Five Questions for Eric Brenneman, Candidate for Iowa House District 44

The election is only a few weeks away but Eric Brenneman is ready to take on the Iowa House of Representatives. 

Brenneman, 28, is the Democratic candidate running for Iowa House District 44 and a firefighter for the West Des Moines Fire Department. He will take on West Des Moines Republican Rob Taylor in the Nov. 6 election.

Brenneman grew up in Cedar Rapids and graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelors in Political Science in 2006. He earned a Masters of Public Administration from the University of North Dakota in 2011.

Waukee Patch asked Brenneman about his run for the Iowa House.

Waukee Patch: Why did you decide to run for the Iowa House?

Eric Brenneman: I decided to run for the Iowa House because as a firefighter I have taken an oath to serve our community with honesty and integrity above all else.  We are trusted public servants our community calls for help during their greatest time of need, and I take great pride in serving our community.  I wanted to strengthen this commitment to my community and make a difference in the lives of those within Iowa House District 44 by working to provide an education system that is first in the nation, create sustainable middle class jobs, and serve our community first.

Waukee Patch: What issues do you hope to resolve in the House should you be elected?

Eric Brenneman: There are three major issues that I hope to resolve in the House should I be elected:

1. Create sustainable middle class jobs through the support of small and medium sized businesses, which keep our investment here in Iowa.

2. Strengthen our education system through ensuring that an effective allowable growth rate is maintained and to find ways of innovation and collaboration to ensure our children are prepared for the challenges that they will face.

3. Renew trust in our government through openness and clarity through the development of further sunshine laws using the newest technologies.  This will ensure that Iowans can be certain their legislators are being good stewards for the future of Iowa.

Waukee Patch: What sets you apart from your opponent?

Eric Brenneman: I believe what sets me apart from my opponent is my commitment to serve our community.  As a firefighter I have chosen to miss many life events, such as holidays or birthdays, because of the deep commitment that I have to serve you.  A firefighter comes to the request of all when there is a need.  Complete strangers call upon us to come into their homes on potentially the worst day of their life to make it a little better.  This is a great responsibility and requires a trust that must not be taken lightly.  Being a State Representative requires an equal amount of responsibility and trust to work for your community first.  This is a commitment that I have already proven to take very seriously.

Waukee Patch: During your community outreach, what issues are your constituents saying they are most concerned about in this election?

Eric Brenneman: As with most races the main issues constituents are concerned about is building a sustainable foundation for the future.  This includes making sure our children are receiving the best education we as a state can provide.  This includes creating good paying jobs as a large number of constituents have been or know someone who has been touched by the recession. However, the issue that comes up when speaking with citizens, no matter their personal issue, is overcoming the partisan divide and once again becoming an effective government.  An effective government can work together to solve the other major issues facing us as a state.  They realize that without leaders who are willing to work together nothing else matters and that is why they are excited about a problem solver not a partisan politician running in their district.

Waukee Patch: What would you like the public to know about you that they may not know already?

Eric Brenneman: A little known fact is that during college I became the third generation to work in our family’s business in Marion, Iowa.  My grandfather built a business from the ground up in 1968. That business was kept in the family after my grandfather’s passing, my father took over. Currently the business is still owned and operated by my uncle.  There is a great entrepreneurial spirit in my family and as a member of the next generation it is our duty to make sure the entrepreneurial dreams of others flourish.

For more information on Eric Brenneman, visit www.brennemanforiowa.com.