Bill's Vision
During the 2006 election Bill ran on a platform of taking advantage of the opportunities available through renewable energy, promoting conservation and stewardship both in town and on the farm, and sharing the story of Iowa agriculture. He believes that we still have work to do on each of these issues so that we make sure Iowa agriculture remains strong. However, new issues continue to arise and there are three new issues that Bill wants to work on during the next four years if Iowans choose to re-elect him.
Provide a Strong Voice for Farmers and Iowa Agriculture
- Bill has visited each of Iowa's 99 counties every year he has been in office and will continue to do so that he can meet with Iowans and talk about the opportunities available through Iowa agriculture and also the challenges that are facing farmers.
- This includes reaching out to non-farmers to share the new technologies farmers are using and why. It is vital we help educate a public who is further removed from the farm than ever before.
Use Science and New Technologies to Respond to Environmental Challenges, Not Heavy-handed Government Regulation
- Farmers were the nation's first environmentalist and still care deeply about taking care of the land. They were raised knowing that they depended on the land for their livelihood, and caring for the land is vital to making sure they can continue to work the land.
- New farming techniques and updated technologies have allowed farmers who raise both crops and livestock to significantly reduce their environmental impact, but we still have more work to do.
- One example is of the opportunities available is using nitrate removal wetlands to help address water quality issues here in Iowa and also downstream in the Gulf of Mexico.
- By using these wetlands in conjunction with tile-drained fields, we can continue to produce the food, feed, fiber and fuel needed for a rapidly expanding global population, but also better care for our air, soil and water here in Iowa.
- Bill has also started an Urban Conservation program within the Department to help communities, developers and landowners better manage the rain that falls in our towns and cities in a way that better protects water quality.
Efficient, Effective and Transparent Leadership to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
- The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's budget has been cut 23 percent over the last 2 years, and Bill believes that means we need to do things smarter and more efficiently.
- Individuals, families and private businesses have been cutting back and doing with less during the current recession, and government can do the same.
- Bill has put the Department's budget online so taxpayers can know where their money is going.
- He has also looked at ways of doing things differently and more efficiently. For example, the Department has saved significant money by moving the State's metrology lab to a community college and allowing them to use it to help teach students.
