By Mariannette Miller-Meeks MD

In the days leading up to the June floods, I joined others in sandbagging efforts in Ottumwa and Iowa City and felt demoralized at times when it was clear our work could not save every home and business. However, few things have been as demoralizing as the response of federal officials in the aftermath of those widespread, destructive floods.

After the floods devastated so many Iowans’ lives, I toured the hardest-hit communities with local leaders like Cedar Rapids City Councilman Chuck Wieneke, Mike Hodges in Oakville and city officials in Columbus Junction. I learned firsthand of the floods’ impact on the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library from board member Sue Plotz Olson and the University of Iowa from Ann Rosenthal, senior engineer in the Facilities Services Group.

Viewing these disaster areas was overwhelming and heart-wrenching, but it is nothing compared to the pain of our fellow Iowans who have lost so much of their lives and livelihoods. It was sobering to visualize the remnants of sandbags and all of our weeks of labor, and then the magnitude of the unbridled river which spanned almost eight miles in Oakville from its mouth at the Mississippi to where it actually emptied after the levee broke.

While I believe, as did Thomas Jefferson, that size and duties of the federal government should be limited, disaster relief is one of the true functions of the federal government. I think that we should not leave people without any knowledge of the status of their homes or small businesses, if they can rebuild or if they will have any funds to do so.

I saw the tremendous efforts of Iowa volunteers and church organizations from as far away as Tennessee and Georgia in Oakville helping remove debris. It is incredible to see the progress made in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

Now, however, is the time for government to step up and do its job. For individuals to pay property taxes on a property which no longer exists is mindboggling. For Congress and the Senate to go on recess without a disaster relief bill for the Midwest is a travesty.

I have met homeowners who are hard-working people, paying on their mortgage and they will be left with existing debt and no house and no ability to acquire a new residence. I have met elderly retired people in the late 70s and 80s whose only asset was the house in which they have lived 50 years. Now, they have lost all their memories and their house. They have little ability to recover.

I call upon all Iowans to contact their representatives and all government officials to condemn the inaction of our Congress and Senate, especially as it relates to the most vulnerable among us.

Call on them to stay in Washington - and stay in session - until they sign into law a disaster relief bill that restores hope to hard-working responsible Iowans in their most vulnerable time, or we truly are the flyover state.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks, an Ottumwa ophthalmologist, is the Republican candidate in the Second Congressional District.

Friends,

Over the past several weeks, the cure for congress team has been all over the second district, marching in parades, attending local fairs and events, and visiting some of the areas devastated by the floods. While this post was meant to be a light one, we cannot ignore the hardships experienced by many in our district. Our hearts go out to those affected by the floods. Be it your business, your home, or a family member that has been affected by the floods, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

On this note, a number of people who have been displaced or otherwise impacted by the floods have received mail from my office. I sincerely apologize to these individuals who may have lost their property, but still received mail asking for support for our campaign. It should be we, and our government, supporting you, as opposed to asking for support in this time of hardship. Please accept my humble apologies and understand that, sometimes, when sending mail to a large audience, we fail to inquire about the situation of each individual.

Our web-developer, Mick Grove, and I, are in the process of developing a section of the website devoted solely to the floods. We would like to hear your concerns, and use our website as a forum for you to have your voice heard.

Please send us your stories, emails, videos, pictures, and requests for help. We do not wish to exploit your situation, by any means, but rather provide a resource for communicating your needs to our government and current representative.

All information can be sent to the email address of our website, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We appreciate your support, and will do everything in our power to help you through this difficult time.

Dear Friends:

The voters of the 2nd Congressional district of Iowa cast their ballots and have spoken.

My campaign for the Republican primary to win back Jim Leach’s seat was an amazing experience. Many of you are aware that I am not a career politician. I am humbled by the political process and proud of the vigorous and positive campaign I undertook for this election.

You may have heard me say on the campaign trail, I have served many roles within my community. I am a doctor and a veteran with over 24 years of service with the U.S. Army. I have been a faculty member of the University of Iowa, a small business owner and a mother of 2 and wife for nearly 25 years. Today, I stand before you as your next Member of Congress.

I have traveled to ALL 15 counties in the district throughout this campaign and met many wonderful people - people who have dedicated their time and resources to electing me. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and so grateful for your vote. I am honored by your commitment and will work tirelessly to be worthy of the trust that you all have instilled upon me as your Republican candidate this fall.

I have listened to you and I hear your call to send someone to Washington that will not only adhere to the rule of law but also take the lead in fixing our problems.

As an ophthalmologist, my job is to help people see well. However, it doesn’t take glasses or refractive surgery to see that congress needs resuscitation. I envision a Congress that can and should be fixed starting with an energy program that enhances our economy, protects our environment and promotes national security. I believe we need immediate and permanent tax relief. I also believe we can have portable and affordable health care for individuals, families and businesses without the federal government taking over control. I also believe in finding real common sense solutions to social security reform, and honoring soldiers and their families who are fighting every day for our freedom.

I want to thank my family for enduring the long campaign hours, fast food and dust, driving, knocking on doors, calling voters and for their love, support and pride in this endeavor. I want to thank State Representative Jeff Kaufmann for his endorsement. His advice and counsel were worth a great deal to me.

Most especially, I want to thank my volunteers. I have a team of county chairs who have worked tirelessly with me to get out the vote in every county that the district represents. THANK YOU Trudy Caviness, Cathy Grawe, Bill Dahlsten, Kathy Farrand, Matt Green, Mick Grove, Todd and Sarah Henderson, Don and Skye Lucas, Dane Nealson, Jan McDanalds, Joni Scotter, Angie Wasson, Carolyn Williams, and Sue Zimmerman! A special shout out to an unofficial county chair, Dianna Burden.

Thank you, God Bless you and your families, and please remain active as we head into the general election campaign this fall. We CAN build the bridge that heals division and distrust.

Sincerely,
Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

I would like to take a moment to inform you of a personal policy I implemented when I began campaigning.

Even though I personally support many of the organizations submitting surveys for my response, I have taken a uniform policy of not responding to those surveys. The net result is that some organizations may not endorse or refuse to rank my candidacy in their literature or website.

I have taken the consistent position that meeting voters all over the 2nd District, and answering their questions face-to-face, is the best policy.

I thank all of you for understanding, and I’d be honored to have your support on June 3rd.