should transfer more control back to parents, teachers, and local administrators concerning educational decisions.  We must continue our debate on new ways to challenge our children to learn more and challenge our communities to care more. 

What do you see as the state government's role, what should it do for taxpayers and what should it stay out of?

The bottom line is that our government no longer works for us. The government works for the lobbyists who have had a big hand in influencing (if not helping to draft) legislation favoring not the average American citizen but instead big business, health insurance, pharmaceutical, oil companies, defense contractors and others. There should be more pride in state government and a loyalty to the voters. We need representatives with insight into the problems of the state and the knowledge to find solutions to those problems. The state's role should be dedicated to making laws that will benefit the citizens of this state and respecting the separation between church and state.  

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

As a lifelong Republican, health care cost for the elderly and veterans benefits are priorities that need addressed comprehensively along with mental health care reform. Fundamental legislative decisions can positively affect the resources required going forward. I believe that people should be heard through those who represent them and are responsible to them. This is my mission statement.

Farsighted statesmen are blinded by the lights of the moment and should return to the general and basic principles of liberty defined by the Iowa Constitution. Greater spirit would help our governing body as a whole.

What were the 3 biggest failures? 

Natural resources are the future resources we leave behind. Why is this not a priority? I’ll make it one. A positive attitude certainly complements the questions/solutions needed in response to the challenges we face. We are all in this together: farm, city, urban, suburban. Air, water, and soil quality can no longer be minimized. The newspaper gives us sharp reminders of our current status. As stewards, let us begin. The Department of Natural Resources should expedite their 20-year plan to save Big Creek Lake for starters. A combination of strategies makes sense for complex negotiations that involve a mixture of issues, each of which may best be handled by a different strategy.   

How can the state restructure property taxes without shifting the burden to homeowners?

The state must maintain its financial commitment to economic development by being prepared to offer financial incentives to businesses interested in Iowa.   Attracting new jobs begins with the fundamentals, such as good schools, transportation and workforce. The most important ingredient in growing Iowa's economy is making sure that the state has strong, well run and livable cities and towns.    

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

Iowa has the advantage right now of being in a strong financial position compared to other states. If Iowa approved a true corporate flat tax, without federal deductibility, it would have less revenue loss. The business climate must be progressively addressed through economies of scale. I want government off the backs of small business people. 

Should the next legislature take up the issue of same sex marriage? What would you propose? 

No, the legislature should not take up the issue of same sex marriage. Public opinion has made it clear that the definition of marriage should remain unchanged and health insurers already recognize domestic partners.  

Should the remaining Iowa Supreme Court justices who ruled in favor of allowing same sex marriage be removed from the bench? Why or why not?  

No further action should be taken against the Supreme Court. The previous retention vote which removed three judges has already restored credibility to the judicial branch.