To the editor:

From 1995-2002, I had the exceptional honor and privilege of representing Fort Dodge, Clare and parts of rural Webster County in the Iowa House. I can never thank the voters enough for that incredible experience. My sincere hope at that time was to do my very best to help serve the people of my hometown and county to the best of my ability.

Serving in other ways, I was able to teach and coach for nearly a decade at CAM Community Schools in Massena. For two terms, I was written in as mayor there. Later I was asked by Govs. Branstad and Reynolds to serve at the Iowa Department of Education and later as chair at PERB. As readers may know at my confirmation this spring, two senators, Nate Boulton and Tony Bisignano, spoke on the Iowa Senate floor this spring and declared I was not fit for continued service. This was prior to the disclosure of Boulton’s unethical behavior that removed him from the governor’s race. Their fellow caucus members joined them and while I won the vote 27-20, was removed from that post by not getting a two-thirds majority.

After Boulton’s floor speech, Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink stood on the Senate floor and spoke on my behalf in a dignified manner when he didn’t have to. He was factual and statesmanlike in his response. I will always be grateful that he did so and urge voters in his district to support this gentleman. He is a class act.

In Ann Meyer, an exceptionally talented, hard-working and caring individual is ready to be a leader from day one in the Iowa House. Having extensively worked both in and with the Iowa House, I know she will be a terrific state representative. I truly believe she will be exactly the kind, bipartisan voice that this state needs. She will work tirelessly for you.

We need these exceptional Iowans, Kraayenbrink and Meyer, in the Iowa General Assembly. Please kindly support them with your vote.

Mike Cormack

Former state representative

Fort Dodge/Webster County

Des Moines