(Cedar Rapids) Today, former Iowa Secretary of State and Mayor of Cedar Rapids, Paul D. Pate has released a statement on how his plan protects and strengthens Iowa's elections.
"Protecting Iowan's is a top priority. As a former State Senator I lead legislation to toughen penalties for stalking victims in Iowa. I have first-hand experience as a former Senator, Mayor and Secretary of State working with our state legislature. As Iowa's next Secretary of State I will make it a priority to join the other 35 states in initiatives like the Safe at Home program to provide security and access to services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking or stalking," said Pate.
Pate, "Just as Safe at Home offers participants an additional safeguard to their protection we must also protect the integrity of all Iowans' votes with a Voter ID safeguard. Both of these important safeguards need to be approached in a bi-partisan manner. I have proven experience to help secure passage and implementation of these initiatives."
A nationally recognized business leader by the Small Business Administration, Pate is the owner of a paving construction firm in Marion and recently served as Mayor of Cedar Rapids from 2002 -2006. While Mayor, Pate was elected President of the non-partisan Iowa League of Cities representing over 870 municipalities. Previously, he served as Iowa Secretary of State from 1995-1999 and represented NE Cedar Rapids, Marion and parts of Linn, Buchanan and Delaware Counties in the Iowa Senate from 1989-1995.
Pate is a lifelong Iowa resident, born in Ottumwa, growing up in Linn County.
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