Letter to the Editor regarding State Representative Mike Bergan

State Representative Mike Bergan

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Lisbeth Peirce of Decorah):

"It is a travesty, that in these times, partisan politics are the trend. Our politicians don't want to take the time anymore to cross party lines and talk to or listen to their constituents. They most certainly do not vote their personal conscience. They vote what their party tells them to.

I'm not so sure why I'm so surprised then, that State Representative Mike Bergan is no exception. Though I am not Republican, many Democrats in NE Iowa voted for State Representative Bergan because we thought we could send a moderate to the house. We thought he would represent everyone--Republicans and Democrats--which is so needed with the conservative legislature we have now.

Bergan is the former director of HAWC (Partnerships for Children working to help kids, families, and communities), so I thought he would be interested in protecting our future, our most vulnerable women and children. Instead, he has voted against these very people he has worked to advocate for for much of his career.

We need Representative Bergan to be OUR representative, who cannot be bought. We need him to come to town hall meetings with the intention of actually listening to his constituents. We want him to work for the betterment of the women, children, men and families of Northeast Iowa-not for the continuation of power and money of his own party. We all live in the same community. We all have to live with the consequences. We elected Rep Mike Bergan and we want him to listen to the people who are on the ground working as nurses, doctors, social workers, teachers, college students, mental health counselors, and business owners who will impacted by his decisions. If you are not working for the people, who are you working for Representative Bergan?"