Meet the candidate running for Iowa House District 37 in Pella
One candidate is running to represent Iowa House District 37, which covers parts of Jasper and Marion counties, including Pella and Pleasantville.
Incumbent Republican Rep. Barb Kniff McCulla is running unopposed.
To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal and Des Moines area legislative candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
The primary election is scheduled for June 4 ahead of the Nov. 5 general election.
More: Early voting has started for Iowa's June 4 primary election. Here's what you should know:
Who is Barb Kniff McCulla (incumbent)?
Age: 67
Party: Republican
Where did you grow up: Michigan
Current town of residence: Pella
Education: Bachelor of Arts
Occupation: Small business owner
Political experience and civic activities: Many boards and commissions: international, publicly traded, county, state, city, nonprofits, served in church, etc. Helped fundraise for groups and a part of local Central Committee.
What would be your top issue should you be elected?
Kniff McCulla: Small business. We need to continue to secure their futures with policy that helps them for they are the backbone of America. This would include workforce development and economic growth.
What policies would you support to improve Iowa’s education system?
Kniff McCulla: Continue to make a child's education all that it can be because they are the workforce of the future.
What do you think Iowa’s tax policy should be? Do you believe the state’s priority should be on lowering rates or spending on services for Iowans?
Kniff McCulla: Favorable to Iowans and lowering rates help Iowans. And with the current taxpayer relief funds, this will help with the services.
What policies would you support to improve school safety in Iowa?
Kniff McCulla: Help those inside the building be able to protect themselves. There was already a law that schools could have armed staff but couldn't find insurance so the new bill will be of help. Helping to put cameras in schools that don't have them. Children are a gift from God and protection is important.
What next steps do you believe the Iowa Legislature should take when it comes to abortion?
Kniff McCulla: We need to take a look at the current 20 week law for Iowa.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet the candidate running for Iowa House District 37 in Pella
