Bettendorf, Iowa -- Joan Marttila, mom, wife, retired Area Education Agency audiologist, and community volunteer, announced her candidacy today for Iowa House District 94, which includes Bettendorf, Panorama Park, and Riverdale.
“Iowa deserves to be represented by public servants who believe in promoting the common good, who act based on our values, and who focus on the things all Iowans care about; good wages, access to affordable healthcare, a quality education, and safe communities. I am committed to these goals,” said Marttila. “Iowans need more legislators who focus on doing what is right for everyone. That is why I am running for office.”
Joan spent 35 years working as an audiologist in her local Area Education Agency (AEA) helping children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Joan worked to diagnose, support, and provide resources for these children and their families throughout her career. During her time at AEA, Marttila received Honors from and was named a Fellow of the Iowa Speech Language Hearing Association. She received two Professional Leadership awards based on clinical services and development of quality programs. Joan also served as president of both the Iowa Speech Language Hearing Association and the Iowa Speech Language Hearing Foundation.
“I’ve spent my life in Scott County helping children with hearing loss and their families experience success in school. I’m running for office to help all Iowa families by strengthening public education, making healthcare accessible and affordable, and encouraging jobs that pay good wages to move to our area.”
Joan and her husband, Richard Gast, will celebrate their 40th anniversary this spring. They are the proud parents of two adult children, James and Kristen, and have five grandchildren that they love spending time with. In addition to her leadership in the Iowa Speech Language Hearing Association and Iowa Speech Language Hearing Foundation, Joan is a volunteer at the Figge Art Museum, a Milestones Area Agency on Aging facilitator, and provides a weekly yoga class for female inmates at the Scott County Jail. Joan and her fellow yoga teacher received the Scott County Jail Program of the Year Award in 2017 for their yoga program which uses yoga to assist inmates in their return to everyday life and helps them re-enter into typical life as productive members of society.
“I have a strong moral compass that has guided me through life and has driven me to help improve the lives of those around me. I’m ready to learn from the people of Iowa House District 94 about how I can advocate for a better future in the Iowa Legislature. Let’s get to work.”
Joan Marttila is a Democratic candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives. More information about Joan can be found at www.JoanMarttilaforIowa.com.
###
