State Senator Jack Hatch

We’re nearing the end of campaign season, and it can be difficult for a candidate’s message to cut through the noise. That’s why I’m sharing my ideas and vision for Iowa directly.

I am running for governor because I love this state. I want to see us reach our greatest potential as individuals and communities. I see opportunity that is unlimited and a future that is boundless. This election is about one thing, Iowa’s future.

Let’s face facts – we are in a rapidly changing economy. Previous governors laid the foundation for a great economy. In the early 2000s we set out to be the food capital of the world, partnering with companies like DuPont Pioneer and John Deere.

Then, we diversified our economy to take advantage of our traditional strengths in agriculture but also to grow new sectors like information technology, finance and advanced manufacturing. Now we have great companies like Wells Fargo, Aviva and Principal headquartered in Des Moines.

Previous governors also invested in wind energy and renewable fuels. Ethanol plants boomed and utilities invested in wind. This clean, cheap energy brought a new generation of companies, including Microsoft and Google in 2007.

But today, under Gov. Branstad, we’re coasting on the vision and accomplishments of the past. I’m ready to take the next steps. To do that, we must get beyond stale promises and get back to real results.

If elected, I’ll make sure there are no more sweetheart deals and big corporate giveaways like the terrible Orascom deal – we’ll grow the economy from our communities up, where everyone will get a fair shake!

No more will a board sitting in Des Moines make decisions about winners and losers in our state’s economy. I want our entrepreneurs to have a shot, our small businesses to shine and our communities to chart their own course. I want to lead this state’s diverse economy to new heights by lighting the fuse on an economic explosion.

My vision is for a state in which jobs are created from the community up. No more deciding winners and losers in Des Moines.

We’ll create four regional boards that will receive money from the legislature to make decisions about how to promote economic development in their regions. The further from Des Moines these boards are, the better decisions they will make. Government works best when it’s closest to the people.

We’ll involve all stakeholders, from chambers of commerce to local officials to business people, educators, human services and health care providers. Job creation will be a community undertaking.

I am very proud to have my running-mate, Monica Vernon, leading this effort. She’s an experienced, pragmatic, results?-oriented leader who gets things done and has proven it under difficult circumstances as a councilwoman of Cedar Rapids.

She’s also a businessperson with 26 years experience at building her own successful company. Did you know Iowa is still 50th when it comes to women?-owned businesses? Monica Vernon will help us change that, too.

We’ll give a tax break to you, the middle class, who work every day and who want a piece of the pie.

We’ll get every kid a strong start in life with universal 4-year-old preschool.

We’ll lower student debt with accelerated learning and locked-in tuition for 4 years.

We’ll grow jobs from the community up, relying on small businesses where 80 percent of jobs are created.

We’ll fight for equal pay for equal work and defend a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions. We’ll never roll back Iowans’ civil rights.

We’ll work with consumers and agricultural producers to improve water quality and prevent soil erosion and continue to make farming profitable.

I believe in outcomes. I’ll set achievable goals, track progress and be honest about the numbers. Isn’t that how Iowans run their businesses?

It’s no accident the word “candidate” starts with “candid.” It’s time for a fresh start and new leadership that will be candid and accountable to Iowans.

That’s my vision for our future: Iowa succeeding because our families, our small businesses, our communities and our people succeed.

If you entrust me with the great honor of serving as your governor, you have my solemn vow that I will work tirelessly, candidly and compassionately for you and for the great state of Iowa.

I respectfully ask for your support and your vote on Nov. 4th.