Re-appoint Dean Lerner and Protect the Vulnerable Citizens of Iowa

Whereas: Dean Lerner, Director of the Department of Inspections and Appeals, has consistently been a true leader and put the welfare of individuals before big business, lobbyists, and interest groups; and

Whereas: Dean Lerner, Director of the Department of Inspections and Appeals, has consistently and fairly enforced the laws even when it was not politically convenient to do so; and

Whereas: Dean Lerner, Director of the Department of Inspections and Appeals, has consistently upheld the department’s mission of putting the health, safety and welfare of Iowans first even when it put his own career in jeopardy.

Whereas: Dean Lerner, Director of the Department of Inspections and Appeals, has earned more respect from department employees than any other Director in the history of the department;

Whereas: A well funded, elite group of activists, supported by wealthy associations and industry groups, has deliberately exaggerated the department’s enforcement actions in an attempt to avoid necessary regulation; and

Whereas: An aggressive, determined and politically motivated group of politicians in the Iowa General Assembly have fueled the association and industry rumors that have no factual basis because their campaigns are financed by the associations and industry; and

Whereas: We, the undersigned citizens of Iowa, need to believe that something so fundamental as health and happiness can't be disregarded for higher profits and political gain;

Now Therefore: We, the undersigned citizens of Iowa, urge you to stand up for all the vulnerable Iowans who do not have a voice and re-appoint Dean Lerner as Director of the Department of Inspections and Appeals.

Signed by the following citizens of Iowa: