‘Full Grassley’ is more than visiting every county

Posted 7/22/20

Dear Editor:

Recently, a friend shared with me Rod Sullivan’s July 2 column in your newspaper. I was surprised.

It has been awhile since I retired from Senator Grassley’s office, …

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‘Full Grassley’ is more than visiting every county

Posted

Dear Editor:

Recently, a friend shared with me Rod Sullivan’s July 2 column in your newspaper. I was surprised.

It has been awhile since I retired from Senator Grassley’s office, but I remember Rod well as he has served as a Johnson County Supervisor for many years. There were many occasions when supervisors asked that I attend one of their meetings as the senator’s representative, so I could carry their questions and comments back. 

I remember a good relationship with Supervisor Sullivan in forwarding his concerns. Indeed, I have never known an elected member in Iowa, i.e. supervisor, mayor, council member, legislator, school board member, to be at a loss in contacting the senator’s office regarding concerns which have come before them. 

In addition, the senator makes time in his schedule to speak with Iowans by telephone.

Senator Grassley receives many invitations to visit counties in Iowa; schools, philanthropic service organizations, businesses, co-ops, colleges, universities, ribbon-cuttings, ground breakings. etc. Some counties send numerous invites. 

By putting together these invitations, along with several town hall meetings, the senator gets a picture of Iowans activities and concerns. 

Over a six-year term, a mosaic develops of what is happening in each county in the state. 

A Full Grassley is more than visiting every county every year. It is connecting with Iowans where they live, work, study and give to their neighbors.

In addition to events which make up a Full Grassley, the senator visits many counties numerous times, Johnson being one of them.

It must be hard these days to intersect with Iowans as we all keep our distance. If not meeting with people is difficult for Supervisor Sullivan and others, let me tell you, it is equally frustrating for Senator Grassley. 

Does Senator Grassley know Iowa? Find me anyone else who has visited every county in Iowa 40 times.

Mary Day

Hiawatha