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Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Guest Opinion

During 20 years in the military and again as a doctor, I saw again and again that extraordinary times demand extraordinary action.

Having left home at 16 and working as a nurse to fund medical school, I’ve accomplished so much more than I ever dreamed possible. I’ve experienced the honors and joys of a successful professional life highlighted with military honors and medals, academic diplomas and publications, teaching awards and recognition of volunteer services locally and internationally.

I left academic medicine at the University of Iowa and entered private practice in Ottumwa to afford more time with my husband of 25 years and our two children — one now a high school senior and the other in college.

Seeking public office really wasn’t something I’d even considered until my last visit to Capitol Hill as the first female president of the Iowa Medical Society. It was my frustration with the failure of Congress to act in Iowans’ best interests — a frustration the voters feel on so many fronts — that motivated me to take the extraordinary step of seeking the Second Congressional District seat. It’s time we begin to have the representation we need and deserve.

For me, the final straws were:

• The lack of progress on Medicare reimbursement that penalizes health care providers despite the high-quality treatment and care delivered in Iowa;

• The lack of initiative to address social insecurity despite the ballooning number of retirees;

• A cumbersome tax system that encourages lobbyists and special interest groups to seek preferential tax treatment instead of offering taxpayers the option of a flat tax;

• An energy policy that is yet to be developed; and

• The fear of government controlled and mandated health care.

That’s what motivated me to run for office, and those are the priorities that will have my attention as a member of Congress.

As a candidate, I bring forward unique skills from my nursing, medical, military, teaching and small business owner background. As a physician, the attributes of listening, collaborating, persuading, relationship building, forthrightness and honesty are desperately needed in Congress.

Watching Congress spend weeks obtaining baseball players’ testimony about steroid use seemed to underscore its ineffectiveness and partisanship.

Each party appeared more interested in claiming victory than achieving progress to move our country forward. Each day I confront the policies put into place by those who lack the vision to foresee their impact on the rest of us and how it dampens our potential.

The voters of the Second District are hard-working, honest people trying their best to raise families and serve their communities, and they deserve so much more than party line votes, hidden earmarks and catering to the special interests.

Because I’m action-oriented and involved in my community, I have my finger on the pulse of the issues that we all want addressed. I have offered solutions for individual health plans to permit accessible, affordable and portable nationwide health insurance that encourages innovation and personal responsibility.

I’ve described methods for sustaining and strengthening Social Security. I’ve advocated for veterans’ rights, particularly medical care in their own communities. After all, they’ve paid that price with their service and their own blood.

I favor creating an industry of energy within our district that promotes our economy, protects our environment and ensures our national security. I have been steadfast and unwavering in my message, focusing on the problems we face and workable solutions. Given my tenacity, spirit and strong work ethic, I would be a tireless advocate for the voters of the Second District.

We need a bridge that heals division and distrust. I can be that bridge.

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