Joe grew up in Cedar Rapids and eventually went to University of Northern Iowa to study Elementary and Middle School Education. After graduating with his bachelors degree he then continued on working a Masters in Instructional Technology, knowing that he wanted to be working on managing technology in schools.

He took a job teaching Language Arts and Science for 5 years in the same district as his wife, West Delaware County Community School District. At that point a job opened up in his district to be the Technology Director and he took it. For the last 14 years he has been leading the district with all technology initiatives, including 1 to 1 devices for students, upgrading security throughout the district and creating electronic systems used daily.

During this time he also was an a committee working to recognize Manchester as a Connect Iowa community, making sure we had access to broadband that is sorely needed in rural Iowa. He also was a High School Speech coach for 14 years, which he says is one of the best things, besides his family, that he was given the opportunity to do. You can still see him locally in the district giving help to groups or helping out at contests. 

Joe has spent his entire career in education The last few years especially have been difficult here in Iowa. With the adding of the new voucher system, multiple attempts to discredit all of the work school staff is doing in the classroom, and now the bill working to diminish all the work of the AEA, it has been difficult to stomach. Joe has felt called to run after seeing and hearing over the last few years how people have been repeatedly telling their legislators that they do not want some of these controversial topics, yet these laws keep getting voted for.

Repeatedly Joe sees, no matter the topic, that the majority will of the people is being continually ignored for the benefit of a very small minority. In many cases it is to the benefit of private corporations or other special interests. He wants to be a voice for the people of Northeast Iowa and listen to what they have to say. The state government should be working for Iowans, not other politicians, out-of-state corporations, or special interests. 

Joe loves helping people and strives to better other people's lives with his work. He sees this work, just as his work in schools and life, not just a one-sided issue. Every issue has multiple sides and we need to work to blend those ideas together. It takes work and compromise to do this, but it is about making those sacrifices and working together to do what is best for everyone. This is the way to make Northeast Iowa a place people want to come to and stay. A place where people feel heard. 

Joe will work to help ALL Iowans and make this a place everyone can call home. There has been a lot of politics getting in the way and wanting to dismantle everything Iowa has been known for in the past. We need to focus on what has made Iowa great. Our state should work to ensure there are opportunities for every Iowan.

For too long people in the rural areas of Northeast Iowa have been left to be underfunded and under supported while others are profiting from everything they provide. Joe wants to focus on making sure Northeast Iowa gets the support they need and have a voice.

It's time to think past politics and parties and think towards people who are willing to do what is best for us as Iowans. Joe will be that person to listen, learn, and work hard for everyone.