By PETER HUSSMANN
Newton Police Department Lt. Wes Breckenridge hopes to follow the path of his former colleague, Paul Bell, and move from enforcing the laws to help crafting them, too.
On Tuesday, Breckenridge, a 17-year plus veteran of the Newton police force, said that he is actively seeking the opportunity to be elected to Iowa House District 41 on the Democratic Party ticket.
"With my years of public service, I feel I can utilize my education and experience to make a positive impact serving in the Iowa House of Representatives for District 41," he said.
The head of investigations for the Newton Police Department and recent public administration Upper Iowa graduate, Breckenridge said he's always had an interest in someday seeking public office, though he didn't realize the opportunity would come so quickly.
Out of respect for his law enforcement comrade, Breckenridge said he gave some time to honor Bell's passing before cold-calling local Democratic Party leadership to see if he might be a person the party was interested in supporting. And like Bell, who was a party newbie when he first sought the seat nearly two decades ago, Breckenridge said he also needed some time to get to know the process.
The first step in that process will unfold next Thursday when 18 Jasper County Democratic Party precinct committee members will decide whose name will appear on the November ballot. The precinct delegates will cast their weighted votes at special state party called meeting until a victor emerges.
Though realizing internal party politics can sometimes be marked by turmoil, the long-time registered Democrat said he has no intention of engaging in that type of activity as he campaigns for delegate support.
"I'm taking a positive approach," Breckenridge said. "I sought this out, no one approached me. I think I can do a really good job for the district and the state. I'm going to say here's who I am, I'll work my butt off for you, seek insight and input from people who have knowledge of the issues involved, keep an open mind and act independently. I hope at the end of the day they will give me a fair shake. I know I'm a newbie, but given the opportunity, and with my 20 years of public service, I think I can make a positive impact at the statehouse."
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