Local 81 Brother running for Iowa State Rep. seat
Insulators International Staff — Mon, May 13, 2024 @ 12:05 PM
A member of HFIAW Local 81 Cedar Rapids announced plans to run for a seat in the Iowa House of Representatives.
Running on a platform to advocate for Iowa families, workers and children, Brother Dan Gosa is running as a Democrat for the Iowa House District 81 seat.
With the unwavering support of his wife, sons and two daughters, Gosa believes he can improve Iowa for them.
"I want this state to be a place my kids are proud to live, and I decided it was time to put some actions behind my words," he said.
From Insulator to advocate
A loyal advocate for the working class, Gosa is a third-generation member of the Insulators Union. He started permit work in 2003 and was accepted to the Local 81 registered apprenticeship program in 2007.
He has worked on various jobsites, performing asbestos abatement and commercial and industrial mechanical insulation. In 2017, he was selected to be the Midwest States Conference International Organizer.
He draws parallels between his professional experience and his political aspirations and plans to lean on the connections he has made as an organizer and work experience as a Mechanical Insulator if elected to the Iowa State Legislature.
"My experience has prepared me very well for this new role," Gosa said, adding that he understands the issues that affect Iowa workers and knows how to foster dialogue and bridge divides to enact positive change.
Prioritizing Iowa's future
Issues central to his campaign include strengthening workers' rights, lowering costs for Iowa families and advocating for fully funded public education.
He hopes to leverage his experience as a union member and community leader to champion the rights and interests of Iowa's workforce.
Iowa has been a So-Called "Right to Work" state since 1947.
Gosa described himself as an advocate for economic development, local business support and rural infrastructure investment. By prioritizing the needs of all communities, he seeks to revitalize rural areas and create opportunities for growth.
He also wants to emphasize environmental sustainability, particularly in a state rich in natural resources. Gosa envisions a harmonious relationship between economic progress and environmental conservation by prioritizing initiatives to protect water quality, preserve farmland and support local agriculture.
Leadership experience
Gosa has held several previous community and political positions. He has also served as a board member for the United Way since 2014.
In 2015, he was elected to the Davenport Community School District Board of Education, eventually assuming the role of Board Vice President in 2019 and then Board President the following year. Additionally, Gosa has been a Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency board member since 2022.
His involvement in labor organizations includes serving as the Quad City Federation of Labor Iowa Vice President from 2019 to 2021 and transitioning to President in 2021. Similarly, Gosa has held positions within the Great River Area Labor Federation, first as Vice President starting in 2021 and then as President in 2023.
Outside of education and labor, Gosa has been actively involved in the Davenport North Little League, serving as President since 2015. He also takes pride in being a founding member of the Iowa Labor History Society.
A vision for positive change
Gosa emphasizes the importance of bridging political divides and fostering bipartisan solutions.
As part of his campaign, Gosa is engaging with District 81 residents through individual conversations, community events and door-to-door outreach. By establishing trust and prioritizing constituent feedback, Gosa wants to ensure that the Davenport District is represented by someone who truly understands and addresses its needs.
Gosa also plans to emphasize the important role that mechanical insulation can play in his campaign platform. He supports the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act and the Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act, as both help the HFIAW and improve U.S. energy efficiency.
Currently, Gosa does not have anyone running against him in the Democrat primary election on June 4.