Perkovich Candidate For Iowa House District 48

Democrat Becky Perkovich, of rural Ames, is up against Republican Robert Bacon, of Maxwell, for the new Iowa House District 48. A map of the district is attached to this story.

NAME: Becky Perkovich

AGE: 32

ADDRESS: 1584 X Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50014

EDUCATION: Gilbert High School, 1999. DMACC, 2002.

OCCUPATION: Home Hospice. 14 years Healthcare experience in Mental Health, working with Elderly and End of Life care.

PREVIOUS ELECTED EXPERIENCE: This is my first time running for elected office. I have served the community in many leadership and volunteer rolls and have been active in politics since I was 17.

SERVICE POSITIONS: Leadership Ames, Class XXII, Ames Iowa
Junior Chamber (Jaycees), Ames, Iowa
Young Professionals of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa
Community and Family Resources, Ames, Iowa
ASSET Commission, Ames, Iowa
Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ames, Iowa
Main Street Cultural District, July4th Committee, Ames, Iowa
Iowa for Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa
4-H Alumni Association, Boone, Iowa
Sierra Club, Des Moines, Iowa

What do you think the state should do with its budget surplus?

I believe that the surplus should be used to fund our priorities. If we say that education and healthcare are priorities, then that’s where we should spend our money. There are also many infrastructure needs that are urgent and need funding.

How do you feel about education reforms ?

Teachers need the resources to do a good job. We need to support teachers with both funding and continuing education programs. Kids don’t learn the same way they did 20 years ago. They have different concerns and different struggles and we need to prepare teachers for those differences.

What issues matter to you most?

Communication. We need to do a better job of making government easy to understand, easy to use and easy to participate in. My goal is to listen and work hard for the people of my community. To listen to both sides of each issue and make the best decision for my friends and neighbors.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

A different point of view and I think, maybe, a little more fresh or upbeat attitude. We have different ages and different genders and different occupations. I have a personal philosophy that is based on my mom's farming principles... You get what you give! You should take care of the land, think long term and use stewardship because we are responsible TO one another. You should be kind and do good, even when no one is watching. In IOWA having a solid foundation to make informed decisions is still what we expect from our leaders. And we look out for each other. I really do think that I can make a difference.

If you could change one law or approve a new one immediately what would it be?

The first thing I want to work on is funding the mental health redesign. It’s important to protect our most vulnerable Iowans.