As a top priority, Mark will continue to legislate responsibly by observing the 4 Budget Principles he helped maintain in the Iowa House.
They are:
- We will spend less than we take in.
- We will not use one-time money to fund on-going needs.
- We will not balance the budget by intentionally under-funding programs.
- We will return unused tax dollars to Iowa’s taxpayers.
Pro Business and Job Creation
With unemployment and underemployment rates still a concern across the United States and Iowa, it is essential to create new career opportunities to bring new people to Iowa as well as establish a job market to keep our hard-working Iowans in the state. I understand that every day, we export our most valuable resource: our children.
By lowering taxes and reducing regulatory burdens for small businesses and preserving the competition in the free market system, jobs will be naturally created. This will enable Iowa’s students to stay in the state once they graduate from college.
Small business is the engine that fuels the local, state and national economies. As a small business owner for more than 25 years, I know first-hand how important small businesses are to the development of a community.
Pro Life
Life is a gift from God, beginning at conception and ending at natural death. I support the strengthening of abortion laws and the reversal of Roe vs. Wade. I understand the importance of human life and would advocate for an amendment to the United States and Iowa Constitutions that would protect innocent life from conception to natural death.
Pro Family
Strong family values are the basis of our society. Iowa is only as strong as our families are sound. Coming from a family of eight children and currently having four children of my own, I have seen first-hand how learning and developing begins at home.
Support Education
Providing Iowa students with a world class education is essential in helping our young people compete in a global economy. Giving our young people a quality education is the foundation for a better life and stronger community. It is crucial that legislators take the steps toward once again making Iowa first in the nation for education. I will make sure we provide our students with an atmosphere that promotes learning and prepares them to compete for the career they choose.
My wife, Paula, recently retired from a 33 year career as a teacher and librarian in Muscatine and North Scott Schools. Our four children are currently enrolled in, or have graduated from Muscatine schools, our grandchildren are beginning their education in Muscatine, and two daughters and one son-in-law work for Muscatine School District. I will be a strong advocate for local control because it is the most effective management style to meet the needs of our students and our educators.
Limited Government
America was founded on the principle of freedom. I believe that the future of Iowa and the United States depends on the government assuming its correct role and giving hard-working Iowans the freedoms they deserve. More recently, the government has expanded its role beyond the necessary powers. I will work to reduce the intrusion of government in your life that discourages growth and opportunity.
Fiscal Responsibility
One of the many duties of the Iowa Legislature is to create a balanced budget. It is imperative that legislators treat the state budget like they do their family budget and spend within their means. Moving Iowa back to the basics of spending less money than is taken in will keep Iowa in line for future prosperity. Sound fiscal principles promote economic growth, which will protect Iowans from uncertainty and excessive taxation.
I believe sound financial management begins by supporting the 99% expenditure limit. This means we will not spend more than 99% of what we take in.
Advocate of a Healthy Lifestyle
In today’s fast-paced world, it is sometimes challenging to make the time to keep yourself healthy. Being a runner for nearly 40 years, I have always taken the initiative to stay in shape. I have instilled the same values in my own children and wish to advocate for the health and well-being of Iowans. I am encouraged by Muscatine’s Blue Zones Project and the strides that have been made to create a healthier community.
Proactive Approach
When you see a problem, the best thing to do is to work toward a solution. This is exactly what I plan to do as your next State Senator. I have always told my children, “Better well done than well said.” Instead of waiting to see if possible solutions arise, I will actively seek solutions in order to solve Iowa’s problems in the Iowa Legislature.