Mount Pleasant – Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Auditor Rob Sand brought his “Sandstorm Tour” to a packed room at the First Presbyterian Church on Monday afternoon, delivering a message of accountability, local empowerment, and practical solutions to Iowa’s toughest challenges.
A Conversation with KILJ
Before the event, KILJ News Director Hayden Douglas asked Sand for his “elevator pitch” to Henry County voters.
Sand added that his administration would invest in education, reverse Medicaid privatization, and end what he calls “wasteful giveaways to the wealthy,” while maintaining Iowa’s balanced-budget tradition.
Rob highlighted Iowa’s tradition of political reform, noting that the state pioneered nonpartisan redistricting and merit-based judicial appointments. He called for opening the system to more competition so lawmakers are forced to solve problems instead of pointing fingers.
Audience Questions: Local Control and Water Quality
The town hall featured a wide-ranging Q&A, where Sand fielded questions on everything from city authority, water quality, to public pensions.
One audience member pressed Sand on how a governor can support local governments. Sand said he wants to “protect home rule under the Iowa Constitution,” which gives counties and cities the ability to solve their own problems.
“People often associate Democrats with liking big government. I actually disagree,” Sand said. “The government that governs best is the one that governs most locally, closest to the people it represents. It’s hard to find me in Des Moines, but you can find your county attorney. When you look someone in the eye, you make fewer obviously wrong decisions.”
He pledged to be an ally to mayors and county officials, promising no unfunded mandates and no state preemption of local decisions.
Another question focused on Iowa’s water quality. The audience member noted that the University of Iowa’s network of water-quality monitors has been dramatically reduced.
“You’re exactly right,” Sand said. “There’s a system of 500 water-quality monitors that has been defunded. Nitrate monitors went from 80 down to 20. That tells you two things: they know there’s a water quality problem, and their preference is to bury their heads in the sand. They don’t want you to know we have an issue—but we do.”
Sand said he is meeting with experts and farmers before releasing a formal plan. “Farmers are signing up for conservation programs and being denied funding,” he said. “Large majorities of farmers recognize the issue and want to do better. We need an effective, achievable plan, and I’m doing my homework before putting one forward.”
Money in Politics and State Privatization
Sand also addressed concerns about campaign finance, the Department of Corrections, and privatized state services. He criticized the state’s expansion of private contracts—such as Medicaid management and school voucher administration—that he said pay out-of-state companies millions while underfunding local staff.
“If you just pay employees to do a job, you’re paying them to do a job,” he said. “If you hire a big company and give them a cut, they can come back again and again for more.”
On public pensions, Sand promised to protect Iowa’s IPERS system:
“If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said, warning against efforts to cut benefits without increasing wages. “Otherwise fewer people will sign up to do the work taxpayers need.”
Supporting Teachers and Changing the Narrative
The final question came from a retired educator who spoke emotionally about negative rhetoric toward Iowa teachers. Sand responded with a personal story about his mother, a longtime Area Education Agency employee.
“These are people who put their lives into serving others,” Sand said. “I’m sick and tired of state government being run by people who think it’s okay to insult teachers. My answer to those critics is simple: go volunteer in a classroom and see the incredible work happening every day.”
Looking Ahead
As the event wrapped up, Sand reminded the crowd that his campaign depends on volunteers and grassroots support. He urged attendees to share his message, follow him on social media, and help build a movement that goes beyond party labels.
“This campaign isn’t about red or blue—it’s about better and truer,” Sand said. “If you’re ready to help flip some tables in Des Moines, join us.”
The Sandstorm Tour will continue with stops in all 99 counties as Sand builds momentum toward the 2026 governor’s race.