October 15, 2008
The Berlin Hawkeye
Newcomers tackle '08 issues
Ramaker, Kearns seek to provide fresh perspective for Legislature.
KEOKUK -- Since neither District 92 House candidate has held the seat before, they both have the opportunity to weigh in with a fresh perspective on last session's issues.
Republican Gary Ramaker and Democratic Jerry Kearns are vying to replace retiring Rep. Phil Wise, D-Keokuk, in representing the southeast Iowa district.
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Bottle bill
Culver proposed an expansion of the bottle bill that requires the 5-cent deposit on certain beverage products. The expansion included bottled water and increased the deposit to a dime, with an 8-cent return.
The discussion stalled in the Legislature.
Kearns and Ramaker agree that if the issue comes up, the deposit seems to be one way to ensure roadside ditches remain free of litter.
Kearns said, though, he doesn't want to burden retailers any more than needed. Ramaker said his knee-jerk response is to support an expansion but acknowledges there must have been a reason the expansion never passed.
"It looks to me like you might want to pass the most reasonable law, the best law for citizens, and by the time it makes it around ... that bill seems to have changed its complexion 150 percent," Ramaker said.
Ramaker said his only qualification in voting in favor of a bill if elected is that it is in District 92's best interest.
