Glenwood councilman Craig Florian seeks seat in legislature

Craig Florian, a life-long resident of southwest Iowa and 13-year member of the Glenwood City Council, has announced his candidacy for the 23rd District seat in the Iowa House of Representatives. Florian, a Democrat, is seeking the seat currently occupied by Republican David Sieck, also of Glen-wood. Sieck is running for re-election.

Florian has served on the city council since 2003 and spent five years working in the Mills County Treasurer’s Office. During his time on the council, Florian has been involved in the completion of the Mills County YMCA, 28-E agreements concerning land between the city of Glenwood and Glenwood Community School District School that resulted in the contruction of a new high school and city aquatic center. Florian also served on the council during the city’s purchase and renovation of the former Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints Church, which now serves as City Hall.

“This improvement cut down on upkeep and expense for  three different facilities. It was a half-million dollar investment that is valued at over a million,” Florian said.

Florian said as a legislator, he would work to end partisanship and gridlock.

“I was encouraged to see bipartisan action on transportation, but want to make sure it is spent on roads and bridges as intended, not salary increases,” Florian said.

Florian has served as a substitute teacher and said he believes the legislature should do more for public schools.

“With my background in the education system, I feel we could have done better for public education this last year. We also could have done better for the 560,000 Iowans on Medicaid than we did,” he said.

 Florian said he would also work hard for people with pain and debilitating diseases that could have benefited from the medical cannabis bill which did not pass during the 2016 session.

“I plan to focus on the future of Iowa. Instead of partisanship and gridlock, I want to see progress and prosperity for the Hawkeye State,” Florian said. “When I first got into politics, I believed that one person can make a difference. I still believe that or I wouldn’t be here today.”

The 2016 general election is Nov. 8.