Marilyn Mentzer

Marilyn Mentzer earned a high school diploma from the Missouri Valley Public Schools. She earned a bachelor's degree from Bellevue University in 2014. Her career experience includes working as a real estate professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am writing to share information regarding my candidacy as an Independent/No Party candidate for Iowa House District 15 in the upcoming November 2026 election.Coming from a long-standing union household and a working-class background in Missouri Valley, Iowa, I deeply understand the economic challenges facing families in our district today. Through my background in agriculture, education, and real estate, as well as my experience balancing work, education, and family, I am committed to advocating for legislative changes that directly benefit all Iowans.The Mentzer for Iowa Campaign is focused on three key priorities:- Property Tax Reform: Addressing the significant concerns surrounding rising property tax valuations and their impact on homeowners. Following visits to the Harrison County and Pottawattamie County Assessors' Offices to discuss valuation processes, I remain dedicated to finding solutions for sustainable property taxation.- Water Quality: Prioritizing environmental health and advocating for essential water quality testing throughout our district.- Government Accountability: Supporting Constitutional Amendment 1 on the November ballot, which would require a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers to raise income or corporate tax rates or establish new income-based taxes.Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss these key issues further.

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?

Water Quality and Public Health: In addition to high nitrate levels, Missouri Valley is home to the Offutt Atlas D Missile Site 3, a NPS site contaminated with trichloroethylene, (TCE). Harrison County ranks among the top five counties in Iowa for cancer rates, in a state that ranks first overall for new cancer diagnoses. Despite testing underway since 2012, the site expanded from 289 acres to an estimated 2,500-3,000 acres per the Iowa DNR. I am advocating for comprehensive health and water testing to address this public health crisis. The Department of War/Government is responsible for this contamination, and the DOW/Government needs to make it a priority for the citizens who reside in this area. It has been ignored to long.Property Tax Reform: The average property tax growth rate in Iowa is 39.5%, with Harrison County reaching 48.8% and Pottawattamie County at 28.9%. Property owners should not be taxed on unrealized gains or penalty for owning their homes. Reform is urgently needed to keep housing affordable. Budgets need to be cut to accomplish this goal. Iowans live with budgets, our Iowa Government needs to be held to the same standard.Tax Incentives for Skilled Labor: Joining the skilled trades in America offers immediate "earn-while-you-learn" paid apprenticeships, tuition-free training programs, and valuable financial incentives. Many of these individuals work full-time while supporting families and attending school at night.

To ensure the continued growth of our economy, we must support these workers and expand these programs. Our nation was built on skilled labor, and we need to continue investing in these industries. Specifically, offering tax incentives to individuals while they complete their apprenticeships would provide essential support and encourage further participation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Mentzer For Iowa Legislative Priorities: My top legislative priority is regarding property assessment and valuation, and improving the property tax processes.

Currently, several counties face challenges due to assessors and oversight officials who lack sufficient background in property assessment. To address this qualification gap and ensure consistent expertise, I encourage the State to consider consolidating these services.

Furthermore, the current process involves overlapping responsibilities among the assessor, auditor, and treasurer, resulting in unnecessary costs for taxpayers. Leveraging technological advancements to streamline these operations will reduce administrative budgets and ultimately help to lower property tax rates.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Iowa AFL-CIO, NE/SWIA Building & Construction Trades Council and IBEW Local 22 as well as individual citizens.