Ron Corbett

Editor’s Note: Cedar Rapids Mayor and Engage Iowa leader recently visited the Tama News-Herald – Toledo Chronicle offices. His stop was part of a state-wide effort to inform Iowans about a new conservative group initative.

The following is an explanation of the group which he submitted for pblication.

Engage Iowa is a conservative, freedom-focused think tank and policy incubator. Created by Iowans for Iowa, Engage Iowa is bringing together the brightest minds and leaders from across our state.

We exist to craft research based, pragmatic, common sense solutions that will move our state forward by bringing rural and urban Iowans together to modernize the tax code, build great schools and protect our environment.

Why Now?

For too long liberal think tanks have dominated Iowa’s public policy debate. This creates the mistaken impression that liberals are the only group with new ideas.

That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Liberals in Iowa, and across the nation, continue to repackage and roll out the same Big Government schemes that have been failing us for decades.

Isn’t it time we had real choice in the market place of ideas? Isn’t it time Iowans heard solutions based on more freedom, and not more government? Isn’t it time for a conservative driven think tank?

We think so.

Taxes:

In the early days of our nation, Daniel Webster warned us that the power to tax is also the power to destroy. If they are too high, if they are too complicated, and if they are put on the wrong things; taxes stifle innovation, kill jobs, and eradicate prosperity.

Engage Iowa is working to modernize and simplify Iowa’s tax code so that our state becomes a beacon of innovation and growth, while reducing the tax burden on working families.

Sustainability:

Iowa’s agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy. Our farmers help produce the world-class food and much-needed energy that the rest of our nation, and even the world, relies on.

However, Iowans are justifiably concerned about the safety and quality of our water.

The fact is, we do NOT have to choose between strong farms, a vibrant economy, and a safe environment.

Our urban, suburban, and rural areas must partner together to create a clear and sustainable plan to improve water quality in Iowa’s watersheds, lakes, rivers, and streams.

We shouldn’t be fighting one another on this issue. We must come together and find meaningful, workable solutions that help everyone.

About Ron Corbett:

Engage Iowa is led by former speaker of the Iowa House Ron Corbett, and currently servig as mayor of Cedar Rapids.