Community Conversations With Eli

08/25/2026

Tom Harkin on Sunday, and then a packed Fairgrounds for the Rob Sand town hall. What a weekend!

The room was full, the energy was incredible, and there was a real sense of optimism in the air.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about making Iowa more red or more blue. It’s about making Iowa better, stronger, and more honest and creating a state where EVERYONE has a chance to thrive.

There’s plenty of work ahead, but nights like this make you believe we’re heading in the right direction.

Dubuque County Democrats Dubuque Education Association ISEA Iowa Senate Democrats Iowa House Democrats

08/24/2026

08/23/2026

Just a quick reminder about what PPEL actually does for Dubuque schools.

PPEL isn’t used for teacher or staff salaries, everyday operating expenses, or the three future options being discussed.

It helps take care of the physical needs of our schools, including:

🏫 Roofs & building repairs
🚌 School buses
🅿️ Parking lots & sidewalks
🔒 Safety improvements
💻 Technology infrastructure
🏗️ Construction & renovations

Basically, PPEL helps keep our schools safe, functional, and in good shape.

I completely understand that some people are frustrated with DCSD leadership. If that frustration has you considering a NO vote, I simply ask that you take a step back and make this decision based on what you believe is best for our students.

Let’s not let frustration make the decision for us.

Our kids and grandkids deserve our best. ❤️

Have questions? I’m always happy to help!

Get the facts on the tax impact of the proposed PPEL tax levy increase.

The current levy rate is 67 cents and the district seeks an additional 67 cents, bringing the total PPEL amount to $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Here are a few examples of the impact:

• For a home assessed at $100,000, the proposed additional 67 cents would increase estimated taxes by $26.15 annually
• For a home assessed at $250,000, the proposed additional 67 cents would increase estimated taxes by $67.14 annually
• For a home assessed at $350,000, the proposed additional 67 cents would increase estimated taxes by $93.99 annually

Learn why an increase is needed and calculate the impact of the proposed 67-cent increase: https://www.dbqschools.org/PPEL

08/21/2026

There have been two incidents involving local elected officials in the past five months that, in my view, deserve serious scrutiny, not only from an ethical standpoint, but from a moral one as well.

April 2026 — Iowa House District 72
Rep. Jennifer Smith used high school pages to help prepare envelopes for her reelection campaign. Conduct that was reported as violating Iowa ethics and election law. Put plainly, the allegation is that campaign activity crossed a legal line.

https://iowastartingline.com/news/politics/iowa-house-republican-jennifer-smith-illegal-mailer/

August 2026 — Iowa House District 65
Rep. Shannon Lundgren wrote a character reference on official Iowa House letterhead for David Lehmann shortly before his sentencing after he was convicted of lascivious acts with a child and sentenced to prison. Regardless of the legalities, I find that decision deeply troubling on a moral level.

People mess up. People can change. People deserve opportunities to make things right. I believe in second chances.

But when children are involved, my standard is different.

I've spent my career working with and advocating for students. Adults have a duty to protect children, make responsible choices, and set an example. I believe that responsibility applies just as much to the people we elect to represent us.

Neither of these situations should simply fade away or get tucked under the rug.

Ask questions. Speak up. Ask these elected officials to explain their decisions and why they believed those choices were appropriate.
And when election day comes, remember what you saw and heard.

Our kids deserve better from the adults entrusted to lead them.

Our elected officials should be setting the example....not asking us to lower the bar.

Dubuque Education Association Dubuque County Democrats Iowa House Democrats Iowa Senate Democrats ISEA

Four days before a Dubuque County man was sentenced for child abuse, state Rep. Shannon Lundgren wrote the judge a letter on official Iowa Legislature letterhead vouching for his character.

08/17/2026

The Dubuque Community School District’s Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) – the tax levy used to maintain, repair and enhance district facilities and infrastructure – will be on the ballot at a special election on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

PPEL has been in place for decades and funds maintenance projects (roofs, parking lots, tuckpointing, sidewalks and small building remodels), safety enhancements such as fire alarm and security systems, annual school bus replacement rotation, and more.

PPEL is required to be renewed by voters every 10 years. The district’s current PPEL expires in 2027.

Learn more about PPEL and the projects it supports at www.dbqschools.org/ppel

08/17/2026

Happy back to School Day for the DCSD Staff!



Dubuque Education Association ISEA

08/16/2026

I've got no issues with people making some money, but that's a whole lot of jelly beans!

08/16/2026

When we do better, we do better.

Our present and the future we’re leaving our kids and grandkids deserves better from all of us.

I’m all for a good laugh and a silly meme, but when humor turns into hate, name-calling takes over, or we spread things that aren’t true, we only drive the wedge deeper.

Maybe instead of pointing fingers at that person, that side, or the media, we ought to start with the person in the mirror.

Want things to be better? Start with you and me.

Have the tough conversations. Ask the hard questions. Listen to folks we disagree with. We don’t have to agree on everything to treat each other with respect.

Disagreement doesn’t have to divide us. It can bring us closer when we lead with a little grace, common sense, and kindness.

When we do better, we all do better. And that’s how we build a better future together. 💙♥️

Dubuque Education Association Dubuque County Democrats ISEA

08/16/2026

08/15/2026

I’m a very proud dad today.

One of my sons has been faithfully involved with the Rob Sand campaign for quite some time, and it makes me incredibly proud to see him standing up for what he believes is right.

What makes me even prouder is that he got involved while still in high school. He’s learning firsthand that democracy isn’t something you just watch from the sidelines....it’s something you participate in.

As a Dad, and as someone who cares deeply about our communities and our politics, I believe we need more young people willing to speak up, get involved, ask questions, and stand up for what they believe in.

Our job as adults isn’t just to tell young people what to think. It’s to encourage them, empower them, and give them the opportunity to find their own voice.

So yeah….I’m pretty darn proud of this young man. Keep standing tall, keep asking questions, and keep fighting for what you believe is right. 💙🇺🇸♥️