MASON CITY – Iowa Representative (D) Sharon Steckman spoke to the Mason City council during the public listening post on the charges of racism leveled against North Iowans and residents of Mason City from Prestage Foods’ Ron Prestage after his hog plant was turned down.
Mrs. Steckman confronted the “racist” label that was put on Mason City in a Des Moines Register article. She said “Ron Prestage labeled us racist” and said “why would we welcome him back” after what he said.
She also decried the short timeline since March 21 in which the Prestage Foods development was considered.
Thank you Sharon. Thank you for understanding the situation and that the numbers do not lie.
I agree with Sharon on this, even though I don’t share her party’s belief. Same with John Drury of Swaledale, I agree with what he he said at that last meeting. Prestage was going to pay money to the Mason City Schools but these people would live also in the West Fork School district, Manly Nora Springs, Charles City and Central Springs District. Where was the support for them? The 2.5 mile buffer zone was not a good deal either. This thing was just pushed upon us too fast. If there was more notice and time, I think thinks could have worked out and landed this deal. But no, the City of Mason City kept it under the sheets. Seven weeks was not enough time to do a deal like this.
I agree a 100% with Sharon on this. Ron Prestage has made it clear what he thinks of North Iowa and our City so don’t come looking for a free hand out of our money. Reaaly sickening when a company or elected officials don’t get their way they start to call names or label people to get around the facts.
Thank you Sharon
Thank you so much Rep. Steckman! No matter how this ends, I will not forget that you took a stand come reelection!
I feel exactly the same way. I signed your petition on caucus night and am glad I did!
Oh whatever. Everyone knows it’s a baaaad deal and that’s that. And right isn’t the Mayor and council suppose to represent ALL the people. Yeees. They sure didn’t until vote night when at least 3 came to their senses. That is not right.
I think she needs to stay out of it. She is supposed to represent all the people and she is only representing the no voters…that is not right.
… and do you equally feel that governor branstad should stay out of it? after all, he too is supposed to represent all of us, including people who do not want prestage in mason city.
Here is what else we KNOW. Bookmeyer and the other 3 AGAINST it’s very own citizens cannot stand the thought of being beat out by the other 3 councilmen and beat out by the majority of people. This was going to be their claim to fame for a minute before they left this town. We called them out, and the truth was exposed. Their tails between their legs and they hate every minute of it. They will do anything so be prepared Mason City, the snakes’ work isn’t done.
The interesting part will be watching the slitherings of how they will pull it off or the next secret demise of MC.
You have to ask your self WHY do they think it is cool to be AGAINST everyone? Power has no real teeth here, NY and LA would spit out what you think you have going on Bookmeyer and council. Who couldn’t push people around here, you big bullies
. Get over yourselves
.
The only people causing a problem here are the people against Prestage. They have lost site of the issues and have gone on personal attacks. And, they don’t even see it.
some of us are definitely guilty as charged. we need to do better. likewise, those of you who’ve resorted to calling us racists just because we dont want one of the worlds largest kill factories in town need to take a good look at yourselves too.