Local Marshalltown resident, Jane Jech, on Monday formally announced her intentions to run for State Representative in District 43 which includes Marshalltown and the northern part of Marshall County.
The seat is currently held by Rep. Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown, who will have 10 years in the Legislature in 2010.
"Out of control state spending has left Iowa with the largest budget in the history of our state," Jech, a Republican, said. "I am committed to restoring sound fiscal management and lowering the burden on taxpayers instead of growing government."
As news of job losses and small business closures spreads throughout the state, Jech said her campaign will put an emphasis on encouraging the growth of businesses in Iowa.
Pointing to what may be one of the key issues in local races in the next year, Jech mentioned the power plant Alliant Energy had announced it was planning to build in Marshalltown. That project was later abandoned in light of what Alliant Energy President Tom Aller said were burdensome regulations and poor economic conditions.
"The time for a do-nothing economic growth plan is over. We must create opportunities for a friendly business climate for current employers and encourage new employers to land in Iowa," she said. "Our state and community should never again lose opportunities like the previously proposed power plant."
Jech also indicated social issues would also be part of her campaign agenda, noting the Legislature has done nothing to allow state residents to vote on what the definition of marriage should be.
The Iowa Supreme Court earlier this year ruled same-gendered marriage must be allowed under the state constitution.
"Our legislature seems to have forgotten who they represent. Refusing to give we, the people, the right to define marriage was but one example where our legislators are out of touch," Jech said.
Jech has worked as a music teacher and as the worship arts director at New Hope Christian Church.
She is currently a substitute teacher in the Marshalltown school district. She served nine years on the Iowa Valley Community College District Board. She currently serves as a certified volunteer resident advocate at the Iowa Veterans' Home and in many other areas.
She is a member of the 2009 Iowa Valley Leadership Class. Jane and her husband, Kerry, raised four children in Marshalltown. They have four grandchildren. Jech can be contacted at 641-751-7591 or at her web site www.janejech.com.
She is also on Facebook and Twitter.
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Contact Ken Black at 641-753-6611 or kblack@timesrepublican.com