Clark Touts Creativity as Highfill Notes Need for Young Leaders at House District 39 Forum

Editor's Note: House District 39 candidates, Kelsey Clark and Jake Highfill, discussed a number of issues at a candidate forum on Tuesday night in Johnston. Johnston Patch will run a series of stories highlighting the candidate's responses and stances to issues.

Johnston, Grimes and surrounding Polk County residents got to know the candidates for House District 39 a bit better Tuesday night.

The Johnston Chamber of Commerce, Johnston Economic Development Corporation, along with the Grimes Chamber and Economic Development presented an opportunity for Democrat Kelsey Clark and Republican Jake Highfill to share their views on issues, mostly surrounding business and economic development.

Clark, of Grimes, is a recent graduate of Drake Law School, while Highfill graduated recently from the University of Iowa.

Both candidates have spent months knocking on doors in the community to get to know their prospective constituents, something both will continue leading up to the Nov. 6 election.

Highfill and Clark each touted their lifelong residence in the area and commitment to serving their communities.

"My campaign slogan is creativity, courage and compassion," Clark said. "These are three character traits that make me the best person for this job."

Clark, who has worked at ChildServe in Johnston for the past seven years, said her experience working with children has taught her creativity, something she will take to the statehouse if elected.

"I stand up for things I believe in, I fight for things I believe in," she said.

Highfill, who has worked at the Johnston Hy-Vee store since he was 14, said he felt compelled to run for office.

"I really believe the country and state is going in the wrong direction," said Highfill, who defeated incumbent Erik Helland in the June primary. "I felt the need for new, young leaders with new ideas that will lead us forward."