The District 83 seat in the Iowa House of Representatives is open following the announcement that State Representative Jerry Kearns (D-Keokuk) is retiring at the end of the current term. Jeff Reichman (R-Montrose) is one of two men vying to replace Kearns.
About
Jeff Reichman said he was born and raised in Keokuk, having graduated from KHS, Southeastern Community College, and Iowa Wesleyan in Mount Pleasant. Reichman joined the Marine Corps after college, eventually serving two combat tours in Iraq. He said he’s also worked for several companies in the private sector over the years.
Why Running
Reichman said he’s always enjoyed the area, moving back to Lee County after each of his military tours. But he said when he moved back for the final time in 2013, he ended up unemployed and living with his parents because of what he called a lack of opportunities available to residents.
“If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem. I have seen a lot of people complain about the area, have bad comments about the area and I didn’t feel I could sit on the sideline and not get involved in making the area better.”
Reichman said he’s also running to watch out for taxpayers.
“It’s not a blank check to write and I think you have to be professional and be diligent about where money is allocated, who needs additional resources, where people can tighten their budgets to be quite honest.”
Top Priorities
Reichman said his top priorities include growing the economy, helping farmers, and veterans affairs. He said with fewer people enlisting, the military is changing.
“Moving forward, there are going to be a smaller number of veterans overall and as you know, if you have a smaller group, you kind of have a smaller voice so I think they are going to need a stronger advocate.”
District
Iowa House District 83 includes Keokuk, Fort Madison, and south Lee County
Opponent
Jeff Kurtz is the Democratic Nominee in Iowa House District 83
