Governor Terry Branstad says he is “willing to consider” establishing state regulations for drones.
“This is something that deserves a very careful review,” Branstad says “…I think we need to be aware of unintended consequences.”
Members of the Iowa House held a hearing Thursday about drones, hearing from Iowans who are concerned about privacy issues as well as from pilots who say drones can be a safety hazard for planes. Drones may be an effective tool for law enforcement in some situations, according to Branstad, but the governor says it’s important to balance that with the constitutional rights of citizens.
“I think Iowans are concerned about invasion of their privacy, but I think we need to think this carefully through. We certainly don’t want government spying on people with drones,” Branstad says. “On the other hand there can be legitimate private uses of drones, so I think we’ve got to be very careful and very thoughtful in the way this is dealt with.”
Branstad made his comments this morning at Iowa Public Television. He’s the guest on tonight’s “Iowa Press” program on IPTV. During the show’s taping, Branstad said Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds is in on “every decision” he makes.
“We’re grooming her to be the next governor,” Branstad said.
But if Iowans give Branstad another go-round as governor in 2014, he does not intend to resign halfway through the four-year term so Reynolds can take over the reigns of government before seeking office on her own in 2020
“I think we’re a great team,” Branstad said. “It’s my intention to serve the entire term as governor, but you know, life you have to take one day at a time and you try to do the very best you can.”
Reynolds was a county treasurer for Clarke County before her 2008 election to a seat in the Iowa Senate. In 2010, Branstad chose Reynolds as his lieutenant governor running mate and the two are seeking reelection in 2014.