Via John Deeth’s blog I saw that Republican Michael Moore has announced his candidacy in Iowa Senate district 39, a swing seat being vacated by Senator Sandy Greiner.
I had expected GOP State Representative Jarad Klein to step up for this race, but he quickly took himself out of contention. You can’t blame him for wanting to stay where he’s safe and warm. Iowa House district 78, which Klein currently represents, has a Republican voter registration advantage of more than 2,000, while Senate district 39 contains 13,342 registered Democrats, 13,341 Republicans, and 16,194 no-party voters.
Moore has a long record of civic involvement in Washington County. I’ve posted his official bio and first press release after the jump. His campaign is on the web here. I wouldn’t be surprised if some Republican from the party’s “Liberty” wing ends up competing against Moore in the June 2014 primary.
About Michael
Michael Moore was born and, for most of his life, raised in Washington, Iowa. Mike graduated from Washington High School in 1965 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa in 1970. After college, Mike enlisted in the Air Force and served his country from 1970 until August 1974. Mike returned to Iowa and accepted employment with Dee Gosling & Company in Iowa City as an accountant until March 1976. Mike then returned to Washington, Iowa to accept employment at the United Presbyterian Home as the Business Manager. In 1986 Mike became the Associate CEO/Administrator of the facility and then in 1990 the Board of Directors appointed him CEO/President. He continues in that role today.
Mike and his first wife, Sally divorced in 1974. They had a son Chris (38), Mike married Cynthia Boatman Gronert in 1976 and adopted her son Nick (42), Cynthia passed away in 1988, and Mike married again in 1990 to Elaine Fenton Miller and adopted her two daughters Keely (33) and Tia (27). Mike and Elaine have five Grandchildren.
In 1985, Mike decided to broaden his skills and become more involved in the whole United Presbyterian Home operations. He enrolled at DMAAC in Ankeny, Iowa in preparation for an Iowa Administrator’s in Gerontology License. Mike received his license in 1986. He then enrolled in 1994 at the University of North Texas in a more extensive housing study program. Mike finished his studies in 1996 earning the title of Certified Aging Services Professional (CASP).
Mike has served on numerous boards and committees and held leadership roles including:
Chair of Washington County School Board
Washington City Councilman
Chair of YMCA
Chair of Kiwanis
Chair of Washington County Developmental Corporation
Chair of Iowa Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
Chair of the Presbyterian Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
National Quality First Chair on American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging Board of Directors
Chair of IAHSA’s Finance, Nominating and Group Purchasing committees
Member of National LeadingAge’s Engaging Consumers Cabinet and Public Policy Congress
Mike continues on LeadingAge of Iowa’s Finance and Public Policy committees and as an active LeadingAge of Iowa board member.Mike has been honored by many organizations throughout his thirty-seven years at the United Presbyterian Home. He has received:
Work Horse Award and Outstanding District Chair by Kiwanis
Educator of the year by A.A.U.W. in 2000
Governor’s Award for Quality Care 2001 and again in 2003
Frances Lackner Award in 2002 for outstanding leadership and service to the elderly
John A. Hartford Geriatric Center for Excellence Award in 2004
LeadingAge of Iowa’s Leading Edge Care & Services Award 2006
LeadingAge of Iowa’s Quality First Recognition 2006 through 2009
LeadingAge Chair Citation for Quality First leadership and support in 2008
LeadingAge’s Distinguished Service Award in 2010.
Mike has many hobbies, including many sporting activities but on the top of his list is spending time with his family.
Press release from July 8:
Announcement to Run for Senate Seat
ANNOUNCEMENT TO CITIZENS OF THE 39TH SENATE DISTRICT AND MY FRIENDS: I have decided to seek the 39th District Senate seat being vacated by Sandra Greiner.
As the current CEO and 37-year employee of the United Presbyterian Home in Washington, Iowa, I have worn many hats. I am proud to have served on the Washington, Iowa School Board for ten years and on the Washington City Council for five years. In addition, I have served on many other local, state, and national boards. I continue to work for many causes and never have lost my deep interest in public service and what’s best for Iowa.
Today, I wish to formally announce that I will be filing the preliminary papers to begin my efforts to serve in the Iowa State Senate representing the 39th District of Iowa for the Primary Election to be held June 3, 2014..
My campaign will be run the old fashioned way, face to face, door to door, talking with as many folks as I can possibly meet. I hope to bring a common sense outlook to solving all of Iowan’s day-to-day challenges. I ask for your consideration and hopefully your support during this important journey.
Thank you,
Michael D. Moore, Republican Candidate for the 39th District Senate Seat