Urbandale's Scott Raecker Says This Is His Last Legislative Session

Scott Raecker, the chairman of the Iowa House Appropriations Committee and Urbandale's state representative for 14 years, will not seek re-election when his term ends at the end of 2012, he announced in his weekly newsletter.

"I tried to talk him out of it," said Urbandale State Sen. Brad Zaun. "It's really going to be a big loss to the citizens of Iowa." 

"I would say that Scott Raecker is the best state representative in the state of Iowa. He's so hard working and he lives what he speaks through Character Counts in Iowa," Zaun said. 

Raecker is vice chairman of the House Ethics Committee and also serves on the Education Committee, but Zaun said the Legislature will miss his role on the state's budget.

"No one does this budget better than Scott Raecker," he said.

As chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Raecker has said his job this year will be to manage the process of trying to achieve three key areas of reform outlined by Gov. Terry Branstad: reform of the state's mental health system; continue to implement pre-kindergarten structure to the state's public schools; and to reform the property-tax system in Iowa.

He said if that can be done with Branstad during this term with a Republican House and Senate where Democrats have a slight majority, it "will make this a fairly historic two years."

Raecker is executive director for the Character Counts in Iowa organization and speaks and advocates teaching and modeling good character and ethics.

In 2010, Cityview named him one of 25 people who aren't running for governor, but should, saying, "He understands complex issues, is persuasive and truly wants what’s best for Iowa, not for Scott Raecker."

He and his wife, Martha, have two children, Emily and Max.

Here is the text of his newsletter in which he announces he will not seek re-election.

The Privilege and Honor to Serve

In January of 1998 I was encouraged by a group of Urbandale citizens to consider running for a soon to be vacated seat in the Iowa House of Representatives. I was initially reluctant due to our young family (our children were 4 and 2 at the time) coupled with my role as the Executive Director of a new non-profit organization – Character Counts In Iowa (CCII).

However, both my wife, Martha, and the Chairman of the Board at CCII, former Governor Robert Ray, encouraged me to consider the opportunity.
It was with that encouragement, and the following support of my extended family, board of directors and administrative team at CCII, that a great group of friends came together to help our family launch our first successful campaign to serve the citizens of Iowa.

I remember at the time our pastor telling us that, “You can decide if you want to run and how hard you want to work, but it will be the good Lord and the people who will decide if you have the opportunity to serve.”

I have been blessed with that opportunity to serve for 14 years and seven terms in the Iowa House of Representatives – and words are not adequate to describe the incredible honor and privilege it is to serve the citizens of Urbandale and Iowa as your representative.

With the same support I received in 1998 with my decision to run for office, my family, board,administrative team, and close friends are equally supportive of my recent decision to not seekre-election this year.

There is much work to be done for the remainder of my term both through the current legislative session, where I will continue to serve as the Appropriations Chair in the House, and serving constituent needs through the end of the year.

When 2013 dawns I will move from my current position as citizen legislator to the most important role in politics and public service – informed and active citizen.

My professional efforts and passions will continue to be focused on the opportunity to positively impact the lives of Iowans through our growing efforts at Character Counts In Iowa.

Thank you for the confidence you have placed in me over the years - I am forever grateful - and hope that my commitment to work hard and do my best to serve you well has been a good return on your investment of trust.

The Urbandale Chamber of Commerce partners with Senator Brad Zaun and me, along with officials representing the city, county and Urbandale schools, to offer several opportunities for public input. This year we have four public forums set that will take place at the Chamber Office at 2900 Justin Drive, Suite L. Please join us on:

Saturday, January 28 - 10:30 a.m. to noon

Saturday, February 25 - 10:30 a.m. to noon

Saturday, March 31 - 10:30 a.m. to noon

Saturday, April 28 - 10:30 a.m. to noon