300 Main Street, Suite 200, Dubuque, IA 52001
Mon – Thurs 8 am – 5 pm, Fri 8 am – 12 pm
Charles Isenhart (D)
PO Box 3353
Dubuque, IA 52004-3353
(563) 557-1261
goodcampaign@aol.com
Who?
Chuck Isenhart, State Representative since 2009. Attended Wahlert High School, Loras College (political science/mass communications) and Marquette University (College of Journalism).
Served 17 years as executive director of the Dubuque Area Labor-Management Council. Council’s work included initiatives such as the Alliance for Construction Excellence, Tri-State Health C.A.R.E. Coalition, Communities and Schools Together, and a variety of other activities jointly supported by employers and unions, including the Education-to-Employment Scholarship/
Grant Program.
Now a small business owner (Common Good Services, Awestruck Nature Photography and sports officiating).
Previously worked many years for a variety of publications as a reporter/
writer/editor/photographer. Research, investigative reporting and writing experience have served me well as an elected official. (I try not to speak if I don’t know what I am talking about, and I am always ready, willing and able to learn.)
Why?
To use my knowledge, experience and relationships with stakeholders in the Dubuque area, state and nation to serve the people of Dubuque and Iowa, focusing on the public interest and the common good. State government should work for everyone.
Mother was an elementary school library aide. Father was a WW II Navy veteran who worked for the electric company. Both were deeply involved in the community. Our family has succeeded because both of our parents worked in fields with good, supportive public policy (education and energy). Offering myself for public service is one way I can honor their legacy, give back to the community and reflect the values of the “greatest generation.”
What?
Sustainable economic growth and workforce policies that benefit employers, workers and communities alike, with an emphasis on quality-of-life issues: public education, an accessible health care system, decent affordable housing, protection and enhancement of our natural resources, renewable low-cost energy, revitalization of a healthy food system, support for public safety and health, investment in physical infrastructure and care for the vulnerable among us.
How you intend to represent the business community?
I have been and will continue to be routinely available to communicate and work with all contributors to the local economy, setting up regular opportunities to discuss issues of importance. I try to show up for as many local organizations as I can when they are having public events, including open houses, groundbreakings ribbon-cuttings and many fundraisers.
On matters of general concern involving state law, I am willing to introduce legislation and/or work with other legislators to do so. Through my links to various state agencies, I can typically get responses to constituent questions or concerns within hours or days. I do not hesitate to turn on my microphone on the floor of the House of Representatives to address or attempt to amend legislation that impacts our community and the people I represent.
What should the government’s role in business entail?
To work collaboratively to provide a stable business climate; offer policy support and incentives to advance community, economic and workforce development; maintain a capacity to rapidly respond to disasters and emergent concerns; and ensure that state rules and regulations affecting business are fairly developed and applied.
State government can best support business by effectively partnering with communities to expand access to workforce and economic development programs, education, health care and affordable housing, as well as child care.
State government should not interfere with the ability of cities, counties and school districts to respond to the concerns of business and other community stakeholders, or impose unfunded mandates without enabling access to the resources required to provide public services.
