To the editor:

We have an unusually unique opportunity with this election. Native Fort Dodger, Megan Srinivas is running for the 9th district House seat; she is exceptional in her scholarship, experience as a physician and her common sense approach to many problems. I knew Megan when I was still teaching, and she was a phenomenal force of good for our school. She graduated from Harvard, University. of Iowa Medical School, and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Megan is knowledgeable in public policy from an additional Masters program and her natural engagement with issues that affect Iowans. She is eminently qualified to deal with the Medicaid mess that has dramatically increased administrative costs in Iowa and diminished services. Her concern for our embarrassing mental health failures is genuine and based on her personal experiences in Webster County as a physician and a student of medical policies which include discussing such issues with members of both parties when researching at the state house.

Megan will support the IPERS savings/retirement pension plan that not only helps us retain public employees but also is an economic stimulus for the state. Those who would privatize IPERS would see a failure as notable as the Medicaid fiasco. Conservatives have weakened a collective bargaining process that passed with the encouragement of an enlightened Republican governor, Robert D. Ray.

Megan would like to see farmers expand crop alternatives including hemp which has many applications including clothing and biofuel. She is an innovative thinker with an intellect to match any challenge. She would be a powerful representative for this district. Please consider voting for this outstanding candidate.

Ken Seversen

Fort Dodge