(via social media)
Shannon Latham
Republican candidate in Senate District 27:
While Iowans don’t tend to think of themselves as rural residents unless they live on farms, communities in North Iowa are technically rural. Rural areas, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, are all population, housing and territory not included within an urban area that has a population of more than 50,000.
Recently I had an opportunity to attend an economic development forum sponsored by First Security Bank & Trust at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) where Ben Winchester with the University of Minnesota Extension Service was the keynote speaker. Winchester’s research shows that many people in their 30s want to move out of big cities. They prefer low-density living found in small towns and outer suburbs, and that’s why many areas are gaining population.
“It’s a quality of life, or a ‘live-force’ issue,” says Winchester. “These newcomers choose your town for what you are, not what you were. They don’t want to hear about what used to be here, so watch how you talk about your town so that you do not enforce the negative rural narrative.”
Winchester challenged the approximately 90 people in attendance at the economic development forum on March 29, 2017, to change the narrative from, “We’re located in the middle of nowhere” to “We’re located in the middle of everywhere.”
Proximity to both Minneapolis and Des Moines was attractive when my husband and I decided to move to North Iowa in 2003. We looked at housing in several communities but ultimately chose Sheffield because it’s equidistant from my husband’s hometown of Alexander and my hometown of Greene. We loved that Sheffield has a public library, community swimming pool, locally owned restaurants plus gas stations and Casey’s Pizza. We also were looking for a strong school district with small class sizes. Plus, we appreciated how welcoming residents were.
Our area is also blessed with recreational attractions like Clear Lake and cultural attractions like NIACC’s Performing Arts Center where you can catch Tony Award winning shows and performances by Grammy winning artists. The Surf in Clear Lake also attracts top performing artists, and Mason City is home to the world’s only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built hotel. Interested in local foods and brew pubs? Our region offers that, too!
North Iowa has so much to offer, and together we can make it so much more. Winchester said communities should advertise the things people like to do, so like-minded people move to their towns. Today’s technology makes it possible for many business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to work from “the middle of everywhere.” As these small businesses grow, they provide jobs to keep the next generation in North Iowa and also help us attract more business and more skilled workers. Maintaining current residents and recruiting newcomers keeps our communities vibrant and our schools viable.
With a 20-year record of building coalitions and strategic partnerships, I’m running for Senate District 27 to put my experience and passion into action. I know that together we can build a stronger region through economic development, career technical education and rural revitalization. Together we can grow North Iowa!
Shannon Latham
Sheffield, Iowa
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Iowa suffers from rampant lawlessness in rural communities. Illegals and their employers flaunt breaking our laws. Very common to see packs of illegals roaming streets for example. Local law enforcement admits they don’t check for immigration status. Which means they can’t check ID’s or criminal history as it might reveal immigration status. One town won’t respond to 911 calls if illegals involved. Not even to the library. This is why we cling to our guns, they are our only protection. Start protecting Americans and rural Iowa will be much more inviting.
VOTE LATHAM !!!
Ms. Latham should have read through Winchester’s entire study. People are wanting to move out of cities into small towns; however, the average commute they are willing to take on is 45 miles. Rather than focusing on the community amenities, what it will take to “grow North Iowa” will be growing jobs. Growing jobs is going to be somewhat difficult as we are also losing population. Ms. Latham and her husband were fortunate enough to be moving back for a family business; not all are that fortunate.
She has my vote. Amanda and Sharon have not done anything except take money to protect their positions. It is time for change.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/dem-congressman-force-gun-owners-sell-assault-weapons-n871066
This is what the LIBs mean when they refer to “…SENSIBLE gun laws” (Reference May 27, 2018 at 5:19 pm post from you know who below)
MNIGA !!!
This lady is way too establishment for me !! I dont doubt she is a fine person, but towing the Trump line and Kim Reynolds agenda for Iowa will take us decades behind and broke. They dont believe in raising the minimum wage, not for single payer health care, not proponents for clean air/water, would allow more CAFO’s , have taken away collective bargaining for our Police, Fire Fighters, and other public employees, are not for SENSIBLE gun laws,are for not fully funding public education..but using tax dollars for vouchers for private schools and homeschooling, are supported by the Koch Brothers and have no time for the middle and lower classes ! ,What I mean by sensible gun laws is this: Iowa now allows people who are blind to purchase guns..I see that as an accident waiting to happen. if you have a chronic and persistent mental illness u should not be able to purchase, if you are on the no-fly list, no guns. Just common sense. I respect the 2nd Amendment.,but just use our heads. Require background checks, no bumpstocks and no Automatic weapons in the hands of non-military or law enforcement personnel. And pray for all the wounded children and may those who have died in school shootings, rest in peace !
I notice the majority of your post is on the 2nd amendment & gun control.
Was Bodacious your teacher?
Congratulations. You can certainly refer to yourself as a DONKEY.
Congratulations. You can certainly refer to yourself as a JACKASS.
Congratulations, you are a ASS!
Congratulations. You can certainly refer to yourself as a DUMBASS.
See what you started Bodie?
I don’t remember posting on this story so your comment isn’t relevant and neither are you.
Not only can she refer to herself “as a DONKEY”. This IS a DONKEY GIRL POST.