This weekend, Des Moines Register’s columnist Kathie Obradovich highlighted Governor Kim Reynolds’ failure to step out from the footprints of her predecessor and lead on the many critical issues facing Iowa:
“When she was asked what that unique Reynolds agenda might include, she had little new to offer. Her top priorities — workforce development and education, tax reform, water quality and renewable energy — are carried over from the Branstad administration….
“It appears she is prepared to maintain the same direction and approach to government set by her predecessor and make only incremental changes when there’s no other choice.
“Iowans who think the state is reaching its potential may be satisfied with that. Others, who think Iowa needs more proactive, creative approaches to long-nagging problems, will be looking for stronger leadership from the governor. And if they don’t get it soon, they have plenty of other choices to consider come spring.”
See below for excerpts, or read the full story online HERE
DES MOINES REGISTER: Gov. Kim Reynolds can set own agenda, but so far, it’s Branstad all over again
Now, as she is preparing for her first legislative session as governor, this is Reynolds’ first real opportunity to forge an agenda of her own, separate from that of her old boss and mentor. She commented on her plans Friday during and after taping “Iowa Press,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Friday and noon Sundayon Iowa Public Television.
But when she was asked what that unique Reynolds agenda might include, she had little new to offer. Her top priorities — workforce development and education, tax reform, water quality and renewable energy — are carried over from the Branstad administration.
So are most of the serious challenges the Reynolds administration has spent the last several months trying to manage.
Lower state revenues than projected forced Reynolds to borrow from reserve funds to balance the budget. Her budget will bear the marks of that shortfall next year, because the borrowed funds will have to be repaid.
…The state health care system is in disarray, due in part to the Branstad administration’s rush into privately managed care under Medicaid.
…The growing sense of urgency to fill significant gaps in Iowa’s mental health system is recent, but the problem is far from new. Branstad closed two of the state’s four mental-health institutions in favor of still-patchy community-based services.
…It’s possible Reynolds will use her Condition of the State message in January to set a new, bolder tone for her administration. So far, however, it appears she is prepared to maintain the same direction and approach to government set by her predecessor and make only incremental changes when there’s no other choice.
Iowans who think the state is reaching its potential may be satisfied with that. Others, who think Iowa needs more proactive, creative approaches to long-nagging problems, will be looking for stronger leadership from the governor. And if they don’t get it soon, they have plenty of other choices to consider come spring.