Fry stresses hometown, conservative values during fundraiser

When Rep. Joel Fry, R-Osceola, started his first campaign for state representative years ago, three words came to his mind — listen, learn and lead.

“That’s what we used in our first campaign. I used it in my second campaign, and I’m not going to change it because these are the values which I believe we as representatives of you should have when we are leading on behalf of you all,” Fry said during a political fundraiser Friday, Sept. 5, at Boyt Harness.

More Republicans

In attendance at the Republican fundraiser were Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Sen. Amy Sinclair, R-Allerton, Sam Clovis, who is running for state treasurer, and Bill Black who is running for Clarke County supervisor.

“Not only do we have great people like Joel running for the House and great candidates in the Senate, we have a statewide ticket that is unbelievable!” Reynolds said. “They are working so hard and traveling through the state.”

Reynolds said Sept. 25 is the first day for absentee voting.

Fry, a Republican incumbent candidate who is seeking re-election for Iowa’s House District 27, is facing off against Democratic candidate Fred Diehl in the November elections. Diehl is the long-serving mayor of Osceola.

Beliefs

Fry said he learned the values of listening, learning and leading from his parents and grandparents, and comes from a line of farming and small business. Fry and his wife currently own two small businesses.

According to Fry, his conservative values include the belief in life and traditional marriage.

“Those are two values that I will not surrender when I stand before you all at the capitol,” he said.

As Republicans, it’s everybody’s job to help make the country economy better, Fry said.

“I appreciate your comments of making sure we can help the middle and lower class figure out how to better themselves through their own savings accounts, not through ours,” he said. “I believe Medicaid is there for a hand up. It’s there to help. It’s also there then for the next person when they need it.”

Fry also discussed farmers who say it’s necessary to get the EPA out of businesses.

“When the EPA all of a sudden wants to run our water, they want to tell us what standing water is or where flowing is and how we have to manage our farms, government is reaching too far,” he said.

Honor serving

As Fry finished his speech, he said it’s a honor to serve the state’s district 27.

“It’s an honor to be able to stand on the ticket with such phenomenal people who have great integrity,” he said. “I ask for your support over the next few weeks. I know that the rest of the Republican ticket does, as well. Folks, get out there and encourage people to vote.”