I’m concerned not enough Iowans will see this lack of transparency as a big deal. For many of us we’re not aware of the importance of a board or commission unless it affects us personally. This power grab should alarm us all.
I worked for the State of Iowa for 25 years, abd I find this entire process to be appalling. I'm glad that I am retired I wasn't really happy with the merging of IDPH and DHS. I don't know if they had public hearings on the progress of the merger, but they had online documents that were updated frequently, and input was welcomed. I don't know the level of involvement from the State Board of Health and the equivalent board at DHS, but the process took more than one year. Paulson's committee needs to start over again.
Am I right that one proposal is to get rid of the state's interagency council on homelessness (may not be the exact name). That sure is dumb. Homelessness is becoming a bigger issue not a smaller one, and coordination is important to solve it.
What happened to the environment of decency, collaboration and compromise that existed in large measure - for example during the era of Harold Hughes (D) and Robert Ray (R) ? The winner takes all is pretty much it now.
The obvious bottom line threat to Iowans is the "invasive species" problem that we (people) pose to the future of our children and grandchildren. Development sprawl. Hyper-industrial agriculture. Rural youth exodus (brain drain) to urban places.
It doesn't look good.
The alarming part is that political resistance and effective opposition (well-articulated alternatives) to Iowa's current ruling class agenda is robust and unrelenting in too few places.
This seems to be the way our governor operates: behind close doors, pushing things through at the last minute, obfuscating, trying to diminish power of boards, hamstringing our State Auditor.
I’m concerned not enough Iowans will see this lack of transparency as a big deal. For many of us we’re not aware of the importance of a board or commission unless it affects us personally. This power grab should alarm us all.
I worked for the State of Iowa for 25 years, abd I find this entire process to be appalling. I'm glad that I am retired I wasn't really happy with the merging of IDPH and DHS. I don't know if they had public hearings on the progress of the merger, but they had online documents that were updated frequently, and input was welcomed. I don't know the level of involvement from the State Board of Health and the equivalent board at DHS, but the process took more than one year. Paulson's committee needs to start over again.
Kim Reynolds being Kim Reynolds.
While I agree from time to time boards and commissions need to be looked at, this is not the way to do it.
Shameful tactics! Is this Iowa?
Am I right that one proposal is to get rid of the state's interagency council on homelessness (may not be the exact name). That sure is dumb. Homelessness is becoming a bigger issue not a smaller one, and coordination is important to solve it.
Correct, they want to get rid of that council because supposedly Iowa Finance Authority staff can handle those functions.
Of course they likely cannot.
. . . . poor Iowa !
What happened to the environment of decency, collaboration and compromise that existed in large measure - for example during the era of Harold Hughes (D) and Robert Ray (R) ? The winner takes all is pretty much it now.
The obvious bottom line threat to Iowans is the "invasive species" problem that we (people) pose to the future of our children and grandchildren. Development sprawl. Hyper-industrial agriculture. Rural youth exodus (brain drain) to urban places.
It doesn't look good.
The alarming part is that political resistance and effective opposition (well-articulated alternatives) to Iowa's current ruling class agenda is robust and unrelenting in too few places.
This seems to be the way our governor operates: behind close doors, pushing things through at the last minute, obfuscating, trying to diminish power of boards, hamstringing our State Auditor.