Letter to the Editor From Jim Dale of Decorah in support of Jan Heikes

State Senate candidate Jan Heikes

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Jim Dale of Decorah):

"I'm struggling this election season to keep a positive spirit.

Politicians have decided campaigns are won by trashing one's opponent rather than practical proposals.  This seems less so for local contests where we know the candidates personally. For me that seems a happier place to focus my patriotism.  However, even here I get brochures with one side depicting a candidate in glorious smiling Technicolor, flags waving in the background.  On the opposite side the opponent's picture in sour macabre smudged grays complete with nasty warnings.  If you get one of those campaign advertisements, beware.  If you believe either side you are being manipulated.  Often such brochures are produced by a state party or some political action special interest group.  This might urge you to vote the maligned candidate as having the most integrity.

This year I know one candidate personally.  Jan Heikes is an active member of the church I pastored.  She is a positive, regular, faithful, responsible community spirit builder.  As mental health coordinator for Winneshiek and Allamakee counties, she once called me to ask if I could help her by being a conservator for a man whose life was ruined with alcoholism.  I managed his finances and provided support several years in a care facility.  Later I called Jan with a case of a paraplegic, mentally handicapped woman.  She helped me find a satisfactory and practical solution.  In both cases I supervised these folks with no charge to taxpayers.  Jan knew public and private resources and cared for the people of Northeastern Iowa, bringing them together for the benefit of all.

If Jan Heikes is elected to represent Senate District 28, we will all experience the worth of her compassion, practical organization and wisdom.  That gives me hope."