Jesse Lewis, Des Moines

Letter to the Editor

Kathie Obradovich discovered that Gov. Terry Branstad’s opinion of Iowa legislators is “they stake out a position before they even know the facts” [Will Branstad's water plan lay an egg? Jan. 10]. I am concluding, by his own admission, this guides Branstad’s approach to inclusive state government.

Before Branstad’s “water plan” has a chance to lay an egg, Branstad’s lays an extra-large egg on the eve of his 2016 Condition of the State address. What an entry to seeking cooperation from the Iowa Legislature in implementing his “soft boiled” ideas. What a confidence builder it must have been for Iowa legislators to know the governor considers them incapable of astute assessment of one of his “works-in-progress.”

It’s time for Iowa Legislators, both Republican and Democrat, to rebuke the governor’s arrogant behavior and send a clear message to Terrace Hill that the Iowa Legislature is a branch of state government that will not tolerate being slighted and will not play second fiddle to the governor’s interest groups.

As for the governor’s “water plan,” the plan has already laid an egg; the question is whether or not the Iowa Legislature will crack it.

— Jesse Lewis, Des Moines