March 19, 2024

Supporting Joel Fry

I appreciated Steve Waterman’s recent letter. After checking with the state’s department of education, he informed readers that the Iowa 2014-15 state aid for students is $6,366.

Rightfully, he was concerned that the $9,892 figure given by Iowa Representative Joel Fry in the Fry Times might be in error.

He ended his letter by calling upon others to “call out” Representative Fry over this apparent discrepancy. Unfortunately, he did not contact Representative Fry himself to ask for an explanation nor did he apparently contact anyone else for other explanations.

Instead, he assumed Representative Fry was being dishonest and strongly implied that he would be dishonest about other issues. I responded to Mr. Waterman’s challenge by asking Joel about the discrepancy. Joel’s answer is in this week’s Osceola Sentinel Tribune.

This incident is an excellent example of the importance of checking with the source before making accusations. This is especially true when the political atmosphere is as charged as it is within two weeks of an election.

I have known Representative Fry since just before he was elected to his first term. I have monitored a number of issues with which he has grappled as the District 27 Iowa Representative. We have had numerous conversations.

He is a conservative as I am, so we agree on most issues. However, I expect, no demand that he be honest and forthright in his approach and methods of dealing with those issues.

So far, I have found him to be bright, innovative, compassionate, an extraordinary hard worker and honest.

Please consider supporting State Representative Joel Fry with your vote on November 4.