With just 70 days to go until Election Day, our schedule has ramped up considerably (didn’t think that was possible!). Today’s routine was an example of this new pace.
Early this morning, my mom came over (God bless mamma’s who take a positive interest and actively participate in their children’s lives! Because of her unflagging support and tremendous help volunteering, we have come to believe Art’s biggest fan is his mother-in-law!). We worked on campaign mailings for several hours. We briefly interrupted the never-ending paperwork to make some banana bread for the group of volunteers coming to the house tomorrow.
Art arrived home from school just in time to conduct a campaign planning meeting, and then we hit the streets. This was one of those absolutely beautiful Iowa evenings, and we had some really great visits with voters. Funny, I don’t think a night goes by without a voter saying how tired they are of the polarization of Iowa politics. “Why can’t we work together and get something done?” asked another voter tonight. Growing up in a family of 11 children, Art had early experience doing just that!
After door-knocking, we sped to the other side of town just in time to attend a meeting about mental health issues. Art visited with the parents of young adults with Down’s syndrome and autism. If you ever are in the doldrums, spend an hour with these folks. I was incredibly impressed with Sandy, mother of 30 year old Ryan. Ryan reads at a 2nd grade level and lives in a group home. Due to the Iowa House underfunding mental health and disabilities reform, he lost his job in a sheltered workshop, and was instead placed in a federally funded day care program. Where once he had responsibility and a sense of pride for completing his daily tasks on the job, and earning a wage, he now colors or goes swimming. His connection with the community is greatly diminished. As Sandy shared her son’s story, she showed a definite pragmatic resolve. She has been here before, and is ready to speak and act on her son’s behalf.
Art and I came to listen and we left the meeting with a better understanding of the issues and the consequences of unnecessary funding shortages for those in greatest need. As one of the parents lamented, “Iowa state representatives made these decisions without first speaking with us, the parents, or to our children.” Art believes that her request is not too great to fulfill, and that justice demands it.
After the meeting, more door-knocking and note-writing. Then finally home and another late-night meal. A day’s work completed, 69 more to go….
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