Here's the second letter to the editor in today's Iowa City Press-Citizen:
This holiday season, as always, there are so many things to do. This year in Iowa, we have the additional responsibility of setting the tone for the upcoming presidential election. Looking at the field of candidates in the Democratic Party, we have a difficult choice between many qualified candidates. Many people have made up their minds, but many are still considering this important decision.
As I searched for a candidate to support, I was seeking a candidate with proven leadership, someone I could trust and someone who can win in November. I did not have to look far for this candidate. Last summer, Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd spent a day in a classroom at the Head Start Program where I work. Head Start is a federally funded preschool program for at-risk children. Dodd arrived that morning at 7:30 when the lead teacher opened the door. He worked along side staff all day, washed tables, ate with the children, held them on his lap and read to them, and he listened to them. Listening to all the people is an important quality in a leader. It is obvious to me why Dodd is known as the "Children's Senator" and was named "Senator of the Decade" by the National Head Start Association.
This election is too important to be decided by media hype and celebrity. I believe this election is about finding the most qualified candidate with a proven record of service and integrity, and that is why I am going to caucus for Dodd.
Donna Castle
Solon
Coralville
Here's a video of Senator Dodd talking about the value of Head Start:
