Politics & Government

Candidate Q & A: Brett Nelson Tries to Oust Koester in Iowa House District 38 Race

Have you met Brett Nelson? Nelson is running against incumbent Kevin Koester in the June 5 state primary election for the chance to seek the Iowa House District 38 seat.

Ankeny voters will head to the polls June 5 to decide which Republican candidates will appear on the November ballot this year to possibly serve in the Iowa House of Representatives.

Ankeny is represented by two districts, House District 37 and 38.

Today, we're giving you a chance to get to know Brett Nelson, a newcomer and one of two candidates vying for the chance to be elected as the District 38 representative. Nelson is facing off against incumbent Kevin Koester.

Find out what's happening in Ankenywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Whoever wins the primary will go up against unopposed Democrat candidate John Phoenix in November.

BRETT NELSON

Find out what's happening in Ankenywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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 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.

Finally, we'll close on a lighter note. Tell voters one fun, random fact about you they probably don't know.

In my youth, I spent a lot of time at the state Capitol where my mother, Jo Ann, was employed by Gov. Robert Ray. I kept occupied by helping Joe the mailman deliver mail throughout the Capitol and pressed the official gold seals used on the governor's correspondence. As a fifth-grader, I took my wood carving set with me to the Capitol and accidentally sat on an exacto blade which went through my pants. The capitol nurse sent me to Methodist Hospital for stitches in my rear. I was so embarrassed. Sometimes you just have to take one for the team.

Want to see what Nelson's opponent had to say? .

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