Sarah Trone Garriott is more present than Zach Nunn
I have met state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott. She came after the Mercy Clinic closed in Ottumwa to listen and be present in our need. U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn did not. He has never met with constituents in his office here.
Trone Garriott has already held an open town hall in Ottumwa, something Nunn has never done as our congressman. The letters I have written to Nunn come back with only self-promotion and no serious answers to my concerns. Trone Garriott listens, and her answers are genuine and honest. Her values on service and views on the responsibilities of government to lift up all mirror my own.
I look forward to voting for Sarah Trone Garriott as our next member of Congress.
Peter Reiter, Ottumwa
Zach Nunn respects all; Sarah Trone Garriott denigrates Iowans
As a Christian, I try to teach my kids about acceptance, empathy, and kindness. The more I learn about Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott, the more apparent it is that she falls short on all three of these core values. She has insulted Christianity and called Iowans racist on numerous occasions for simply wanting to send kids to a Christian school and not wanting men to compete against our daughters in sports.
This is not someone who should be representing us.
Offending and mocking Iowa families for raising their kids in a Christian household is outrageous. I personally cannot stand for this, and I believe the best way to protect Iowa’s future is to vote against her this election season.
Respect is at the forefront of my personal beliefs, and I cannot see myself voting for someone who lacks that quality while also pushing highly controversial beliefs onto others. My vote will go to the candidate who not only appeals to all but also respects all.
Zach Nunn has demonstrated respect and dedication to the people of Iowa as a father, military leader, and leading bipartisan voice in Congress. He has my vote.
Lori Bryant, West Des Moines
Sarah Trone Garriott follows Jesus’ example of loving neighbors
There has been much talk lately about Sarah Trone Garriott’s faith. As someone who knows her as a friend and fellow Christian, I’d like to share what I know.
Sarah Trone Garriott is a Lutheran minister who still preaches most weekends. She worked as a hospital chaplain, sitting with families during the hardest moments of their lives. For nine years, she helped lead the Des Moines Area Religious Council’s food pantry network, which feeds Iowans, no matter how they vote.
As a follower of Jesus, I assess people’s integrity based on the criteria Jesus established: Does this person love God and neighbor with all their strength? Sarah does in fact do this. Zach Nunn’s attacks on her faith are an effort to distract us from choices he has made which make life less affordable for everyday Iowans: like his 2025 vote to cut feeding assistance programs that primarily help children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Before anyone believes the false things being said about Sarah, I hope they will take the time to learn who she actually is. She has spent her whole life serving others, and I would be proud to have her represent us in Congress.
Eric Rucker, Des Moines
Christina Bohannan’s sex offender registry vote is concerning
I have three daughters, ages 8, 5, and a newborn. My wife and I homeschool our kids and live out in the country. When we take them to the local park or when they’re out playing, chances are I’m right there with them. Like every father, I think about the world they’re growing up in.
That’s why I can’t understand former state Rep. Christina Bohannan’s vote on Iowa’s sex offender registry in 2021. I don’t care whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat: When it comes to protecting our children and our communities, there shouldn’t be any gray area.
The registry exists for a simple reason: to help families stay informed and keep communities safe. As a parent, I want to know if a convicted sex offender lives nearby before I take my kids to the park. Why would Bohannan vote no on House File 489, a vote to make it easier for convicted sex offenders to be removed from that registry? If there is a good explanation, I’d genuinely like to hear it, because I just don’t see one.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about common sense. My daughters deserve every protection we can give them, and so does every child in Iowa.
Bohannan should stand with parents, victims, and law enforcement and she’s proven that she doesn’t. Politicians should never leave families wondering whether protecting children was anything less than the top priority. That’s the kind of leadership Iowa deserves.
Benjamin Miller, Pleasantville
Ashley Hinson, Zach Nunn have no real accomplishments to share
We’re being inundated with advertising in support of Republican candidates for Congress and governor. It’s hard to avoid them.
What I hear time after time, especially in Ashley Hinson and Zach Nunn ads, are the phrases “working on,” “fighting for” or “voted for.” What I don’t ever hear are the words “did,” “got done” or “accomplished.” Hinson and Nunn have voted for every bad bill that this Congress has put forward. All they’ve done is vote to take away benefits and rights for everyday Iowans. Individually, they’ve accomplished nothing positive. Their successes are nonexistent. If they had gotten anything done, in any way, it would be blaring across the airways every 10 minutes.
Gerald Fees, Bondurant
Taylor Wettach would be an impartial auditor
I note that the Register is again sponsoring the Political Soapbox at the State Fair. As a longtime reader of the Register, I appreciate and thank the Register for this valuable service to Iowans.
At noon on Aug. 22, fair attenders will get to see my favorite candidate for state auditor, Taylor Wettach from Muscatine. Wettach is a seventh-generation Iowan and an attorney with the experience and knowledge to be an independent watchdog for Iowans regardless of who’s in power. This is his commitment to Iowans.
Fair attenders will have the opportunity to meet candidates up close to see and hear their positions and why they want to serve Iowans.
Gary L. Schmidt, Norwalk
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Sarah Trone Garriott is more present than Zach Nunn | Letters
Reporting by The Register’s readers, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By The Register's readers, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
