A Cedar Rapids Democrat who has served for nine years in the Iowa House of Representatives submitted his resignation today. Representative Dick Taylor cited family concerns in his resignation notice.
Taylor’s 46-year-old son died this summer of a heart attack. Mark Taylor, a Linn County Deputy Sheriff, was driving his squad car at the time. The car flipped on its top and caught fire. Representative Taylor, his father, issued a prepared statement, saying he was proud of his service in the House, but adding it was time for him “to focus full-time on (his) family.”
Taylor, a Korean War veteran, married his wife, Jan, 54 years ago. Taylor worked in the construction trades, rising through the ranks of his union to serve on the executive board of the Hawkeye Labor Council for 12 years.
Taylor’s resignation is effective immediately. Governor Culver is required to announce by the end of the week the date of a special election to fill Taylor’s spot in the Iowa House.