House Journal: Page 205: Thursday, January 28, 1999

long-term care ombudsman positions we can work together to correct nursing home 

deficiencies. And, if we stiffen fines for repeat violators and focus health facility 
inspections on those chronic violators we will enhance the good reputation of the vast 
majority of nursing homes and facilities in our state today.
Our goal is improved and fairer health care for all.  Let it be said that here in Iowa, 
we put our money where our most vulnerable populations are.
The safety, security and well-being of Iowans is the responsibility of each of us.  But 
nowhere, perhaps, is that responsibility accepted with more courage and more 
dedication than in the selfless service provided by our peace officers. Today, we, as a 
grateful people, salute and thank every peace officer who puts his or her life on the line 
every day for our families and ourselves.  With us this morning are two men who are 
living proof of that dedication and courage.
When the time finally came, after four intense days in the middle of a hostage crisis, 
a distraught and dangerous father, charged with numerous crimes including attempted 
murder and kidnapping brought his two sons out into the Indianola sunlight.  As he 
began to pull a loaded hand-gun from his pocket, Ken Haut rushed in and flung his body 
in harm's way, tackling and subduing the prisoner. Serving with him were his fellow 
troopers and other peace officers.
Without thinking of his personal safety, this humble Lamoni Chief of Police 
pursued two suspected murderers and bank robbers.  In an instant his life changed 
forever.  His sacrifice was great.  He lost an eye and might have lost his life.  But Dale 
Killpack acted without hesitation on our behalf, and today he and Ken are with us. 
These two gentlemen represent the daily Iowa heroes who are our peace officers.
There is a specific crossroads where public health, public education and public 
safety meet.  And it is at that crossroads that we stand today.  We will NOT, simply 
because we happen to be in a convenient location in the heartland of America, be first 
in the nation in the creation and delivery of methamphetamine.  We WILL, however, 
make it one of our first priorities to eradicate this deadly threat.
To protect our people we must strangle the meth lifeline by controlling both supply 
and demand. To protect our people we will seek life sentences for the manufacture or 
sale of meth to minors.  To protect our people we will hire more narcotics agents to 
increase interdiction efforts.  To protect our people we will hire additional lab 
technicians to help in the timely prosecution of cases, and to protect our people we will 
hire more state troopers, DCI agents and fire marshals to aid in safely closing down 
these meth labs.  At the same time, to help our people we will expand the number of 
drug courts.  To help our people we will provide additional resources for treatment to 
lengthen the time that Iowans addicted to this powerful drug can receive treatment 
and also expand treatment opportunities at Eldora.  And to educate our people we will 
support and create educational programs to prevent the use of meth before it starts.
Now I do not want to leave this subject without speaking directly to those who 
manufacture and sell this drug. Here is my message: Do not come here.  Do not hurt 
our children.  We will find you.  We will prosecute you.  We will imprison you.  Our goal 
is to win this war against meth.  Let it be said in Iowa, we put our money where the 
safety of each of our citizens is.

© 1999 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

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Last update: Thu Jul 15 13:40:03 CDT 1999
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