Letter to the Editor: Former Charles City mayor supports Mayor Pete in caucus

By Jim Erb, Charles City

As a former mayor of Charles City with 22 years of experience, I am supporting Pete Buttigieg on Feb. 3rd because I believe he is the candidate who can help forge an alliance of town and country to help turn the historical page to a brighter, more vibrant future.

Pete understands better than any candidate the rural development challenges facing communities like Charles City.

South Bend was once home to an Oliver/White Farm plow plant, one of the largest in the world – before shuttering its doors in 1985. As everyone here knows, just eight years later Charles City suffered the loss of Oliver/White Farm Tractor plant.

Despite these challenges, communities such as Charles City and South Bend have incredible potential. We are rebuilding our economies and are looking toward the future. Pete is the leader for this moment with a positive vision.

Unfortunately, we’re now facing conditions that feel far too similar to the farm crisis of the 1980s. Agricultural and industrial communities in the Midwest are feeling pressure from all sides.

Farm incomes have declined and, instead of incentivizing and investing in a more diverse rural economy, the current administration has engaged in an unnecessary trade war that has had severe effects on the entire Middle West.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Pete wants our communities to become the engines of innovation for addressing climate change and economic growth. Through the renewed dedication to rural communities, smart investments and groundbreaking ideas included in Pete’s plans, towns like Charles City can lead the way in tackling our national challenges.

Pete Buttigieg has taken South Bend to new heights. I know that he has the experience and vision to lead our country toward a more prosperous future.

Indeed the future can be ours if we embrace it and free ourselves of the dead hand of the recent past. Give Iowans a chance to do better and they will do better!

It’s time to move forward! Join me in caucusing for Pete Buttigieg on February 3rd.