MEDIAPOLIS — Today, Rep. Taylor Collins, in a point of personal privilege on the house floor following floor debate, honored former Rep. Dave Heaton following his passing yesterday evening. His comments can be found below.
“Thank you Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, am I in order for a point of personal privilege?
Thank you Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the house.
Last night Southeast Iowa lost a great man and legislator, former Rep. Dave Heaton.
Rep. Heaton served in the Iowa House for 24 years, serving all of Henry County, and parts of Lee, Jefferson and Washington counties at different times over the years.
Dave for many years was chair of the Health and Human Services Budget Subcommittee. I remember this last summer when we were at Rotary together, he had pointed questions about the mental health redesign, and wasn’t shy about sharing what he thought the Health and Human Services Committee should be working on.
In addition to years of service to the state, for 40 years, he and his family owned and operated a very popular restaurant in Mount Pleasant, The Iris. Dave was known to spend Sundays slicing roast beef for folks coming through the buffet line at his restaurant, listening to folks from the Mount Pleasant tell him what was on their minds.
Mr. Speaker I’d ask the chamber to join me in a moment of silence to honor the life and legacy of Rep. Dave Heaton.”