That's why longtime Educator Bill Maske of Truro has decided to cut short a 34-year career as a teacher, coach, athletic coordinator and superintendent to run for public office.
"For the past 13 years, the 4th District has been served by an individual who wants to do business on the easy side of the street and has not been putting forth the work," said Maske of his opponent, incumbent Republican Tom Latham of Ames, who has served the 4th District as congressman for the past 13 years.
Maske was in Decorah last week as part of a 13-stop tour through Iowa's 4th Congressional District.
Maske, a Democrat, recently announced he would step down from his position as superintendent of the Interstate 35 Community School District in Truro Jan. 25, 2010, in order to devote his time "to seeking the Congressional seat and bringing "better government to the people of the 4th District."
Greatest generation
Maske, who grew up in Peterson, said, "I stand here on the shoulders of giants. My father and his generation fought the second World War to save the world from tyranny," said Maske.
"Today, I, a product of that generation, proudly announce my candidacy for the U.S. House of Representative," said Maske, adding he has always had a passion for politics and was a high school activist in the sixties.
"My great love of politics started in 1968 with the candidacy of Robert Kennedy. Since that time, I've enjoyed a lot of different involvement in the political arena," he said.
Switching gears
For the past 34 years, Maske said he has been devoted and committed to helping all children go through education and developing a confidence they will need to be successful in a 21st century workforce.
"Robert Kennedy once said, 'It's not enough to understand or to see clearly. The future is shaped in the arena of human activity by those who are committed by body and mind to the task. I'm here to tell you today, for the past 34 years, I have been committed to providing quality education. Now I am ready to commit my tireless work to you as a congressman," he said.
On Latham
During his presentation, Maske took time to express his opinion about some of the issues on which Latham has voted no.
"Tom Latham has been more concerned with serving special interests and the privileged few and voting no," he said.
Maske mentioned Latham's "no" votes regarding affordable health care, hate crime prevention, children's health insurance, equal pay for equal work, credit card holders' bill of rights, stem cell research, veterans benefits and more.
"I think it's time for the people of the 4th District to get on board with Tom Latham and vote no to him remaining in Congress," he said.
"Tom Latham votes on the far conservative right, which is very much wrong. Latham's votes do not reflect the people of the 4th Congressional District of Iowa," he said.
Public service
Maske said he differs from Latham because his work is "solidly grounded in public service."
When people ask him why he would give up his career in education to run for Congress, he said, "I don't want to be served, I want to serve the people of the 4th District.
Maske said he has witnessed the struggle of people who work to pay the bills from month to month.
"My service as a union member and as a union official helps me understand the challenges that confront labor. As a consumer and a homeowner, I have witnessed how big banks and financial institutions take consumers and homeowners and leave them unprotected," he said.
To inspire
Maske said the nation is confronting challenges which require true leadership.
Quoting Robert Louis Stevenson, he said, "Keep your fears to yourself, but share your inspiration with others."
As a candidate, Maske said he would "focus on those things which allow us to rise above fear."
What to do
Maske said in order to get the nation back to work, the government needs to institute a federal works program.
"We need to put people to work repairing our infrastructure, national monuments and national parks," he said.
In addition, Maske said the nation's educational system needs more government support.
"No Child Left Behind was a noble idea, but it has not worked. We need to open the doors of opportunity for all our children," he said.
Challenges great
Maske said while "the challenges before us are great, there can be no doubt those who see no benefit in these changes will fight to endure it (maintain the status quo).
"As your Congressman, I will work to see that programs are implemented that open the doors of prosperity for all Americans. I will work relentlessly to pursue new opportunities for you and your children," said Maske.
"My voice will be unwavering in the pursuit of social and economic justice for you. I do this for my family and for all families in the District," he said.
"This is a government of, for and by the people. It was created in order to form a more perfect union ... It's time the 4th District sent someone to Congress who will clearly uphold the high principles of this sacred contract."
