Sen. Steve Warnstadt wrote an excellent column in the Sioux City Journal this weekend encouraging people to keep a positive attitude and look at the strengths Iowa possesses, not just the weaknesses. He notes several positive things going on in Iowa right now that will help Iowa move forward.
Here's an excerpt from the column:
Throughout my years in the Legislature, it was amazing how some people saw only the dark side of things – the glass half empty instead of half full. Their horizons were limited by seeing only faults, rarely opportunities.
As with most things, an honest assessment requires one to recognize shortfalls in order to have a true understanding of a situation. But focusing only on the negative not only provides an incomplete picture, it is not healthy for an individual, or for a community.
Many are quick, and seemingly eager, to show statistics that present Iowa in the worst light possible. As we enter the campaign season, we will be treated to many negative rankings. Addressing shortfalls is important, but so is recognizing our strengths. So in the interest of balance, here are a few counterpoints:
Site Selection magazine has ranked the Sioux City metro first or second the last three years in a row for actual business growth. Sioux Falls has never made the list, nor Rapid City, nor Lincoln. Dubuque has. Waterloo has. Des Moines has, twice.