Branstad Moves Toward Open Records in Appointments
Governor Branstad announced disclosure of names for part time state job applicants and formed a panel to study the open records law. The shifts, prompted by a Des Moines Register lawsuit, aim to improve transparency and reduce court battles while benefiting citizens, officials, and applicants.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Branstad
Parimutuel Racing Commission
Des Moines Register
Commission
Cedar Rapids
Branstad Names Diverse Panel to New State Racing Commission
Governor Branstad selects a cross section of Iowans for the Racing Commission with backgrounds in business, politics, land use, and regional planning. Steve Severn from Marion offers economic insight, while changes include replacing Gerald Manatt with Bud Pike to avoid any cloud over the commission as it begins its work.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Branstad
New State Racing Commission
Steve Severn
Marion
Severn
Regional Planning Commission
Zoning Commission
Linn County
Gerald Manatt
Brooklyn
Manatt
L.C
Bud” Pike
Grundy Center
Penny penny: Minnesota man wins one cent tax refund
A St Cloud man received a one cent IRS tax refund after requesting it, despite the agency normally ignoring cent-level variances. The case cost the government 22.5 cents in mailing, a tiny blip in the budget but a lighthearted example of small refunds and taxpayer publicity.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wire Service
St. Cloud
Minn
IRS
Minnesota
Gopher
Review of Declaration Meets a Need
Washington recalls the Declaration of Independence as a remarkable literary work. Jefferson led the drafting with edits by Congress, removing slavery references and censure of England. The document centers on self evident rights, pursuing happiness, and government securing those rights, with irony on religiously invoked Providence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jefferson
Congress
South Carolina
Georgia
Realtors PAC defense and flag tribute letters debate
Letters defend RPAC as a needed link between public opinion and legislators, noting billions in annual contributions support housing and business access. The piece also corrects common myths about PAC power and ends with a patriotic primer on the U.S. flag and the Pledge of Allegiance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
National Association of Realtors Pac
PAC
RPAC
Justice sought over alleged burglary case involving Craig Lewis
A mother writes about her 22 year old son Craig Lewis who was jailed after a March 27 second degree burglary arrest near Wilson Junior High School. She contends police evidence was faulty noting footprints and shoes taken as evidence and urges reevaluation, noting a June 28 guilty verdict and August 10 sentencing. She questions jury fairness and treatment of other offenders, and defends her son's character.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Craig Lewis
Wilson Junior High School
Brownouts as a proposed solution to Iowa Electric rate hike
A reader argues against a 29 percent summer rate increase by Iowa Electric, suggesting brownouts as a cheaper peak demand control and proposing patient exemptions for medical needs. The note critiques nuclear power, praises flexible license plates with motto decals, and urges media transparency.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Iowa Electric
Commission
Also Mentioned on This Page
John Donnelly
Art Heusinkveld
Batatie
Pinta
John Robertson
Forrest Kilmer
Quad City Times
Davenport
Iowa Freedom of Information Council
Parimutuel Commission
Washington
England
James J. Kilpatrick
the Gazette
Pacs
the Realtors Political Action Committee
APAC
Gazette
The
United States
Betsy Ross
U.S
America
Justice
Craig
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