There are two candidates running for Iowa House Representative of District 23, and we talked with Republican Incumbent Ray Sorensen.

Sorensen grew up in Fontanelle, living in a trailer home with his parents and sisters. He enjoyed sports, history and art. Once he graduated from Nodaway Valley High School, he attended Des Moines Area Community College, married his wife Maria, and they now raise their children in Greenfield. Sorensen shares what he thinks some big topics in the coming legislative session will be.

“I think one of the biggest topics that will be discussed and addressed is property taxes. As I visit with constituents across the district, they are dismayed with what is going on. We need to get serious about creating some certainty for the taxpayers so they can plan for their futures. Education is our foundation, and is evident with over half of our budget going towards it. We have raised teacher pay, and I will continue to fight for what our students need to thrive. I also continue to work closely with the Department of Information Technology on how NOFA’s (Notice of Funding Availability) and the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funding are being rolled out as we continue to work toward connecting all islands to a broadband or better connection in our state.” (32.8 seconds)

Sorensen mentions that with Greenfield still recovering from the May 21st tornado, he plans to continue to work to help the community recover however he can. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio why he is running for reelection.

“I’m 45, running a small business and right in the thick of it with school-aged children. I’m running because it is important to have representation for all of us who are in that busiest part of life. It is too important to leave all the policy decisions up to the attorneys in Des Moines. There are still goals I want to accomplish for our district and great state, and serving in the majority and in a leadership position makes that all possible.” (22.2 seconds)

Sorensen also says that he plans to continue to work with those legislators who are across the aisle, as many bills that are passed by the Iowa Legislature actually have bi-partisan support.

For the full candidate interview, along with interviews with other candidates in contested races in the KKRF in Depth Meet the Candidates News Magazine, click the link below.

https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2024/10/15/kkrf-in-depth-meet-the-candidates-news-mag/