Rob Sand, Democrat candidate for Iowa Governor, addresses a crowd at the Guthrie Center Library.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
A standing-room-only crowd estimated at 80 packed into the Guthrie Center Library on Aug. 19 to hear Rob Sand, Democratic candidate for Iowa Governor. Prior to the town hall, Sand sat with members of the local press to answer questions.
When asked about the reason for and timing of his candidacy, Sand spoke of his time as State Auditor and a recent change related to the Auditor’s access to records.
“They passed a law allowing state government to hide waste and abuse from the Auditor’s office. So, I’m not particularly inclined to continue being State Auditor when we can be told that we can’t dig in on an important issue,” Sand said. “But it also makes it that much more important that we have new leadership, because who on Earth, in their right mind, would vote for or sign a law like that? Every single government watchdog in America, as well as the auditing profession, said this law will increase waste, fraud and abuse of tax dollars. They made it the law anyway. Time to change.”
When asked how he would approach a strong Republican majority in the Iowa House and Iowa Senate if he becomes governor, Sand smiled.
“Joyfully. I have no problem working with people I disagree with,” Sand said. “I think actually, a structure that forces both parties to work together would get better results. I couldn’t do much without them, and they couldn’t do much without me, so we’d have to meet in the middle.”
Sand was asked how he would reach the large number of eligible voters who do not choose to vote.
“A lot of people who aren’t voters, aren’t voters because they think the system is broken. I agree with them,” Sand said. “I’m not really interested in right versus left. I’m focused on right versus wrong. And the idea is not to have Iowa be redder or bluer, but better and truer. That resonates with people, and I’ve had people come up and tell me, ‘I’ve never voted in my life, but I’m going to vote for you because of that message.’ ”
Asked about what he enjoys away from work, the Decorah native talked about his family (wife, Christine, and two sons) and his love of the outdoors.
“My favorite hobby is bow hunting. Every year, it recenters me, grounds me, gives me a great deal of enjoyment just being out in the woods by myself,” Sand said.