Of the eight local races on the Nov. 3 ballot, only one had more than one of the candidates attend the Carroll Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum on Wednesday night. Republican, Craig Williams, and Democrat, C.J. Petersen, are running for the Iowa Senate District 6 seat to replace Senator, Mark Segebart, who is not running for re-election. Health care access consistently ranks as one of the top issues for Iowans, and moderator, Rick Hunsaker, asked the candidates for their thoughts on Iowa’s privatization of Medicaid and its impact on facilities like New Hope Village. Williams says the switch just moved Medicaid from one bad problem to another.
Petersen says Medicaid privatization caused numerous challenges for many of Iowa’s most vulnerable residents. He acknowledges the previous system had its flaws, but the new system is not saving the state the money it had expected.
The COVID-19 pandemic and recovery from the economic downturn it caused will be weighing heavily on many voters’ minds as they prepare to cast their ballots before or on Election Day. The candidates laid out their vision for what they believe is the best course of action moving forward, starting with Petersen.
According to Williams, he has no issue with people wearing masks but opposes a statewide mask mandate. He says the mask issue has a lot to do with taking responsibility for your own actions.
Williams and Petersen also touched on rural economic investment, supporting local businesses, housing availability and more during the 90-minute forum. Full audio from Wednesday night can be found included below. Carroll Broadcasting will bring you more from the candidates in upcoming newscasts.
FULL AUDIO:
