Ross Grooters, Pleasant Hill

Letter to the Editor

On Jan. 9 I was able to participate along with Des Moines Register opinion columnist Rekha Basu in the Putting Families First presidential forum. Focusing on the needs of families and working people living in our rural and urban communities, which have been left behind by corporate-centered politicians, the forum invited all three Democratic candidates.

It was a pleasure to hear Gov. Martin O’Malley and Sen. Bernie Sanders address the needs of working families from Iowa and around the Midwest. Unfortunately, Hillary Clinton did not attend, and the audience noticed.

Instead of listening to a diverse group of hard-working families, Clinton’s schedule shows she had time for a West Coast fundraiser while "Girls" actress Lena Dunham rallied support locally.

This leads me to wonder, what are Hillary Clinton’s priorities? Her absence at the Families First forum leads me to believe she cares more about wealthy donors than working families.

Poor and working families deserve to have their issues heard and addressed as much celebrity supporters and big corporate donors. As you prepare to caucus Feb. 1, I encourage Iowa voters to take notice of candidates who choose to attend events listening to the concerns of poor working families.

— Ross Grooters, Pleasant Hill