20 Dec 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Public-Private Initiative to Grow Independent Housing for Persons with Disabilities

By Nafia Khan

State Investment Spurs Private Investment in Innovative Housing Program, Returns Vacant Properties to Productive Use

CHICAGO - December 16, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the commitment of $15 million in Illinois Jobs Now! capital program funds to launch a housing program to help people with disabilities live independently. Joined by partners and advocates, Governor Quinn laid out plans for the first phase of the new public-private Home First Illinois initiative. In this first phase, accessibility features will be added to 18 condominium units in Chicago, creating new independent living opportunities for Illinoisans with disabilities and returning vacant housing to productive use.

"By increasing accessible and affordable housing opportunities for our state's residents with disabilities, we are helping to increase their independence and improve their quality of life," Governor Quinn said. "Through this program and other initiatives, we are expanding choices for those who want to live in the community. This program also will help Illinois' economy by turning vacant housing into attractive, accessible units."

Under Governor Quinn, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) provided financing to nonprofit lender IFF to develop the program. The state's commitment leveraged an additional $4 million investment from Chase bank, and an additional $125,000 in operational support from The Chicago Community Trust.

Over the next three years, the Home First Illinois initiative will develop nearly 100 accessible and affordable homes, creating permanent affordable housing opportunities for an estimated 145 people with disabilities. Accessibility features can include wider doorways, bathroom handles or a flashing light system to notify residents when someone is visiting.

In the first phase, 18 units will be rehabilitated and are anticipated to be ready for occupancy in the Chicago area in six months. IFF, which will manage the units, will use the capital program funding to target currently vacant units in elevator buildings to enhance accessibility. After renovations are complete, not-for-profit Access Living will provide referrals and help individuals with physical disabilities move from institutions into the newly-accessible community settings.

"This collaboration of nonprofit, public, private and philanthropic partners takes an innovative 'strength-in-numbers' approach to eliminate housing barriers for Illinois residents who have disabilities," IHDA Executive Director Mary Kenney said.

"This is private/public partnership at its best," said Marca Bristo, President and CEO of Access Living. "The purchase of distressed properties will help communities grow stronger, and people with disabilities in institutions will find a place to live in the community."

Governor Quinn included $130 million in the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program for affordable and supportive housing, demonstrating his administration's commitment to creating additional opportunities for people with disabilities to live independently. The first phase of the Home First Illinois initiative will create 21 construction jobs. Chase pledged an additional $4 million toward the initiative in support of future phases of development and the creation more jobs.

"This project is helping expand opportunities for people with disabilities to be part of our communities," IFF CEO Joe Neri said. "The initial public funding under the state of Illinois' capital program helped leverage additional support from critical partners, such as Chase, to expand the reach of this initiative."

"JPMorgan Chase's commitment to strengthening our communities by increasing access to capital is reflected in this important housing initiative and is a great example of the best type of partnership. Providing appropriate and affordable housing and creating jobs has multiple benefits within our communities both socially and economically," said Glenn Tilton, JPMorgan Chase Chairman of the Midwest.

About IHDA

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (www.ihda.org) is an independent, self-supporting bonding authority that finances the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout Illinois. Since 1967, IHDA has allocated more than $10.6 billion to finance more than 215,000 affordable housing units for the residents of Illinois.

###
20 Dec 2011

Daily Deals Site SweetJack Launches in Quad Cities Metropolitan Area

By Nadin Naumann

Daily deals site SweetJack.com continues its rapid national expansion with its launch today in the Quad Cities metropolitan area in Iowa and Illinois. SweetJack, named for the Jack Russell terrier who "fetches" the best deals, debuts today with an offer of $20 in sizzling tacos from Ganzo's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina in Davenport, Iowa for just $10. Daily offers at top restaurants, stores, salons and venues will be promoted to listeners on Cumulus radio stations in the Quad Cities community, including 97x, Rock 104-9, B100, Star 93-5 and True Oldies 1170.

Platform Will Offer Insider Prices at Favorite Spots Around Region Promoted Through Quad Cities' Most Popular Radio Stations

(ATLANTA, December 16, 2011) ? Daily deals site SweetJack.com continues its rapid national expansion with its launch today in the Quad Cities metropolitan area in Iowa and Illinois. SweetJack, named for the Jack Russell terrier who "fetches" the best deals, debuts today with an offer of $20 in sizzling tacos from Ganzo's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina in Davenport, Iowa for just $10. Daily offers at top restaurants, stores, salons and venues will be promoted to listeners on Cumulus radio stations in the Quad Cities community, including 97x, Rock 104-9, B100, Star 93-5 and True Oldies 1170.

Since its launch in Atlanta in April 2011, SweetJack has expanded to 17 cities and over one million members. The profitable daily deal platform has additional expansion plans blanketing the United States for 2012.

"SweetJack will be a fantastic addition to Cumulus Quad Cities," said Cheryl Riley-Hayles, VP/Market Manager, Cumulus Quad Cities. "It's a great opportunity to partner with merchants who want to capitalize on the power and reach of our radio stations.  At the same time, our listeners will receive the benefit of great deals ? and everyone is looking for a great deal in the current economic environment."

SweetJack is a division of Cumulus Media, the nation's second largest radio company with over 570 stations. By utilizing the existing sales force at partner radio stations, SweetJack is the only deal platform with a built-in infrastructure for securing the bestlocal and regional merchants.

"Radio stations are the primary means for people to learn about what's going on in their communities," said David Lubell, VP of Social Commerce. "We own the most popular radio stations and massive email lists, providing the broadest reach and the loudest mouth in town for our merchants?and the best deals for our listeners."

Some additional offers coming to Quad Cities include Waterfront Deli, The Boat House Restaurant, Leisure Time Billiards Sports Bar & Grill and Snap Fitness.

Customer-focused characteristics that differentiate SweetJack from other deal sites include :

  • SweetJack does not require a minimum number of purchasers for a deal to kick in
  • In addition to the deal of the day promoted through emails and on the radio, customers can visit SweetJack for an online store listing dozens of additional deal opportunities
  • Customers can immediately redeem their deal certificates upon purchase, as there is no waiting period

For more information, visit SweetJack.com.

####
20 Dec 2011

Overloaded with holiday stuff?

By American Red Cross
Dear Friend,


'Tis the season of stuff. The season of buying stuff, wrapping stuff, wondering if it's the right stuff.

This year, why not take a break from some of the stuff, and give something that means something?

Visit our holiday catalog now at www.redcross.org/gifts and you can change lives this holiday season.

Our catalog offers gifts of real hope that live on in the people helped - people like families reeling from disaster, or soldiers deployed thousands of miles from loved ones during the holidays.

I can vouch that there's sadly never a lack of people in need for such lifesaving aid. Your gift is both precious and enduring.

Send the gift of relief, support, strength and
hope to someone who needs it - visit
www.redcross.org/gifts and give something
that means something today.

Thank you for all that you do.

Sincerely,

Gail McGovern
President and CEO, American Red Cross

P.S. Purchase $100 or more from our Holiday Catalog, and we'll send you a free Red Cross vintage gift to say thanks! Don't wait - visit www.redcross.org/gifts and give a gift today.
20 Dec 2011

Grassley Recommends Iowa Students to the U.S. Service Academies

By Sen Chuck Grassley

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has nominated 57 outstanding Iowa students for consideration for appointments to the United States service academies.

"The young Iowans who want to serve our country and enter the academies are just remarkable for their accomplishments and leadership.  Every year, the candidates are an impressive reflection on our state.  These young people signal continued excellence in the United States armed forces," Grassley said.

Grassley said he has the opportunity every year as a United States senator to nominate current or future Iowa high school graduates for a select few academy placements.  The Air Force, West Point Military, and Naval academies each select at least one qualified nominee from Grassley's recommendations.  The Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to the state's representation in Congress.

Grassley encourages Iowa students to consider applying to more than one academy.  "The academies offer some of the best options for higher education, and they offer an outstanding way to serve our country," he said.

Students interested in obtaining an academy appointment should begin the application process in the spring of their junior year of high school.  Senator Tom Harkin and representatives in the United States House of Representatives also make recommendations.  The academies subsequently select students based on the number of vacancies available for the next school year.  Traditionally, the high quality of Iowa nominees results in several Iowa students being selected to attend each academy.

Grassley said he will make announcements when appointments to the academies are offered to Iowans.  The lists below include the names, high schools and hometowns of Grassley's nominees for the 2012-2013 school year.

U.S. Air Force Academy
Collin Ascherl, MOC-Floyd Valley High School, Granville

Brett Deters, Ankeny High School, Ankeny

Daniel Eichman, Dulwich College Beijing, Dubuque

Jackson Espeset, Ames High School, Ames

Ryan Giarusso, Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls

William Guthmiller, MOC-Floyd Valley High School, Orange City

Jesse Hahn, Highland High School, Ainsworth

Nicholas Heth, Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls

Hanna Hubert, Woodbury Central High School, Hornick

Noah Jones, Davenport West High School, Davenport

Isaac Kinrade, Maquoketa High School, Maquoketa

Felix Knutson, Home School and South Hamilton High School, Hubbard

Tyler Krpan, Indianola High School, Indianola

Peighton MacLeod, Northern University High School, Cedar Falls

Colby McGinley, Lourdes Central Catholic High School, Hamburg

Jeffrey Melton, Jefferson-Scranton High School, Jefferson

Tyler Reiser, East High School, Sioux City

Tyler Rottinghaus, Urbandale High School, Urbandale

Adam Wachholz, Home School, Ottosen

Mahlon Whitead, Sioux City West High School, Sioux City

 

West Point Military Academy
Hannah Adamson, Iowa City West High School, Coralville

Adam Christian, Southeast Polk High School, Altoona

Conor Dolan, Muscatine High School, Muscatine

Christopher Drew, Iowa City West High School, Coralville

Olivia Fairfield, Iowa City West High School, Coralville

Andrew Foster, West High School, Waterloo

Genna Gibbons, Dowling Catholic High School, Perry

Travis Mallo, Mason City High School, Mason City

Andrew Meyers, Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School, Reinbeck

Matthew Miller, Bettendorf High School, Bettendorf

Jack Oberman, Waukee High School, Clive

Daniel Rigdon Jr., Dunkerton Community School, Dunkerton

James Saker, Fremont-Mills Senior High School, Tabor

Wyatt Sann, Clarion-Goldfield, Clarion

Sean Steil, Wapsie Valley High School, Oelwein

Jindalae Suh, City High School, Iowa City

Aloysius TeKippe, Earlham High School, Earlham

Erik Thorgaard, Ottumwa High School, Ottumwa

Nick Osmonson, Sioux City East High, Sioux City

Timothy Yu, West High School, Coralville

 

U.S. Naval Academy
Jeffrey Critchlow, Carlisle High School, Carlisle

Nathaniel Dyett, Johnston High School, Grimes

Zachary Elsner, Boone High School, Boone

Samuel Kuznetsov, Bettendorf High School, Bettendorf

Tucker Nash, Jefferson High School, Cedar Rapids

Andrew Peterman, Bettendorf High School, Bettendorf

Matt Truninger, Northeast Middle/High School, Clinton

Daniel Van Horn, Glidden-Ralston Community School, Glidden

Chantel Blair, Jefferson-Scranton High School, Paton

Jack Randall, Spencer High School, Spencer

 

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Logan Braadt, Ankeny High School, Ankeny

Benjamin Jacobsen, A-H-S-T High School, Avoca

Tyler Laska, Xavier High School, Cedar Rapids

Marlis Owen, Southeast Polk Senior High School, Des Moines

Brady St. John, Solon High School, Solon

Keith White, Benton Community High School, Van Horne

Haley Wireman, Valley High School, West Des Moines

*Chantel Blair, Jefferson-Scranton High School, Paton

*Jack Randall, Spencer High School, Spencer

**Nick Osmonson, Sioux City East High, Sioux City

 

*Nominated by Grassley for both the Naval and Merchant Marine academies.

**Nominated by Grassley for both the West Point Military and Merchant Marine academies.

 

-30-
20 Dec 2011

Rochester Airman saves fellow Airman's Life in Afghanistan

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (12/16/2011)(readMedia)-- When Senior Airman Evan Stevens first heard the explosion, he thought it was incoming fire and a possible ambush, so he took cover.

Stevens, who has been a member of the 183rd Fighter Wing's Security Forces Squadron in Springfield for the past four years, was 100 meters outside the gate of Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan conducting a presence patrol early one May morning.

Staff Sgt. Russell Logan, of the 164th Airlift Wing's Security Forces Squadron in Memphis, Tenn., stepped on an anti-personnel mine causing the explosion. The field had been established as cleared.

"I didn't realize he was alive until I heard him scream," said Stevens.

Stevens was the team's lead combat life saver and with his alternate, Senior Airman Yanick Koenig, of the 143rd Airlift Wing's Security Forces Squadron in Quonset Point, R.I., together administered first aid to Logan.

"We saw that his left leg had been amputated by the land mine and immediately started going through the individual first aid kit for tourniquets."

They applied a tourniquet to each leg, said Stevens. Logan also had wounds to his stomach and other areas.

"I saw black dirt and a white light," said Logan. "I didn't know I was hurt, but only felt pressure."

Stevens and Koenig applied the necessary bandages and were ready to move Logan's stretcher when a second mine exploded. Staff Sgt. Ben Seekell, a dog handler from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, had stepped on another land mine and lost his foot due to the explosion.

"We were a little confused and slowly began to figure out that we were standing in a mine field," said Stevens.

With only one stretcher, a couple team members, including Staff Sgt. Christopher Mazrim of the 183rd Security Forces Squadron, moved Seekell as the team walked a straight line back out the way they had entered, said Stevens.

"In those situations, seconds count and if you practice with your medical supplies and know where everything is, the better off you will be," said Stevens. "That day we learned that placement and practice is beyond vital."

Logan was evacuated to Germany within a few days of the detonation and had nine surgeries. He was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Oct. 11 and is back to work at the 164th.

Stevens, of Rochester, returned from his deployment in early October with his 13-man security forces team and reunited with Logan at the Enlisted Leadership Symposium in Nashville Tenn., Nov. 1.

"I got to see him again in much better shape than the last time I saw him," said Stevens.

Logan said it was one of the worst situations, yet one of the best things that has happened to him.

"It showed me what life really means," said Logan, who has a 21-month-old daughter at home.

The two Airmen plan to stay in touch and remain tied through their experience overseas.

20 Dec 2011

Safe Holiday Decorating Tips from Amica Insurance

By Laura Meade Kirk

Amica Insurance reminds everyone to take care when decorating for the holidays

LINCOLN, RI Dec. 16, 2011 - Decorating for the holidays is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, but Amica Insurance reminds everyone that holiday decorations also can be dangerous.

About 12,500 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for injuries directly related to holiday decorations, lights and Christmas trees, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Candles and Christmas trees also are a leading cause of fires this time of year, according to CPSC statistics. Candles cause about 11,600 fires each year, resulting in 150 deaths, 1,200 injuries and $173 million in property losses. And Christmas trees are blamed on about 300 fires each year, resulting in an average of 10 deaths, 30 injuries and more than $10 million in property damages.

"That's why Amica Insurance urges everyone to be extra careful with their holiday decorating," said Lisa Melton, an assistant vice president with Amica Insurance. "A few simple precautions can go a long way in keeping your family safe this holiday season."

The CPSC offers these tips for safe decorating:

  • If you're choosing a real tree, make sure it's fresh. It should be green. The needles should be hard to pull from branches, and the branches shouldn't break when bent. The tree also shouldn't lose many needles when its trunk is tapped on the ground.
  • If you're using an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled "fire resistant." This doesn't mean the tree if fire-proof, but it should resist burning.
  • Keep artificial and real trees away from heat sources.
  • Use only flame-resistant decorations to trim your tree.
  • Lights, whether used indoors or outside, should be tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, which means they comply with safety standards.
  • Check all lights for broken and cracked bulbs, frayed wires and loose connections.
  • Don't attach more than three standard-size sets of lights on an extension cord.
  • Do not overload extension cords with any decorations.
  • Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable or that could pose a choking hazard for a young child.
  • Never hang stockings or other decorations above a fireplace with an open flame.
  • Move candles away from anything that can catch fire and never leave them unattended.

"Sometimes people are having such a nice time during the holidays that they forget to extinguish candles," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "Always put out lit candles before leaving a room or going to bed. Always keep burning candles within sight."

It's also important to use care when using your fireplace this time of year, Melton said. Make sure there are no decorations near the fireplace when it's in use, and don't throw cardboard boxes or wrapping paper into a fire because they can ignite suddenly and burn intensely, creating a dangerous situation.

"It's also important to never leave lights on or fires burning if you're leaving the house or going to bed," Melton said. "You don't want a fire or injury to ruin your holiday season, so please make sure all of your decorations are safe. "

About Amica Mutual Insurance

Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the nation's oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company, with corporate headquarters in Lincoln, RI, is a national writer of automobile, homeowners, marine and personal umbrella liability insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,200 people in 40 offices across the country.

20 Dec 2011

Iowa Supreme Court Opinions December 16, 2011

By Iowa Judicial Branch
Notice: The opinions posted on this site are slip opinions only. Under the Rules of Appellate Procedure a party has a limited number of days to request a rehearing after the filing of an opinion. Also, all slip opinions are subject to modification or correction by the court. Therefore, opinions on this site are not to be considered the final decisions of the court. The official published opinions of the Iowa Supreme Court are those published in the North Western Reporter published by West Group.

Opinions released before April 2006 and available in the archives are posted in Word format. Opinions released after April 2006 are posted to the website in PDF (Portable Document Format).   Note: To open a PDF you must have the free Acrobat Reader installed. PDF format preserves the original appearance of a document without requiring you to possess the software that created that document. For more information about PDF read: Using the Adobe Reader.

For your convenience, the Judicial Branch offers a free e-mail notification service for Supreme Court opinions, Court of Appeals opinions, press releases and orders. To subscribe, click here.

NOTE: Copies of these opinions may be obtained from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, for a fee of fifty cents per page.

No. 07-1459

MYRON BRANDON, Plaintiff, vs. IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR HENRY COUNTY

No. 09-0724

CEDAR RAPIDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT and EMC INSURANCE COMPANIES vs. CHRISTINE PEASE

No. 09-1097

ROBERT OBERBILLIG and PATRICIA OBERBILLIG and FRANK SCAGLIONE and MELBA SCAGLIONE vs. WEST GRAND TOWERS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION

No. 10-1543

STATE OF IOWA vs. DANIEL DEAN RAINSONG
20 Dec 2011

Upcoming American Red Cross blood drives January 1 - 15

By Marvin Whittaker

Red Cross Celebrates National Blood Donor Month

The need is constant:    Every day in our country, approximately 44,000 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to help save the lives of accident victims.


January is National Blood Donor Month and the American Red Cross thanks its committed blood donors for dedicating their time to give hope to patients in need. Throughout the month of January, the American Red Cross is celebrating the contributions of millions of blood donors who give patients hope.

 

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been celebrated in an effort to educate Americans about the importance of regular blood donation and the impact it can have on patients in need. Help maintain a stable blood supply by becoming a dedicated donor and encouraging others to give for the first time. Make an appointment today and join the nearly 4 million Red Cross blood donors across the country dedicated to changing lives, one donation at a time.

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

 

Blood Donation Opportunities

 

CARROLL COUNTY

1/13/2012, 8:30 am- 2:30 pm, Milledgeville High School, PO Box 609 Hwy 40, Milledgeville

 

CLINTON COUNTY

1/8/2012, 8:00 am-12:00 pm, National Guard, 1200 13th Avenue North, Clinton

 

HENRY COUNTY

1/5/2012, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First United Methodist Church S Campus Bldg, 224 N. State, Geneseo

 

1/7/2012, 10:00 am- 1:00 pm, YMCA, 315 West 1st St., Kewanee

 

1/10/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1001 9th Street, Orion

 

1/11/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St., Kewanee

 

1/12/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, St John's Vianney Church, 313 S West Street, Cambridge

 

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

1/12/2012, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm, Quad City International Airport, 2200 69th Ave., Moline

 

SCOTT COUNTY

1/6/2012, 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Anytime Fitness, 5260 NW Boulevard, Davenport

 

WHITESIDE COUNTY

1/3/2012, 8:00 am-11:00 am, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

 

1/4/2012, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls

 

1/10/2012, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

 

1/11/2012, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls

 

1/12/2012, 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm, Tampico Fire Department, 103 North Main Street, Tampico

 

 

###

20 Dec 2011

UNIV NORTHERN COLORADO FALL GRADS

By TheLink Delivery Service
Ashley Marie Lichtenberg, of Bettendorf was among about 630 undergraduate and graduate students who received degrees from the University of Northern Colorado during fall 2011 graduation ceremonies Dec. 9-10.  Ms. Lichtenberg received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

19 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Endorsed by Mayor-Elect Shawn Dietz of Hampton

By Gary Howard
Franklin County Tea Party co-founder and county GOP vice chair calls Paul "honest and consistent"
ANKENY, Iowa - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today that Mayor-Elect Shawn Dietz of the City of Hampton, located in Franklin County, has endorsed Ron Paul for the presidency.

In making his endorsement, the mayor-elect cited Paul's 'Plan to Restore America,' as well as a full complement of issue stances that distinguish the 12-term Congressman from Texas from other Republican competitors.

"We're pleased that incoming Mayor Dietz has endorsed Ron Paul, and has done so with such conviction," said Ron Paul 2012 Iowa Chairman Drew Ivers, referring to the mayor-elect's attached letter.  "Endorsements by Iowa's political, faith and civic leaders are what promise to propel us to a strong top-three showing in the caucus."

Mayor-Elect Dietz is co-founder of the Franklin County Tea Party, and Vice Chair of the Franklin County Republican Central Committee.  A former factory worker who was laid off due to 2008 government-imposed economic collapse, he also is a husband and father of three children.

The full text of Mayor-Elect Dietz's letter to Iowans follows:

To my fellow Iowans:

With our nation's founding principles in jeopardy of extinction, elections at all levels of government are increasingly more imperative to the survival of our Republic; none more visible and important than that of the office of President of the United States.

Only one Republican Presidential candidate has provided a detailed plan of how he proposes to make major Federal Government spending cuts, $1 Trillion in his first year as President.

Only one Republican Presidential candidate has presented logical plans to address important issues to my family, my neighbors, and myself; such issues as national security, illegal immigration, life, monetary policy, foreign policy, debt, and ending overseas nation building.

Only one Republican Presidential candidate has been honest and consistent in his positions for 30+ years.

Only one Republican Presidential candidate continues to fight unapologetically for the restoration of American Government to the United States Constitution.

Only one Republican Presidential candidate unconditionally supports our troops by promising to immediately bring them home to their families where they belong.

Only one politician in my lifetime, and likely for many generations, has so accurately and passionately represented the self-evident Truths laid out in the Declaration of Independence; "...that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness..."

I've asked myself this question, WHY do I love this country? The answer was simple. Liberty. The next question was who to support for President in 2012. Today it is with great pride as a co-founder of the Franklin County Tea Party, as the Vice Chair of the Franklin County Republican Central Committee, and as the Mayor-Elect of the City of Hampton, Iowa that I officially announce my endorsement of the Champion of the Constitution, Texas Congressman, Dr. Ron Paul for President in 2012. Please join me at the January 3rd Iowa Caucus and vote to Restore America Now with a vote for Ron Paul...

For Liberty!

Shawn Dietz
Mayor-Elect
Hampton, Iowa

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