"Democracy is easy to take for granted because we have always had it.  But democracy in Iowa is weak and our freedoms are being chipped away by a very partisan government in Des Moines ..." more

If you were asked to write a 500-word essay about our hometown, Eldridge, what would you say? Perhaps something like this: more

Feb. 27, 1974: An effort was underway to establish an ambulance service in Eldridge, the city council learned. The proposed service would be part of a countywide network, including the LeClaire Ambulance and newly established services in Buffalo and Durant. Areas outside of Davenport were currently serviced by a private company, M&M Ambulance Service. Mike Hunt of LeClaire showed the council an outline of a program that would provide ambulance service to all Scott County residents in a maximum 15-minute response time. more

The Iowa Senate concluded our first big deadline of the session, and last week we focused on floor debate. In between debates, I had the opportunity to meet with AEA members to continue the discussion about the proposed legislation. more

On Feb. 19, the Iowa House of Representatives started debate, and I managed a bill on the floor that I introduced this session, House File 2249. more

Following our first legislative deadline last week, the seventh week of session in the Iowa Senate focused on floor debate. After bills pass the Senate, they are sent to the House of Representatives for their consideration. more

The Taxpayer Relief Fund now has a $3.6772 billion balance in its account, affirming Iowa’s sound fiscal management over the last 10 years with the current majority. more

"What’s happening around town is not the old ding-dong-ditching game that most of us grew up with where someone rang your doorbell during the day or evening and then quickly ran away ..." more

Back in January, I bought tickets the first day they were available for the Feb. 14 Broadway production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" and the pre-show buffet at the Adler in downtown Davenport. more

Congratulations, readers! more

Feb. 22, 1984: Students at John Glenn Elementary School were enjoying working on the new school computer. It was purchased for $3,000 with funds raised by the PTO at the recent school carnival and raffle. more

The 2016 election marked a turning point in American politics. One noteworthy example was the increase in the number of women running for office. more

Keeping students safe in schools is a top priority for House Republicans for all Iowans. That’s why the Public Safety Committee advanced House Study Bill 675 to ensure students have the protection they deserve all day. HSB 675 has two parts, the first addresses the need for school resources officers inside buildings and the second creates a professional weapons permit and with extensive training for school employees. more

The sixth week at the Iowa Senate included one of the first major deadlines, which kept us busy with many subcommittees and committees to pass legislation through its first hurdle. This meant we covered a wide range of issues while we worked towards that deadline. more

The sixth week of the legislative session included our first deadline of the year, keeping us busy in subcommittee and committee meetings as we worked to get important legislation covering a wide range of issues through our first hurdle. more

Last week was a busy one for me in the Judiciary and State Government committees so I will write about three important bills in these committees. I have heard a lot about these issues from all of you. more

"Last year, Iowans learned the terrifying news that our state has the second highest cancer rate in the nation and Iowa is the only state where the rate is increasing ..." more

Feb. 13, 1974: The North Scott wrestling team would compete in the sectional tournament in the AAA class – the largest in the state –for the first time. The tournament would be held at Bettendorf High School, with Davenport West and Davenport Central also competing. more

"America, we can do better than another Biden-Trump rematch! Right now, as an independent voter, I’d welcome a decent third party candidate ..." more

"The Sheridan Meadows pond was mostly a drought depleted weed bed this past summer, adding to the eye sore a dehydrated swamp. I again ask this new city council and mayor for active leadership in addressing this concealed gem we have at Sheridan Meadows Park ..." more