Aime Wichtendahl

Aime Wichtendahl was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. She earned a high school diploma from La Salle High School and a bachelor's degree from Mount Mercy University in 2005. Her career experience includes working as a customer service representative, retirement plan specialist, and website designer. She has been affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians Local 137.[1]

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Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased December 11, 2023

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Aime Wichtendahl was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, but grew up in Newhall, IA. She graduated from Mount Mercy University in 2005 with degrees in Journalism and Political Science.

She was first elected to the Hiawatha City Council in 2015, and re-elected without opposition in 2019 and 2023.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Restore Iowa's first in the nation public education system. Despite having record budget surpluses - The Iowa Legislature has defunded public education - funding it below the inflation rate for almost a decade.

We must fund public education and eliminate the voucher program, which is turning into a costly, unaccountable boondoggle.Improving quality of life in Iowa. It is no secret that Iowans are struggling. We need to raise wages to compete with neighboring states.

We need to bring down the cost of housing, by incentivizing new construction and preventing market speculation.

We can use part of the budget surplus for tax credits to offset child care.

We also need to stop the brain drain that plagues Iowa by bringing high paying jobs to the state and stop the government from engaging in culture war nonsense.Reaffirm Iowa values toward personal freedom: Protect reproductive healthcare and codify Roe V Wade into Iowa law. Keep the government out of other personal healthcare decisions such a gender affirming care. Legalize recreational marijuana.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Workforce, Minimum wage, Personal freedom, local government

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my dad - for always being an inspiration and role model. I also am inspired by Kurt Vonnegut Jr - because we all need the ability to laugh at the absurdities of life.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The 2011 book the Butterfly and the Flame.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe it is the job of elected officials to improve the lives of their constituents and to solve the problems of the day.

I also believe that Americans of different political parties should never see the other side as enemies.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am diplomatic and also a bit of a nerd. I strive to understand as much as I can about an issue and the complex impact and nature that policy can have.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To represent their district, to provide services and inquires from their constituents, and to serve on the numerous committees.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to know that people are better off, happier, and less divided after my term in office.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Challenger Disaster - I was six.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Paul Revere's Pizza - 1 year.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy - because no matter what happens in life, Don't panic! and know where your towel is.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Commander Shepard - Mass Effect

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Master of Puppets by Metallica

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Making ends meet.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Balanced. Both have important roles to play, but it is important to note that both branches are co-equal under the Iowa Constitution. The governor should not be primarying members of the legislature for representing the wishes of the constituents.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Education, Economic Development, brain drain and water quality.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes - the erosion of Home Rule and local control in Iowa is a direct result of most members having no experience in local government.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes - personal growth and trust is key to any work environment and it is essential to passing good laws in Iowa.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Iowa State Senator Liz Bennett, VA State Senator Danica Roem

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

At this time my only concern is being the best representative in the Iowa House for District 80.

Tell us your favorite joke.

A horse walks into a bar and the bartender says, "Why the long face."

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

During my tenure with the City of Hiawatha it was necessary to grant Emergency Powers twice - once during the COVID emergency and second during the Derecho. Emergency powers must be overseen by a representative body and they must be in limited duration, and removed once the emergency has passed.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Repealing the changes made to the AEAs

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

State Representative Art Staed

State Senator Todd Taylor

Fmr State Representative Marti Anderson

Victory Fund

AFL-CIO

What committees interest you?

Education, Local Government, Ways and Means, Judiciary, Transportation, Workforce, and Veterans Affairs

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Strongly in favor. This is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Government should always open its budget for scrutiny. The legislature should not be passing laws to make it harder for the State auditor to do his job.

Working in local government we have also sought to increase transparency into our bookkeeping and welcome the auditor's involvement.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Good.