Elesha Gayman for Iowa House of Representatives, District 84

Background:

I was born and raised in Davenport, IA. I graduated from Davenport West High School in 1997, the University of Iowa in 2001 with a BA in political Science, and I am currently attending classes from Drake University to earn my Masters in Public Administration. Currently I work full time as the Lead Facilitator with the Safer Foundation's Davenport Youth Empowerment Program.

Goals:

I am not the typical candidate running for office in Iowa. I am 28 and I am a woman...but the reason I am running is because I am quickly becoming a minority in my state. Iowa ranks 49th in the nation in retaining college graduates. The survival of our state and our future depends on keeping young people in our great state. I spoke with people across Iowa during the last election cycle and over and over again I was asked where all the young people were going. I am running for the Iowa House to let young people know that there is a place for them in Iowa and to maintain the sense of family and community that Iowa is known for.

Issues:

While my goal remains to make Iowa a destination for young people, the three issues that will need to be addressed to make this happen affect all Iowans. We need to have a clear economic development plan, we need to address the outrageous cost of health care, and we need to fully fund education.

Grassroots Support:

I was a delegate for Howard Dean to the DNC in Boston last summer. I was inspired by his campaign and grassroots effort. I am relying heavily on the motivation and talents of the local Democracy for the Quad Cities volunteers to be the base for my campaign.

DFA Values:

I believe the single most important thing that a government can do is operate in a fiscally responsible manor. That is balance the budget. However, the government must also provide, quality education, public safety, basic human services, a clean environment and the opportunity and climate for economic growth, development, and jobs.