Iowa Starting Line reader letters for Aug. 25, 2026
Hinson donors in Epstein files:
“Re: Iowans are asking Hinson the hard questions—Thank you for your truth in this format. I have a hearing disability, which attending phone meetings work great. Where do I find information about these phone meetings?” — Patti S. [NOTE: Rep. Hinson sends that information out via her newsletter, which you can sign up for on her website.]
“No one gives a squirt about Epstein money except Dems trying to use it as a wedge issue. Why didn’t Dems do something with the Epstein files for YEARS when they had the power? Dems bringing it up now has resulted in many people being unfairly judged guilty by association. How, as a Dem, do you feel about that injustice?” — Stan H. [NOTE: Again, I’m not a Dem, and a whole lot of people do actually “give a squirt” (that phrasing, Jesus) about why elected officials AREN’T releasing the files.]
Iowa elected official vouches for child abuser:
“Shannon Lundgren race: Your statement is confusing. You state she vouched for a man convicted of child abuse but in the next statement say that he is only accused of it. Which is it?” — John M. [NOTE: David John Lehmann, 68, of Farley, was convicted at trial in April of lascivious acts with a child. Rep. Lundgren wrote a letter vouching for Lehmann’s character—on official Iowa House letterhead—to be considered by the judge at his sentencing.]
The tax doesn’t exist:
“Ashley Hinson: Why is she allowed by her party to tell lies on her commercials? Most Iowans who do run a farm know the inheritance tax was abolished! Hopefully the importing of beef from China will make the Trump farmers wake up.” — Terri C. [NOTE: Trump signed an executive order this weekend allowing 300,000 metric tons of beef to be imported tariff-free from any country for 90 days.]
New to Iowa:
“Hello. My name is Breeann. I’m new to Iowa. It’s so beautiful here. I want to see everything.” — Breeann R.
Mail-in ballot info:
“I’ll be in Australia from 5 Oct to 7 Nov. How do I get a mail in ballot and when should I mail it from there?” — Susan T. [NOTE: You can request absentee ballots starting today! Here’s how.]
Feedback:
“I would like to know the candidates’ positions on climate change.” — David V.
“Recently, Cedar Rapids City Council shrunk from five minutes to three minutes the time Cedar Rapids residents and property owners have to address them at city council meetings. They also purchased and installed a computerized system that requires would-be speakers to log in and note which agenda items they’d like to address (with the exception of comments on so-called public hearings). …
It’s the Cedar Rapids Council’s policy that at public meetings only residents and property owners may address council. None of the elected officials or staff present may respond to comments or answer questions during the meeting. And rarely do they approach a speaker after the meeting. Also, there is very little discussion on even the most important topics at these meetings.
‘Communication’ between elected officials or city staff and residents/property owners is all but nonexistent. Sure, there is one-way communication: social media posts, emails, the occasional form letter, etc. But entering into a discussion? Not happening—unless you have clout.
Any information released by the mayor is very defensive and never fully answers the questions everyone’s asking. Shame on her! She’s a former journalist.
Elected officials at all levels of government (local, state, federal) seem to believe they are never required to respond to communication from a constituent no matter what the issue. What gives? …
I just can’t help but worry about the trend to limit or even deny interactions and conversations between constituents and elected officials.” — Dorothy G., Cedar Rapids
