Thank you to the Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce for providing the legislators a “piece of Marshalltown” this week. The Chamber sent Tor-tush candies from Lillie Mae’s candy shop to all the legislators this week. Because of COVID restrictions, the Chamber did not set up an in-person day at the Capitol. The candies were a great way to show off a Marshalltown tradition and a locally owned business. I would be happy to deliver candy to people every day!

Next week marks the 10th week of the legislative session. As a first-year representative, these are some things I have learned:

There are many bills on which most legislators agree are good for Iowa. We passed 65 bills this week by nearly unanimous votes to help make Iowa a better place.

Legislators are passionate about the things they believe in. We may not always agree, but both sides are passionate about their positions.

Even if we don’t agree on issues, we still need to be kind and empathetic to others. We need to try and understand what others are feeling and how we can work with them to acknowledge those feelings and find common ground.

This week the Ames School Board and administration were called to the Capitol to discuss their week of action surrounding Black Lives Matter which took place during Black History Month. I know that this is a divisive topic with people coming from many viewpoints. I viewed the oversight committee meeting video and I was very disappointed in how the guests to the capitol were treated by some of the members of the committee.

I have learned that we will not always agree. But we must show respect for viewpoints that are divergent from our own. Instead the committee called the resource materials developed or used by the district “crap” and “garbage.” The Ames administrators and board acknowledged that they would reflect on their first effort at this week of action and change things in the future. They took ownership for issues caused by a rapid turnout of the week of action due to COVID and the return to learn plans.

As a teacher, I have always taught my students the appropriate way to handle disagreements. I model it, I practice it with the students and encourage them to continue to use it. If we as adults cannot handle our disagreements appropriately, then how can we expect our students to learn to do so?

One of my goals this session was to work across the aisle to find common ground with the other legislators. I will continue to seek this discussion. I know we have different views, but we also have common ground as shown by 65 bills passed nearly with full consent of the body this week. There is no need to shout and throw things to get our point across. I know we are passionate, but we have to have empathy and respect for other views that are different from our own.

——

Sue Cahill is the state representative for District 71. Contact her at Sue.Cahill@legis.iowa.gov