Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Smith was born in Madison, Wisconsin. She earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Illinois State University in 1995, a master's degree in economics from Illinois State University in 1997, and a Ph.D. in economics from Northern Illinois University in 2008. Smith's career experience includes working as an associate professor of economics.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As an economist and educator, I have a special perspective of how best to create a welcoming environment for new jobs for our community. My goal is to pursue pro-growth policies in the Iowa Senate, remove barriers to job growth, and pursue higher wages for the hard working people of Dubuque. I believe focusing on how to develop and retain a workforce and increasing educational opportunities for everyone are key parts of growing our community and state.

I graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and with a Master's Degree in economics. After working in insurance and finance for several years, I earned her Ph.D. in economics from Northern Illinois University. I has taught classes at Heartland Community College, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Northern Illinois University. Currently, I teach at Loras College.

I am committed to running a grassroots campaign focused on meeting with my neighbors and fellow residents of Dubuque at their doors and throughout our city. I will listen to their concerns and represent their interests in Des Moines. I believe more can be done to see improve career opportunities and increase wages in our community and I look forward to communicating that message to voters throughout this campaign.

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?

Stronger Jobs - In order to keep and maintain our workforce, we need to improve the quality of jobs available to our young people. By providing incentives to companies and small businesses to make their home here, we will retain talent and invite new families into our neighborhoods.Stronger Schools - As an educator myself, I am deeply concerned with the condition of our youth and their schools. They are not being given the tools they need to be successful, self-sufficient adults. It's time to change the way we teach our kids, through opportunities like trade schools and revamped education.Stronger Community - Our shared values hold us together. The importance of protecting life at all stages and the ability to defend one's home and family are essential to our foundation, but they must be protected at every turn. I am dedicated to standing up for your rights and the lives of the unborn.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Constitutional Rights, Education, Life, Employment, Taxes

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

Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers, had a profound influence on me as a child. He accepted me for whoever I was at the moment. He was always kind to everyone he met and loved everyone. I strive to make people feel valued the way Mister Rogers did for me.

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

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

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

I am willing to fight for what is important to my constituents. I have never been afraid to tackle a problem or disagreement head on and will work diligintly to identify a solution that is in the best interest of all involved. I have had to take on disagreements in both my personal and professional life, and have been successful in achieving a beneficial outcome.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my niece and nephew to see that it is important to do all you can to stand up for what you believe is important. If you see a problem or injustice, it is your responsibility as a member of society to stand up and face the issue, not wait for someone else to come along. Being willing to stand up is not always easy, and sometimes you are alone, but if it is truly important, it is worth the effort.

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

The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster. I was in Social Studies class when we were told what had happened. I remember a television being brought into the classroom so we could watch the coverage. I also remember being shocked and feeling numb by the event. I was in 8th grade.

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

I delivered the Pennysaver, which was a weekly advertiser newspaper, door to door from ages 13-15.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Beautiful Joe by Marshall Saunders. It is a story of a dog who was horribly abused, resulting in disfigurement, but was rescued by a loving individual. Joe never let his rough beginnings stop his ability to love and enjoy life, and felt he was the luckiest and most beautiful dog that lived due to the love he had from his rescuer. I read this as a young child, and it has stuck with me. I learned we should never judge anyone since we do not know their story or what they may have had occur in the past, and our past does not define who we are in the future.

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

The United States is meant to have individuals from everyday life spend some of their lives in the service of others. One way is through service as a legislator. Having individuals from all walks of life serving in the legislature allows for a diverse set of viewpoints being brought into the discussion when trying to determine what is best for the state. Those who are not career politicians are able to fully see how the policies and laws that are passed by the legislature impact citizens, rather than basing the laws on theory and beliefs.

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

. Yes. Building relationships with fellow legislators is critical to effective legislation. Elected individuals come to serve our state from many different backgrounds. It is imperative to discuss different ideas in order to fully evaluate the impact of legislation on different parts of the state, either geographically or economically. What may work in one area may not be appropriate in a different area, thus these differences need to be worked out and can only be done so if there are good relationships and respect among the legislators.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have heard of stories concerning grandparents rights. Without violating confidences, there are grandparents who are not allowed to see their grandchildren due to the loss of parental rights by one parent and the refusal of the other. Grandparents are important in the development and growth of a child by letting them know where they came from and that there are more people there who will love and support them. I know there are a lot of complications in dealing with this issue, yet I think a solution can be found which will strengthen the family, including grandparent involvement.