Hundreds of concerned citizens voice frustration with legislators

A meeting on Saturday morning between state Sen. Brad Zaun, a Republican from Urbandale, and his constituents turned into a shouting match as hundreds of people showed up to voice their concerns with his work in the Legislature.

An Urbandale Chamber of Commerce forum that usually attracts about 50 people gave constituents a chance to meet with their legislators, like House Democrat John Forbes and Zaun.

But most attendees at the forum wanted to speak directly with Zaun.

Organizers said it was the most-packed forum they've had in a decade.

“Everyone’s got an opinion, I understand that,” one person said. “We respect those opinions. We have to be civil.”

“I know there are a lot of people here who are not happy with me,” Zaun said.

Rebecca Kmett, who grew up with fallen police Officer Justin Martin, was one of those people.

“Just to see what his family has gone through and to think of other families facing that same tragedy, I just cannot be silent in the face of what I’ve seen,” Kmett said.

She stood up for things such as common sense gun legislation.

“What I’d really love more than a ribbon is some common sense protection against those that would have guns and do us harm,” Kmett said. “I don’t think he fully understands the impact of his actions. That’s why he needs to hear from all of us about how we will be impacted by this. It’s the only way.”

Others issues brought up included education cuts, property rights and Planned Parenthood funding.

“I would like to talk about not the 2 percent of Planned Parenthood services that relate to abortion because no one here is going to change their mind here this morning on that issue. I would like to talk about the other 98 percent of services that are provided,” one person said.

After dozens of people spoke, KCCI caught up with Zaun.

“My responsibility is to listen to the people I represent,” Zaun told KCCI. “With that said, I ran when I ran for re-election on a lot of these issues and was very out front. My opponent brought this to a lot of people’s attention, some of the issues we talked about today, and I haven’t changed where I’m at. I haven’t changed who I am, and I’ll continue to do what I think is best for people I represent.”

KCCI also spoke with Forbes who said there are a lot of issues being brought forward in the Legislature that is sparking the passion in some central Iowans.

Both Forbes and Zaun said they were happy to hear from the people they represent even if they have differing opinions.