As I think about my neighbors in northeast Iowa, three things come to mind:

Excellence - You deserve the best education, the safest roads, the best health care, the best professional and recreational opportunities, and a clean, healthy environment. As your Representative, I will carry your ideas and concerns to the Capitol, and work to make northeast Iowa the best it can be, whether you’re working, playing, raising a family or retiring here.

Responsibility - To fully enjoy living in northeast Iowa, we need to uphold our responsibilities to our neighbors: seniors, children, low income families, farmers, small business owners and veterans. We must make sure that our air and water are clean, our landscape is protected, our schools have the best teachers and tools available, and our neighbors have reasonable access to health care.

Possibility - I believe District 16 should be the first place to look when people think of buying a home, opening a business or taking a vacation. The people of District 16 are intelligent, creative, caring and dynamic. I will work every day to make sure that your ideas flourish and you have every available opportunity to succeed.

I’m committed to serving the people of northeast Iowa - that begins with listening to you and understanding your concerns. This website isn’t just a place for me to offer my positions, it’s a place for you to share your ideas and ask questions. Please feel free to contact me through the link in the sidebar, or leave a comment on any open post.

Thanks for the opportunity to be your voice in Des Moines.

John

We’re in a unique position in northeast Iowa - four Democratic candidates for State Rep. and four Democratic candidates for Congress.  This may be the most important election cycle some of us will ever experience and, locally, it shows in the field of fine candidates who are willing to step up and serve us.  I hope you’ll take advantage of this amazing opportunity and head to the polls on Tuesday.

Polls are open from 7am-9pm.  You can still vote by Absentee Ballot, as well.  Absentee Ballots need to be postmarked June 2nd to qualify but you can turn them into the County Auditor’s office through June 3rd.    If you’re not sure where your polling site is, you can call the County Auditor’s office at 563-382-5085.

I appreciate all the support I’ve received from voters in District 16, over the last year.  These are tough times for some of us and even a $10 campaign contribution can put a serious dent in our wallets.  I’m grateful that so many of you believe I’m the right candidate to represent you in Des Moines, and I want to make something very clear:  I don’t intend to disappoint you!

Low wages, health care, our children’s education, the creep of big business into our agricultural environment, lack of good jobs, record gas prices, environmental issues - I share your concerns because my life and my family are affected by these same issues.  But know this - when I’m elected, I will stand up and fight for the families of northeast Iowa.  My voice in Des Moines will be your voice.  I’ve said it many times and I couldn’t be prouder to say it now:  I am from northeast Iowa and I am for northeast Iowa.

Now it’s up to you.   I need your vote.  I need you to make a stand for Change and a better Iowa.  Tuesday June 3rd.  It’s our future - let’s do something about it!

See you at the polls!

State Representatives District 16 Forum and other local Democratic candidates
Tuesday May 13th, 2008
7 p.m. at the Decorah City Hall, Council Chambers
For further info contact Lyle Otte, 382-3137

Scott -

I’m excited because I know that things are good, here in northeast Iowa, but we can make them better! I’m excited about the opportunity to represent you and be your voice in our Capitol! I’m excited about the opportunity to meet thousands of intelligent, dynamic people who care about Iowa’s future and the role we play in making this the best District in the state!

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John is committed to working for you, to make sure that your voice is heard in Des Moines. Your concerns are his concerns and he’s ready to step up, represent northeast Iowa and deliver the goods. (more…)

Here’s a brief summary of some important issues our state leaders are currently working on.

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We’d love to find out which issues are most important to you, our neighbors. Please feel free to vote in the poll (it only takes a second), then check out what your fellow Iowans are thinking about. And, of course, you’re always welcome to comment on any post here or send an e-mail to John and share your concerns with him.

Thanks for giving John the opportunity to be your voice in Des Moines!

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County Conventions: Saturday 15 March 2008
District Conventions: Saturday 26 April 2008
State Convention: Saturday 14 June 2008

Don’t forget, the Winneshiek Democrats will be meeting Thursday, Feb. 28th to elect officers. This is your chance to meet John, and talk about your views and the issues facing Northeast Iowa.

I am passionate about good and progressive government. I have decided to run for the honor of representing all of the constituents of House District 16.

Franzen and his wife, Juli, have four children: Justin, 16; Jessica, 15; Jacob, 11; and Jonna, 8. Franzen is employed at Decorah Kawasaki/Suzuki as the sales and marketing representative.

He grew up in Hawkeye with four brothers on a family farm. He’s been employed on farms and milked cows for 27 years.

“I believe whole heartedly in the virtues and quality of small-town living, good schools and neighbors who actually care about each other,” he said.

Franzen said he believes in smart, sustainable farming. He added most of the farmers he knows are good stewards of their land, which, in many cases, has been in their families for generations.

“My definition of sustainable farming is one that protects the family farmer and the environment at the same time,” he said.

“Through my professional experience, mostly in sales, I have learned that most of life’s transactions are negotiations. The key to being a successful negotiator is to possess good communication skills - both the ability to listen and to speak - and the wisdom to know when to do which.

As a state representative, I plan to bring this experience to the table to ensure that House District 16 has all it needs to remain successful and prosperous.

Franzen promised his campaign would be one of involvement not partisanship.

If elected, he said he would bring multiple viewpoints to the table and work hard to find good solutions to all the state’s collective problems.