5 Questions for Chris Hagenow, House District 43 Incumbent: ‘Clear Record of Success’ Makes Case for Re-Election

Today, Patch profiles Chris Hagenow, the Republican incumbent in House District 43, which includes parts of West Des Moines, along with Windsor Heights and Clive.

Hagenow, an attorney, has served in the district since 2008.

Background:

Rep. Chris Hagenow, 40, was first elected in 2008 and is serving his second term in the Iowa House. Hagenow is the chairman of the House Government Oversight Committee. In addition to his role on Government Oversight, Hagenow also serves on the House committees for Appropriations, Judiciary and Public Safety.

Hagenow and his wife, Amanda, were married in 2005 and have two sons, Owen and Noah. The family lives in Windsor Heights. The Hagenows attend Westkirk Presbyterian Church in Urbandale.

Hagenow sits on the steering committee for the Iowa Federalist Society. He serves on the Iowa Prayer Breakfast Committee and is a member of the Windsor Heights Lions Club.

What questions would you like to ask Chris Hagenow and challenge Susan Judkins? Tell us below in comments.

Hagenow was raised in Cedar Falls and graduated from Northern University High School. He went on to receive his BA from the University of Northern Iowa, magna cum laude, in 1994. He earned his JD from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1997 and is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association. He has practiced law in Waterloo and Des Moines and is currently a partner with the Des Moines law firm Whitaker Hagenow & Gustoff, LLP.

Q. What issues do you hope to resolve in the Iowa House? 

A. I am committed to continuing our efforts to reform Iowa’s broken property tax system. Over the past two years, I have voted for four different proposals which passed the House, each which would have lowered commercial property taxes while protecting residential taxpayers. I am also eager to continue our work on education reform, to make sure that our students can get the world-class education they deserve. I will continue to be vigilant in controlling the growth of government spending.

Q. Please describe your vision for education reform.

A. The legislature took an important first step toward reforming our educational system last year, but there is much work left to be done. We must strive to have Iowa again be a world leader in educational achievement. We deserve an educational system that is innovative and accountable. We must defend the rights of parents to determine their child’s educational setting. Parents, not government, know what is best for their children. 

Q. Do you believe Iowans should be allowed to vote on a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-gender marriage and would you make that issue a priority if you are elected?

A. I believe that Iowans should have the opportunity to vote on the definition of marriage.

Q. What sets you apart from your opponent?

A. I have a clear record of success on the issues that matter most to voters in the district. I have worked to bring state spending in line with revenue, and advocated for policies which help our economy grow and allow employers to create new jobs. 

Q. Please complete the following sentence: The best way to bring high-quality, high-paying jobs to Iowa is …

A. … to create an tax climate that is more attractive for businesses looking to locate in Iowa, and also creates certainty for existing employers looking to expand.