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Election 2020 Q&A: Jeff Edler

Jeff Edler

Iowa Senate District 36

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE

Name: Jeff Edler

Party: Republican

Age: 44

Residence: Rural State Center

Hometown: Rural Melbourne

Profession: Farmer

Education: BS Iowa State University (Ag Studies)

Family: Stephanie (wife) Wyatt, Whitney, Sienna, Elizabeth, Aubrey, Sawyer (children)

Experience: Four productive years in the Iowa Senate, small business owner, Rural Electric Cooperative (board president), husband and father of six.

Website: jeffedler.com

1. What do you feel are the three most important issues Tama County will be facing during your term as a state senator? How do you plan to address those issues?

The most important issues our county is facing is recovering from the devastation caused not only by the pandemic, but also the massive storm that moved through during the summer. Times were already tough for many small businesses because of the pandemic and then an incredibly destructive storm hit. Many are struggling to keep their doors open and some families are having a hard time with keeping up with bills and keep a roof over their heads. We need to help Iowans get back to work. We need to keep pursuing policies to support a pro-growth environment in our state so businesses can opening their doors and employees can safely and responsibly start working again.

2. Healthcare costs and access to healthcare have been challenges for rural areas like Tama County, which is without a hospital and has areas struggling to provide 24-hour emergency services. How will you meet those challenges in the state senate?

Health care has been a big issue for me in the Iowa Senate, especially mental health and ensuring access to services for any Iowan who needs help. We passed several bills to help expand access to health care and bring doctors to areas that need them the most, like Tama County. We’ve made some progress, but I’d like to keep building on these successes to ensure everyone who needs care can get it.

3. What efforts would you promote in next year’s legislative session to allow Tama County’s land, environment, and agriculture economy to thrive together?

Health care has been a big issue for me in the Iowa Senate, especially mental health and ensuring access to services for any Iowan who needs help. We passed several bills to help expand access to health care and bring doctors to areas that need them the most, like Tama County. We’ve made some progress, but I’d like to keep building on these successes to ensure everyone who needs care can get it.

4. Why should voters in Tama County vote for you on November 3rd?

I made a number of promises when I ran for my first term four years ago. In that time, I have supported common sense budgets in the Iowa Senate, tax relief for Iowa families, sustainable funding for K-12 education, all while adhering to the principles laid out in our constitution. I kept the promises I made, and I know using the same ideas and principles that guided me the last four years will guide me during the next four and help grow our state again.