John Norris introduces his plans if elected the next governor of Iowa. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

Improving water quality, prioritizing education, and rolling back the privatization of Medicaid in Iowa are three things that candidate John Noriss supports.

Noriss is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 2018 Iowa governor’s race. He met with voters at Dodici’s Shop Wednesday morning and can sum up what he feels separates him from the other candidates with one word, “Experience. I’ve been a small business owner, previously and own a small business now. I’ve been the chief of staff for the governor. I’ve been the chief of staff at the United States Department of Agriculture. We had a $100 billion budget, 1,000 employees. And focused on rural Iowa development. I’ve been the chairman of the Iowa Utilities Board. I’ve served in the Obama administration as a regulator on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. I’ve been the state director of a farm organization.” He explains it’s his background that prepared him to be governor, “So I think it’s a life-set of experiences that enable me. I have a better sense of both Iowa, what we face, and how we fix it. I can start day one as governor making the changes necessary.”

Norris announced his candidacy in his hometown of Red Oak last Saturday and is on a six-day tour of the state. He said he wants to have a vision for the state, as former Governors Ray and Vilsack did, in order to make Iowa a better place. The primary election for state and federal offices, including the selection of the Democratic nominee for governor, will be held June 5, 2018.