Chronicle Editorial

By: 
Chronicle Staff

Paying up on promises

 

     The political landscape in Iowa changed very little following last week’s election. The state House of Representatives stayed red, the Senate stayed blue, and Terry Branstad won an unprecedented sixth term in governor’s office. Post-election news coverage has been littered with quotes from legislators promising bipartisan cooperation during the 2015 General Assembly, but a short list of pertinent issues could hold up that dream in the immediate future.

     One of the most pressing issues up for discussion next year is our state’s crumbling infrastructure. Iowa’s roads and bridges have fallen victim to age and underfunding over the past decade or two, and it’s clear they need more attention and funding for improvement. However, the solution has been controversial among lawmakers. A 10-cent hike in Iowa’s gas tax has been the most popular suggestion, but it has drawn scrutiny from conservative legislators in the House and Senate.

     Education funding will be another hot topic in Des Moines this winter. Rural districts in Iowa are seeing enrollment dip and budgets slashed, and it’s obvious that problem will only exacerbate as more families flock to larger metropolitan areas across the state. Though these rural districts are vital assets to smaller communities, their viability is extremely threatened. This issue affects schools in nearly every area and it will be interesting to see if policies are altered to help ailing rural schools throughout the state.

     A handful of additional issues are poised to make noise in the future. Things like medicinal marijuana, health care and tax policy could all return to the forefront in 2015. Some are discussed every year while others are new to the table, but they’re all important in their own right.

     Last year’s General Assembly was rather uneventful and straightforward. It was an election year, and lawmakers held off on tackling some of the state’s more contentious issues as they eyed re-election. However, 2015 gives them the chance to address these things head on together. We’ve heard the promise of bipartisanship, but now is the time to put rhetoric aside and actually do it. Iowa has made great strides in recent years. Continuing that improvement and building on past accomplishments is key as we plan for the future.

 

A great season

 

     Hampton-Dumont’s thrilling season came to an unfortunate end last Friday with an overtime loss in the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. The narrow defeat was tough for both players and fans, but it by no means tarnished the team’s fantastic season this fall.

     The 2014 Bulldog football team was the most successful in the past five-plus years. They soared to a 10-2 record, which is a fantastic feat by anyone’s standards. Their high-flying, pass-happy offense had the community buzzing from Week 1 and it continued to dazzle fans throughout the season. A stout defense helped seal victories all season long, and most games were over by halftime. The dominating performances were fun to watch and it’s great to see these athletes’ hard work translate into victories.

     Players might be disappointed they missed out on a trip to the UNI Dome, but they can still hang their hats on this outstanding season. They had the entire community excited since August and it won’t be forgotten anytime soon. 2014 was a memorable year, and we can thank these local athletes and coaches for giving us something to cheer about.

     Good job, Bulldogs!

Hampton Chronicle

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