Fairfield

We are moving south after an enjoyable visit in Fairfield.

We got here last night and had a great dinner at a local restaurant called Top of the Rock. The food was just fantastic. From the freshly-made spinach artichoke dip we had for an appetizer, to the shrimp pasta we had for dinner, to the cheesecake for dessert (I only ate two bites!), it was a really good meal. I whole-heartedly reccommend stopping there when in Fairfield.

This morning, we got up and headed over to the Convention Center to talk about some really exciting work that is taking place in this community.

Now, when we took office, the Governor and I created the Iowa Power Fund to help keep Iowa on the forefront of renewable energy. This program has had an impact all across our state. And while wind turbines and biofuels factories are visible signs of the progress we have made, to really cement our place as leaders in green energy, that work must be done on the local level. And that is exactly what is happening in Fairfield.

This community has embraced the ideas of sustainability. They are doing some impressive work in making themselves a leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Their buildings are being retrofitted to save energy. They are practicing innovative soil and water conservation practices. And they are trying to get their energy from more renewable sources. In fact, KRUU - a local radio station - runs almost entirely on solar power.

Our administration is helping to make Fairfield a national model in the sustainability movement. Thanks to support from the Iowa Power Fund, we are helping this community plan for a brighter future. The Governor and I would love to see this type of work taking place in communities all across our state, and that is why we are asking the legislature to make the final investment of $25 million into this important program.

And if you don't think it works, come to Fairfield, and see for yourself. It was a very inspiring visit, and I can't wait to come back in a year and see the progress they have made.
The community is rightfully proud of the work they have done. They shared with me a quote from Tom Bender that sums up how our state should view our future, and I want to make sure you have it as well:

"Appropriate technology reminds us that before we choose our tools and techniques we must choose our dreams and values, for some technologies serve them while others make them unobtainable."

Until next time,

Patty