Rizer: the interview in what is art?

Jenna,

It’s great hearing from you again!  Happy to answer your questions.  My answers are below.  Hope you had a great Christmas and I wish you a Happy New Year!

Ken Rizer, Colonel (retired)
Representative-Elect for Iowa House, District 68
2503 White Eagle Trail SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
www.kenrizer.com
www.facebook.com/RizerForHouse
Twitter @RizerForHouse
[email protected]
319-651-7316 cell

Sent from my iPad

On Dec 25, 2014, at 11:10, “jenna richardson” [email protected] wrote:

From: jenna richardson [email protected]
Subject: interview

Message Body:
When were you first interested in politics, when you thought, this is what I want to do?
I’ve been interested in politics for a long time.  I was the Student Council President for my high school, and majored in Political Science in college.  It wasn’t until leaving the military in 2012, though, that I actually considered running for office and participating directly in our political process.  For me, representing the people is a high honor that carries enormous responsibility.  I see doing so as a continuation of a life of service.

Was this your first time elected, what have you accomplished in office thus far?
I’m new to this, having just been elected last month.  I’m not actually sworn in until January 12th, but have been using the time since the election to prepare.  I’ve been meeting with lots of people and have been reading up on all the issues that might come up in this session.

Were you born and raised in Iowa or is Marion a place you call home?
I was born in Rochester, Minnesota, but lived here in Linn County as a young boy.  For the 25 years I was in the Air Force, this was always our home base.  For 5 of those 25 years, I was separated from my family due to war or remote assignments.  During those times, Cheri and our 4 kids would come home.  As a result, this has been our home and was where we wanted to settle after our time in the service.  We now live in Marion Township, which is the area in Linn County just south of the Marion city limits.

Were you raised republican?
I never really knew my parent’s political persuasion growing up.  I was raised to tell the truth, be nice to other people, and always do my best, which are more Iowa values than those of any particular party.  As I matured, I learned that my philosophy of individual liberty, lower taxes and limited government aligned best with the Republican Party.  Nevertheless, I will work with people of all political persuasions for the good of my constituents and for Iowa.

What are some of your greatest achievements in office as of right now?
It’s still too early to say.  I’m working on a number of bills which show good promise.

Do you feel that this country is headed in the right direction?
I think the recent national and Iowa election results confirm that most people think we’re off track.  I’m optimistic in the wisdom of the people.  After knocking on 11,000 doors, I’ve learned that people want effective government they can be proud of, government that lives within its means, government that performs its major functions well, and government that protects the rights and liberties of the people.

What are your plans for the future and what are you looking to accomplish during your term?
My plan is to be the best representative I can be.  That requires tremendous constituent support, staying in touch with the people I represent, and having the courage to do the right thing.  When it comes to specifics, I want to work on a plan to fix our roads, I want to lower taxes, I want to get illegal synthetic drugs off the streets, I want to help make Iowa schools the best in the land, I want to support local projects such as plasma power and Prospect Meadows, and I want to continue balancing our budget.

Do you plan on running again in 2016?
I need to work hard for my constituents.  If they want me to run again, I’ll make that decision at the appropriate time.  Right now I’m focused on well doing the job I was elected to do.

Thank you rizer and happy holidays!
-jenna Richardson, Iowa

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