Chelgren announces challenge to Kreiman

Feb 1, 2010 — Ottumwa Courier

Matt Milner

Jan. 30, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- OTTUMWA -- Mark Chelgren announced his plans Friday to take on state Sen. Keith Kreiman in Iowa's 47th District.

Chelgren is an Ottumwa businessman and owner of Frog Legs Inc., a company that makes after-market products for wheelchairs.

He said he is tired of trying to recruit businesses to Iowa, having them show interest in the quality of life here, only to watch them turn tail when they look at the state's business climate. A combination of taxes and regulatory hurdles knock Iowa out of the running while companies look at surrounding states.

The same thing happens, Chelgren said, when Iowa's children grow up and seek jobs.

"The problem, to me, is we have all these wonderful, qualified people that we spend a fortune educating, and they give up," on finding jobs in Iowa, he said.

Chelgren describes himself as an independent Republican. He says he is willing to disagree with party leaders when they're wrong, something he accuses Democratic leaders of disallowing among their rank-and-file.

Chelgren hammered on economic development themes on Friday, saying the state is last in the nation in economic development and that the counties that lag the farthest behind in Iowa are in District 47. He called for "fair, considerate, consistent" policies to spur economic growth.

Part of that includes reform of the state's property tax structure. Figures from both parties have repeatedly called for reform over the years, but neither party has made significant progress in the Legislature toward that reform.

Part of the problem is the distinction between an agricultural economy and a manufacturing economy. Iowa's tax code reflects an agricultural state. While agriculture easily remains the state's largest single industry its needs, particularly in terms of the amount of land required, are very different from other industries.

Chelgren would like Iowa to create a new set of property tax regulations that define businesses as agriculture or non-agriculture. He believes that distinction would help the state tailor its pitch to manufacturing while protecting agriculture as a major part of the Iowa economy.

Regardless, the Legislature must be consistent. If businesses think the rules are going to change every few years, they won't come to the state.

"We are dead last with regard to economic development. The four worst counties are District 47," he said. "That's a sad thing to say, but that can be turned around."

Kreiman, D-Bloomfield, has yet to officialy declare his intention to run for re-election. The filing period for state and federal office is from March 1-19.

District 47 is comprised of Appanose, Davis and Wayne counties and a portion of Wapello County, including the city of Ottumwa.

Matt Milner can be reached at (641) 683-5359 or via e-mail at mmilner@ottumwacourier.com

Newstex ID: KRTB-0395-41666389