Get the facts

Setting the Record Straight

If you've seen one of David Young's attack ads. I hope you are someone who wants to hear all the facts. It's harder to refute false words than it is to say them. That's why they do it. But I have faith in our voters. Please read on. Your decision depends on it.  

Unfortunately, instead of talking about the issues that matter to the families of House District 28, David Young has chosen to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars attacking me personally. While negative campaigning may be part of modern politics, voters deserve the full truth.

For more than a year, I have invited David Young to join me in public discussions about our records, our priorities, and our vision for Iowa. Rather than debate those issues directly, he has relied on misleading advertisements and selective quotations.

I trust voters to make their own judgments when they have the facts.

Here are the facts.

My Career as an Iowa Attorney:

I am proud of my career as an Iowa lawyer.

For decades, I have represented clients within Iowa's legal system. Like every attorney, my responsibility was to provide ethical, professional representation to the people and organizations who relied upon my counsel. That included businesses large and small, nonprofit organizations, and many individuals facing difficult circumstances. My clients also included insurance companies--important to Iowa's economy. I have also devoted substantial time to public service and community involvement. 

Throughout my career, I have provided legal assistance to people who could not otherwise afford it, including abused women, struggling families, tenants, immigrants, and individuals facing mental health challenges. I have served on nonprofit boards, often as board chair, and I have accepted appointments from both Republican and Democratic governors to help serve the people of Iowa. 

David Young's ads suggest that my work as an attorney somehow reflects poorly on my character, values or priorities. He is plain wrong. The truth is the exact opposite.  As a lawyer, I've worked hard for others, upheld the ethical obligations of the profession, and made a difference in the lives of others and our communities. 

Some of  the claims against my clients were dismissed. Some were resolved by settlement or judgment.  Some were denied by a judge or jury. Sometimes I recoverd awards or settlements for my cleints, including many individuals. That is how our legal system is supposed to work. 

To be clear,  I did not personally “side” with one side of a dispute or the other or “brag” about denying anyone relief to which they were legally entitled. I did my job. The use of doctored photographs of me to suggest otherwise is beneath a responsible  public servant. 

Throughout my legal career, I have treated opposing counsel, their clients, and everyone involved with professionalism and respect. I am proud of that record and would put it up against anyone's. 

What I Actually Said About Taxes

One of David Young's advertisements claims I said tax increases would be "just fine."

That is not what I said.

In a 2022 interview, I was asked whether Iowa should eliminate its income tax entirely. My response was:

"No. Iowa has used a variable income tax system for 88 years. It has worked just fine. A flat tax will mean either massive spending cuts, more or different types of taxes, a greater tax burden on those least able to afford it, or perhaps all three." 

The phrase "just fine" clearly referred to Iowa's long-standing graduated income tax system. It did not advocate raising taxes and it certainly did not suggest taxes should increase without reason. 

More importantly, I warned state leaders that the flat tax motivated by temporary revenue surpluses could create future budget problems. Four years later, Iowa faces many of the very fiscal challenges I cautioned against. 

What This Election Should Really Be About

This election should not be about attack ads.

It should be about strengthening Iowa's economy, improving opportunities for working families,  supporting strong schools, expanding access to health care, cleaning our waters, and ensuring that state government remains accountable to the people it serves.

 I also don’t need David Young’s help to define who I am politically.  I am a Democrat who has spent my career in the private sector—not a government job or position paid by the public—representing many successful Iowa businesses.  I have done that proudly, ethically, and with a heart. I’ve lived and worked in the real world of profit and loss, expenses and revenues, for a lifetime. My free time has been devoted to my family and giving back to others. I am a business Democrat who believes that with free enterprise comes a responsibility to the community.  And that all businesses must be accountable for the good or bad they may do.

I trust the voters of House District 28 to look beyond political attacks, examine the facts, and decide who will best represent their interests at the Iowa Capitol.

Thank you for taking the time to read my response. Take care, Tom