February 21, 2010
John Beard will run for second term in Iowa House
John Beard (D) of Decorah will pursue a second two-year term as representative for house District 16.
"It's been satisfying for me just to be able to help constituents find their way through the morass of state government," said Beard of his time in office.
Beard said one of things he has found the most surprising, has been "how having the title at the end (of my name) suddenly gives me better access as a private citizen."
Issues
Beard added, while he's been involved in a number of pieces of legislation, there really hasn't been any bill with his name on it.
"I do have my bottle bill (can redemption), which is a work in progress. It's been a difficult issue, but I'm pleased with the progress I'm making on it," he said.
He said coming up with a better way to manage returnable cans and bottles, "is part of an overall desire to address waste in our society and move toward a green economy. The reasons I feel that is desirable are both economic and moral."
"We owe it to the generations that preceded us and the generations that will follow us to be good stewards of the earth we inherited," he said.
Relationship building
Beard said during his time in the Legislature he has been pleased with the relationships he has built with his colleagues.
"I do think I'm good at developing productive relationships with people, and I think that's proving out. I am developing a reputation as someone who is good to work with ... With all my colleagues, whether they're in my party or not. Some issues transcend party lines," he said.
Beard said he also believes serving in Des Moines is "one of the most interesting ways to pursue a continuing education."
Beard lives in rural Decorah with his wife, Rojene, and son, Chance.
http://www.decorahnewspapers.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=13&ArticleID=21830
