Occupation/profession: Car Builder / Manufacturer Hydraulic Clutch Pedal Systems
District: Iowa House 81
Twitter handle: @westrichforIowa
Facebook address: Facebook.com/WestrichforIowa
Education: Desoto (Mo) High School (1984); Jefferson Community College, (1986)
Campaign website address: WestrichforIowa.com
IFR: Why did you decide to run for office?
I decided to run for office because I want to represent the needs of rural Wapello county. Our current representative has been ineffective for years, showing few results to help the honest working-class people of our district. I will be a strong voice for the kind of results our rural county needs to grow and thrive.
IFR: What do you hope to accomplish?
As a small business owner, I know how taxes and burdensome regulations can stifle growth. I will work to lower taxes & work toward fewer regulations.
I will work to reduce govt spending, as legislators, we must budget wisely and put more money back into the pockets of hard-working Iowans.
I am willing to listen to both sides of the issues facing our County. I will not be a partisan voice, I will do what is best to serve the people of my district.
Wapello county is a great place to raise and family. I want to work with our local officials to bring good-paying long-lasting jobs to our rural areas. I will work to bring great jobs to our district so that our children can become the future leaders of our community and make a great life here for our grandchildren.
IFR What would you like the voters to know?
I have made a career out of building and restoring vehicles, this has been my life’s passion. I have worked as a bookkeeper, and as a bank teller and have worked a variety of hands-on jobs. As a welder, car builder, and auto electrician, I know what it’s like to work hard for a paycheck. I view being a representative as a job, not public service. I will get to work on day one and do my best to represent my friends and neighbors when I go to Des Moines.
IFR NOTES:
Iowa 81 is a top target for Iowa House Republicans and the Democrats know it. Mary Gaskill has held the seat for nine terms. Dems have invested $1.7 million in tv for this fall and $700k is earmarked for seats they currently hold. So far Prichard & company has spent more than $60k on TV to help Gaskill. They may need more as Trump won the 81st by 16 points in 2016, and the district is expected to get a boost from Trump again this year.
