Meet the candidates running for Iowa House District 48 in Boone County

Two candidates are seeking to represent Iowa House District 48 in Boone County.

Republican Chad Behn and Democrat Penny Vossler are each running unopposed in their party's primary and will face each other in the general election. Incumbent Republican Phil Thompson is not running for reelection.

To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal and Des Moines area legislative candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

The primary election is scheduled for June 4 ahead of the Nov. 5 general election.

More: Early voting has started for Iowa's June 4 primary election. Here's what you should know:

Who is Chad Behn?

Age: 46

Party: Republican

Current town of residence: Boone

Education: Graduated from Boone High School before going on to get an associate degree from Des Moines Area Community College and a Bachelor of Science in communication from Presentation College

Occupation: Farmer

Political experience and civic activities: Boone County Supervisor 2016-2020; Central Iowa Community Services Mental Health Board

Who is Penny Vossler?

Age: 67

Party: Democrat

Current town of residence: Boone

Education: Bachelor of Science in mathematics, Associate in Science in computer programming, Master of Science in space studies, MSc Geographical Information Systems degree

Occupation: Retired GIS coordinator for Boone County, former teacher, associate scientist on a NASA satellite project, software test engineer and technical writer

Political experience and civic activities: Ran for Iowa House in 2022, current chair of the Boone County Democrats, former EMT (13 years), represented Boone County on the Chamber of Commerce, currently serving as a board member for the Friends of the Ericson Public Library and as a committee member for the current city of Boone Main Street Application.

What would be your top issue should you be elected?

Behn: My top issue would be tax reform. With high inflation hurting Iowa families, lowering the tax burden on Iowans is more important now than ever. Reducing taxes also incentivizes more people and businesses to call Iowa home.

Vossler: We need to fund our public schools above the rate of inflation. That has only been done once in the last 14 years and the compound effects are devastating. We only get one chance to educate this generation of children and we are failing them. I would also be a fighter for equal rights for everyone — be it civil rights, voting rights, women's rights, worker's rights — all have been under attack in Iowa. Our environment has been assaulted as well leaving us with undrinkable water and lakes unsuitable for swimming, boating or fishing.

What policies would you support to improve Iowa’s education system?

Behn: I believe state policy should give parents and students the opportunity to choose the best education for the child. As the Students First Act begins to take effect, we need to ensure it rolls out smoothly and that our schools are giving our children the best education.

Vossler: First, fund our schools. We would need to add $900 per child to pull even with inflation (over $3,000 for those with the most severe special needs). The budget surplus is on the backs of our school children. Next, require private schools to meet the same standards as public schools if they are to receive taxpayer funds.

What do you think Iowa’s tax policy should be? Do you believe the state’s priority should be on lowering rates or spending on services for Iowans?

Behn: Competitive tax policy is a key element in attracting people to Iowa and continuing economic growth. I believe creating a tax structure that attracts all business will better provide Iowans with opportunities to stay in Iowa and attract new people to the state.

Vossler: I would have loved to have seen the flat tax applied to the lowest earners first instead of the highest earners. But ultimately, it's a bad tax policy for everyone except the top 20% of earners. The rest of us will end up paying a larger percentage of our income in taxes as sales, excise, or income tax increases are instituted to make up for the drastically declining revenues generated by the flat tax. I believe in taxing the super-rich. Only a few pennies per dollar would generate revenue to take care of Iowa's people and land.

What policies would you support to improve school safety in Iowa?

Behn: I support investing in better security for our schools, like school resource officers. I also believe allowing teachers the option to be armed and trained for the worst-case scenarios will prevent bad actors from targeting our schools and will protect our children.

Vossler: Laws that keep firearms out of the hands of those who would do harm with them are the first step. We should treat guns like we do automobiles. Safety training and a license are required to operate one. Every firearm purchase (including gun shows) should require a background check with a waiting period, plus training in how to safely operate and store the gun. All gun sales should include at minimum a trigger lock and using it should be mandatory. And no guns should be allowed on school property except when carried by a law enforcement officer.

What next steps do you believe the Iowa Legislature should take when it comes to abortion?

Behn: We should know more this summer on next steps after the courts take on the issue.

Vossler: Reversing every step they have taken so far would be a good start. The only thing that has ever reduced abortion rates is an increased use of contraceptives. The Iowa Legislature should implement methods of widespread education on the human reproductive system and free health screenings (including contraception). This would help reverse the dismal maternal and infant mortality rates we see in Iowa, primarily by encouraging OB-GYNs to remain here and provide patient care. Many are now fleeing the state.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet the candidates running for Iowa House District 48 in Boone County