Small business owner and Estherville City Councilman John Wittneben has announced that he will seek election as state representative in House District 7.
The seat is currently held by Rep. Marcie Frevert-D of Emmetsburg, who announced her retirement last week. Wittneben also is a Democrat.
"As a small business owner, my top priority will be to help businesses across Iowa expand and create good-paying jobs. We need a strong education system and world-class community colleges to make sure we have a skilled workforce that can compete for jobs in the 21st century economy," said Wittneben, who is former president of the Estherville Chamber of Commerce. "Through the wind energy program at Iowa Lakes Community College, I'm proud our community is training students to support Iowa's renewable energy industry."
Wittneben owns his own land surveying company and has previously worked for Jacobson-Westergard & Associates in Estherville. He serves on the Estherville City Council and was the Estherville Chamber Citizen of the Year in 2007.
He is a member of the Estherville Rotary, Friends of Fort Defiance, and the Good Samaritan Citizen Advisory Board.
"After growing up in Estherville and working across the country, I know there is no better place to live and operate my business than in Estherville. I care deeply about our state and community and that's why I want to be state representative," added Wittneben. "My top priority at the Statehouse will be to listen to the people of District 7 and work across party lines to make our community a better place to live."
Wittneben grew up in Estherville and received his associates degree in pre-engineering from Iowa Lakes Community College. He also attended Iowa State University.
"I've balanced the books in my own business and I will make sure we keep the state's fiscal house in order. We must balance the budget without raising taxes, create jobs, and keep our k-12 education system strong," said Wittneben.
Noting the state's finances are in relatively good shape compared to those of other states, Wittneben said developing small businesses in the state is key to our economic future.
"Most new jobs in Iowa come from small business," Wittneben said. "I think there's an amazing entrepreneurial spirit in northwest Iowa."
