Race for Whitaker's seat already heating up

Posted: 07.21.2009 at 9:50 AM

Press release from Jefferson County Supervisor Stephen Burgmeier

LOCKRIDGE, IA –Stephen Burgmeier announced today his intentions to seek election to the Iowa House in district 90 as a Republican.

Special Election date will be set by the governor in the coming days due to the retirement of the current representative. The district covers all of Van Buren County, most of Jefferson including Fairfleld, and most of Wapello County, not including Ottumwa.

Burgmeier said today, "I am working to be your next State Representative because I believe the people deserve to have their voice better represented in the Iowa House. Right now we have a unique opportunity to replace a voice for more government spending with one who believes government, like every other family and small business budget, must reign in its spending. In the midst of a national economic recession the largest budget in Iowa history was passed in April while the rest of us continue to make do with less."

Burgmeier, as a Jefferson County Supervisor, has also led the charge to clarify marriage law in Iowa. In 1998 Iowa legislators approved the Defense of Marriage Act. Earlier this year the Iowa Supreme Court ruled same sex marriages legal in Iowa.

Burgmeier continued, "There is confusion among Iowa lawmakers, and Iowans deserve a right to vote to clarify law. We need legislators who are willing to listen to the people. The people of Iowa deserve a right to vote on the definition of marriage in Iowa, as your State Representative I will work to allow the people an opportunity to vote."

Steve Burgmeier, and his wife Betty, reside in Lockridge and are partners in the Hooter Lane Farms sow farm and farm over 300 acres of land. Steve is a three time elected Jefferson County Supervisor, currently serving as chairman, a past district director of the Iowa Pork Producers, an appointed delegate of the Pork Act boards, and a Jefferson County Farm Bureau board member. Burgmeier is also a little league baseball umpire for 23 years and a nine gallon blood donor with the Southeast Iowa Blood Bank.

The Burgmeier’s have five grown children and are members of St. Joseph and Cabrini Catholic Church in East Pleasant Plain. Burgmeier served six years on the parish council of Saint Mary’s Church in Fairfield.