Christina Blackcloud

What do you feel are the three most important issues Iowa will be facing during your term as a state representative? How do you plan to address those issues?

Education is the key. It’s the best thing we can do to set a solid foundation for our next generation of leaders. By connecting practice, policy, and research, we can advance teachers, academic professionals, by adequately supporting those who care for and educate our children.

I believe in equal pay for equal work. Worker’s rights and women’s right are under attack and more needs to be done to ensure everyone is treated equally. I will seek out injustice and support policies for communities to engage and empower voices via grants, increased police training, and employee training. 

I believe we have a responsibility to support and protect vulnerable populations as well as improve healthcare systems. We must stand against attempts to take money away from veterans and senior citizens. We must provide access to physical and mental health care and housing needs. We need to support preventative care measures and improve access to high-quality medical, mental health, and addiction recovery services. We need to fight to keep healthcare and education dollars in our district so rural healthcare systems can grow.

Some would say the Iowa Legislature has become too partisan and divided. How would you try to overcome that?

State representatives are the “eyes and ears” for communities and our actions are the first line of defense for helping people. We must be the person who supports their ideas and fights for their needs first.

COVID-19 has brought out the worst in some people — but I feel the pandemic and the storm also brought out the best in people. We need optimism and focus on ways to work together.

What steps will you take to ensure Iowa schools are adequately funded?

COVID-19 has demonstrated access to the internet isn’t a luxury, but a necessary utility. The lack of internet access in rural Iowa is lowering people’s quality of life and creating a setback to academic success. Every child deserves access to high-quality education and I will support legislation that invests in teachers and students. All children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential. I’ll support efforts to promote leadership and professional development in the education field. I’d like to develop partnerships with the private sector to enhance career and technical education and apprenticeship programs.

What role do you think the state should play in economic development? What should the state be doing for economic development?

The number one way we can grow the economy is help people get back to work. We must build sustainable infrastructures by seeking targeted tax incentives for job creations. We must create supportive entrepreneurial environments.

A “vibrant economy” includes creating opportunities that lead to healthier lifestyles. We can bring in clean industry and sustainable energy jobs that help us meet climate challenges. I support the push to bring the climate crisis to the forefront.

We can work to invest in ag markets by establishing local food markets and champion locally grown, organic foods. I’d love to help our state learn to invest in farming practices that honors and partners with nature in unique and mutually beneficial ways!

Why do you think voters should support your candidacy for state representative?

We need a new generation of leaders who aren’t bought and paid for by large corporations and special interests. I will seek out injustice and support policies to engage and empower voices via grants and increased training. I support equal pay for equal work, will protect worker’s rights, and will seek targeted tax incentives for job creations.

I understand the importance of listening to the people. I am committed to ensuring Iowans are fairly represented and I will be tenacious in my efforts. I have a plan to coordinate efforts to advance and strengthen communities and I look forward to using my experience and education to advance my district. I am asking for your support and vote. I can’t wait to get started.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE:

Age: 41

Residence: Tama

Hometown: Tama

Profession: Fitness center marketer and organic grower

Family: Partner Michael and children

Experience: Delegate to the Democratic National Convention, interned with Iowa Senator Tom Harkin in Washington DC and also with the Office of Ethics for the USDA, first indigenous person to win a Primary Election in Iowa

Website:

voteblackcloud.com