A serious illness will keep a western Iowa state representative from returning to Des Moines and has ended his bid for another term. Cancer has forced Roger Wendt, a Democrat from Sioux City, to end his duties in Des Moines this year and to not run again.
Wendt was advised by his doctor to slow down after the diagnose of lung cancer. He first elected to the Iowa House in 2002 and was the chair of the House Education Committee. He says he is proud of work on education issues such as equalizing school funding for districts like Sioux City, which he said helps both property taxpayers and our schools.
Wendt was a teacher for nine years and administrator in Sioux City for 35 years before being elected. Wendt says it has been a great honor serving the people of Sioux City and Iowa.
By Josie Cooper, KSCJ, Sioux City