Former Decorah Park-Rec Director Rick Edwards is running for State Assembly

The announcement by State Assemblyman Roger Thomas that he is not seeking re-election has brought forth a new candidate to run on the Democratic Party ticket--former Decorah Parks & Rec Director Rick Edwards.

Edwards, who led the Parks & Recreation Department in Decorah for 19 years, has begun circulating nomination papers and is expected to file them for a run for the office.

"I will work to bring good jobs to our community and protect our natural resources. I will be a strong voice for rural Iowa and do all I can to help build a strong middle class," said Edwards.
 
While Edwards served as Park and Recreation Director he helped launch the Food & Fitness Initiative, led an expansion of the park system, including Trout Run Trail, and established the first community garden six years ago.

Edwards and his wife, Deb, own a small farm in Glenwood Township.  Deb works for the Decorah Community School District as an associate in the nurses office.  They are members of First Lutheran Church in Decorah.  They have five children and three grandchildren. He is an Emmetsburg, Iowa native and attended Iowa Lakes Community College and Mankato State University.

Republican Darrel Branhagen of Decorah has already filed his nomination papers for the State Assembly district, meaning there will be a race for the open seat in the legislature.  The 55th State Assembly district includes most of Winneshiek County, a large part of Fayette County and some of Clayton County.