John Calhoun (Iowa)
From Ballotpedia
John Calhoun was a Democratic candidate in the 2011 special election for District 35 of the Iowa State Senate. The special election took place on January 18, 2011.
Biography
Calhoun's professional experience includes working as a small business owner.
Campaign themes
2011
In an open letter on his campaign site, Calhoun emphasized several key policy positions and campaign themes:
John Calhoun's Acceptance Speach |
- Preserving Needed Programs: "There are a few areas where the only acceptable reduction is zero, namely, public safety (fire, EMS, police, troopers, child abuse prevention, etc.) and K-12 education. I will hold firm in my resolve to do whatever I can through my vote and my common-sense approach to problem-solving to ensure these and other essential services are not cut. "
- Solving the Deficit Through Growth: "The bottom-line is that while there are some areas where reductions in spending will be necessary, there are simply not enough acceptable reductions to balance our budget. That is why we must also increase revenue through proven tactics and job creation. Job creation is my number one priority."
- Support Small Business: "Where would most our communities be without TIF districts, tax-abatement and tax-incentives for small businesses? I agree with Governor Brandstad – small business is the economic engine that drives our economy and we must do whatever we can through responsible legislation to ensure small and medium size businesses have the opportunity to be successful."
- Education: "Among the most egregious eliminations proposed is the elimination of pre-school for every Iowa family. I am open to adjustment and reason, but I cannot support total elimination of this effort when the evidence of years of research tells us that every dollar spent on pre-school returns itself 7:1 meaning every dollar we invest in pre-school brings us a savings of $7 or more as these students come up through our education system, avoid our court system, and become the backbone of our future economic success as quality employees, business owners, and entrepreneurs...I have a complete vision for our education system that includes working with local boards, administrators, and most importantly, teachers, to understand what works and make sure our educators have the tools to reach every student. I support on-time funding for our schools and our shared goal, regardless of party affiliation, to make sure Iowa’s teachers and students have the opportunity to do their respective jobs successfully."
Elections
2011
Calhoun was defeated by Jack Whitver (R) in the special election for Senate District 35.[1]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Calhoun and his wife, Elizabeth, have two children. He has served as the director of the Polk City Economic Development Corporation and the Polk City Community Foundation, and as a member of the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, Iowa Learns Council and the State Empowerment Board (Early Childhood).
External links
Footnotes
Current members of the Iowa State Senate
Leadership
Senate President:Amy Sinclair
Minority Leader:Janice Weiner
Senators
District 1
Catelin Drey (D)
District 2
Jeff Taylor (R)
District 3
Lynn Evans (R)
District 4
Tim Kraayenbrink (R)
District 5
Dave Rowley (R)
District 6
Jason Schultz (R)
District 7
Kevin Alons (R)
District 8
Mark Costello (R)
District 9
Tom Shipley (R)
District 10
Dan Dawson (R)
District 11
Julian Garrett (R)
District 12
Amy Sinclair (R)
District 13
District 14
District 15
Tony Bisignano (D)
District 16
Claire Celsi (D)
District 17
Izaah Knox (D)
District 18
Janet Petersen (D)
District 19
Ken Rozenboom (R)
District 20
Mike Pike (R)
District 21
Mike Bousselot (R)
District 22
Matt Blake (D)
District 23
Jack Whitver (R)
District 24
Jesse Green (R)
District 25
Herman Quirmbach (D)
District 26
Kara Warme (R)
District 27
Annette Sweeney (R)
District 28
Dennis Guth (R)
District 29
Sandy Salmon (R)
District 30
Doug Campbell (R)
District 31
William Dotzler (D)
District 32
Michael Klimesh (R)
District 33
Carrie Koelker (R)
District 34
Dan Zumbach (R)
District 35
Mike Zimmer (D)
District 36
Thomas Townsend (D)
District 37
Molly Donahue (D)
District 38
Dave Sires (R)
District 39
Liz Bennett (D)
District 40
Art Staed (D)
District 41
Kerry Gruenhagen (R)
District 42
District 43
Zach Wahls (D)
District 44
Adrian Dickey (R)
District 45
Janice Weiner (D)
District 46
Dawn Driscoll (R)
District 47
Scott Webster (R)
District 48
Mark Lofgren (R)
District 49
Cindy Winckler (D)
District 50
Jeffrey Reichman (R)
Republican Party (33)
Democratic Party (17)
