State Rep. Dave Heaton says his enthusiasm never wanes

By BROOKS TAYLOR

Mt. Pleasant News

Dave Heaton said he feels as energized today as he did when he first ran for the Iowa legislature.

?I go back every year just as fresh as I started,? Heaton said. ?There are always challenges and things to be dealt with.?

The Mt. Pleasant Republican is running for re-election to his House District 84 seat. The district includes all of Henry County, the northern half of Lee County, eastern portion of Jefferson County and southern part of Washington County.

Heaton, who has received many awards for his work in the health and mental health arenas, said he takes his greatest pleasure in helping others. ?I think people are happy with my representation,? he assessed. ?I am a hard worker and sincere. I represent my district first and the state second.

?As a legislator, I think I am an extension of my constituents. I am their voice in the House,? he said. ?After the election is over, I represent all the people not just some of the people.?

He is known as one of the architects who revamped the state?s mental health, but he is nearly as proud of work he did while on the House Transportation Committee. ?My bill created the graduated driver?s license for young drivers,? he noted.

The legislator has been either the chairman or ranking member of the House Health and Human Services Committee for most of his service in Des Moines. Through his work with that committee, he said he has ?walked the walk? with those impacted by state legislation.

?That committee (health and human services) requires a lot of bipartisanship,? he began. ?We (Republicans and Democrats) have worked together and done some great work. I take pride in being able to work with the other party. I don?t care who gets the credit. I want to solve problems and get bills passed. It is important to leave the egos out, respect the ideas of others and listen to what others have to say.?

Heaton is anxious to continue working with people with disabilities and families impacted by autism. ?I am doing a lot of work with people who have disabilities so they can hold and job and support themselves.

?Autism is a very disabling condition that not only is difficult but very expensive to treat,? Heaton continued. ?The cost of treatment can run as high as $36,000 a year which makes is almost impossible for people to provide treatment.?

To help alleviate the sticker shock, the state has set up a revolving fund to help with treatment expenses. Heaton also hopes that Medicaid level is raised to 300 percent of poverty level to provide further financial assistance to families dealing with autism.

As part of his ?education? on mental health, disabilities and autism, Heaton said he has visited with those impacted. ?I have seen what can be done when help is received. I am just trying to make a difference. When you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in people?s lives, that is the biggest reward a representative can have.?

For the first time in his career, Heaton had primary opposition this year and his general election opponent (a non-party candidate) filed close to the deadline.

?It has been different this year because normally I just have opposition from the other party and each candidate campaigns during the summer and it comes to fruition on the first Tuesday of November,? the former restaurant owner and teacher said.

Turning the page and looking ahead, he said next year?s session will be challenging, but he is ready.

?I have the same enthusiasm I?ve had in the past,? he emphasized. ?I enjoy my work and feel it is rewarding. I like to make a positive difference in the lives of my constituents and represent them well.?