To the Editor:

When Kim Reynolds became the first woman Governor of Iowa, I remembered that when I had run as a Republican candidate for State Treasurer in 1998, some Republicans were admittedly unwilling to vote for a woman.

I wanted to vote for Kim Reynolds. Then she touted a financial boost from tax cuts for lower and middle-income Iowa families which were no boost for them at all. Almost half was for high incomes—over $250,000. The Iowa Department of Revenue stated Iowa’s lower-income families would save $18, while those making $1 million would save $25,000! I was shocked. Reynolds misled Iowans in person, during debates, and in her tv ads! Further, an average saving of $300 (not the $1,000 she misrepresented) would be obliterated when local governments budgets were affected by budget cuts.

Most disturbing was Reynolds’ false claim that Hubbell planned to eliminate all tax cuts. Reynolds’ ads used part of an edited taped interview out of context when Hubbell had honestly stated that IF in the future, the tariffs on agricultural products seriously damaged Iowa’s economy, tax cuts would have to be addressed. Reynolds reprehensibly called Hubbell a liar.

I had liked and respected Reynolds and Hubbell since the 1990’s. I met the Hubbell family when their children and my child attended the same public schools. The Hubbells were reliable caring volunteers who humbly contributed time as coaches and chaperones and encouraged all children.

Fred Hubbell reminds me of Gov. Bob Ray — honest and concerned about every Iowan. I know that Fred Hubbell is truthful. So I am confident that Iowans will always be proud to have Fred Hubbell as their governor.

Joan Bolin Betts

Ames