GOP presidencies being nothing but poor economies and illegal wars.

Trump voters: is your life better yet?

The problem with our governments right now is they are full of too many insecure dorks.

The Iowa Capitol, DC Capitol and the WH have been taken over by straight up weirdos.

A working group will provide information and recommendations that will then allow the Marion City Council to decide whether or not a limited landfill expansion will be allowed.

I hope it’s successful as the goal is to find long term solutions that strengthen our region and save residents money.

Marion proposes working group to address landfill capacity crisis City leaders discuss formation of multi-jurisdictional board as Linn County landfill faces earlier-than-expected capacity limit

I appreciate the members of council and staff who have taken the lead on this, not just for Marion, but for the entire region.

I also thank partners in Linn County and the City of Cedar Rapids. This is 1 of our most important exercises of regionalism in practice.

www.kcrg.com/2026/02/04/m...

Lately, everything about government has been negative, cruel, and heartless.

I wanted to share some examples of positive, community-minded items that came out of yesterday’s Budget Work Session.

Here is the link to make public comments for the Iowa subcommittee that will be considering a bill that forces local police departments to cooperate with ICE.

I urge folks to tell legislators to vote No.

www.legis.iowa.gov/committees/m...

Seeing photos like this gives me some hope in these times

Not only are we not doing everything we can to make our air, water, and soil cleaner and ourselves healthier, but we are also just watching as other countries make their economies stronger through clean energy opportunity.

Cool.

It’s become a meaningful tradition to start Veterans Day with meeting my dad for the Marion Hy-Vee Veterans Breakfast.

I’m grateful for his service and for all the veterans and active duty members in Marion who continue to shape this community with their leadership. Thank you all for your service.

Update: My colleagues on the city council and I have given direction to move forward with this. City staff will provide more details about how we can maximize our impact, but we will be allocating between $10k to $20k.

Official vote will be at next council meetings later this month.

Marion City Council to Discuss Support for Local Food Pantries Added challenge of SNAP delays increases the need for residents during food pantries' busiest season.

The Marion City Council will discuss supporting local food pantries during this Thursday’s meeting.

With food pantries’ busiest months approaching plus the added challenge of SNAP delays, local pantry leaders have told me more families will need help.

open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...

I’m proud that Marion is stepping up alongside HACAP to support food pantries and families who could use a little extra help right now.

If you’re able, please consider donating whether you’re an individual, a business, or community group.

We can’t Reach Higher without lifting others.

What Iowa's Land is Trying to Tell Us Two national stories about Iowa bring reflection on land, identity, pride, and the quiet burdens we’ve carried for generations and what it will take to heal.

I wrote about Iowa: our land, history, identity, and a collective generational trauma rooted in stoic pride, productivity, and the stories we’ve told ourselves for a long time.

open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...

What is the Linn County Mental Health Access Center? A conversation with Director Erin Foster about the Access Center, mental health in Iowa, and what we all can do to help

My newest Substack post is live!

I interviewed Linn County Mental Health Access Center Director Erin Foster about what the Access Center is, the current mental health system situation in Iowa, and what we can do locally to help and support.

gagemiskimen.substack.com/p/what-is-th...

Agreed

Absolutely! Crisis counselors can connect youth to resources as well. 988 is for all ages.

We are in the middle of a mental health crisis. I’m a strong believer that local governments and community organizations have the power to lead the way

Increased visibility for the 988 Crisis Lifeline is another avenue toward access

It just takes a call or text to remember that you are not alone

Small Decal, Big Message: Why Mental Health Access Matters in Iowa 988 Lifeline decals are coming to some Marion city vehicles

Soon, 988 Decals will be on some of our Marion city vehicles.

I am extremely grateful to my fellow council members, city staff, and HOPEwalk CR for believing in and making this initiative happen.

open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...

I wrote about the need for a bolder vision for Iowa.

I love this state. I continue to choose to live here while many others my age continue to leave.

We need to be real, name what’s wrong, and fight to fix it.

Take a read and subscribe if you haven’t already: open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...

Thank you!

Tariffs on Main Street: How National Policy Impacts Uptown Marion Uptown Marion Business owners talk tariffs

My first Substack post is live! Thank you to the Marion business owners that chatted with me about tariff impacts earlier this summer.

open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...

-A safe and comfortable home and the ability to put food on the table and raise a family if they so choose
-Strong public education
-Clean air to breathe and clean water to drink

It's not rocket science. We just need better communication

Most Americans and Iowans want:
-Freedom to live their lives without discrimination and not think about what their government is doing every single day
-Access to affordable health care and a vast expansion to mental health services

We need to lean into bold ideas, not away from them. Fight for people. Speak plainly. Stop apologizing for wanting to make life better.

What we need is clarity, not caution. Most Americans already agree with progressive values when they're communicated effectively. Iowa is historically one of the most progressive states in the Union.

I don't understand why Dem elected officials keep watering down their language and shifting toward more moderate stances. The folks who already fully oppose you will still call you "communists" or "socialists." It doesn't matter how 'moderate' you sound.

Woke up to seeing this in the Gazette today!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I want to be able to make a small impact in the community by helping to normalize the 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Hotline.

If this idea helps just one person who needs it, I think it's valuable.

My friend sent me a recording of my speech from yesterday’s Love Conquers Hate rally in Uptown Marion.

Thank you again to all of the community members who showed up!

I had the privilege of speaking in Uptown Marion today at the Love Conquers Hate Rally. Thank you to everyone who showed up for Community today.

You are Marion.

Keep showing up.
Lean on each other.
Lean on community.
And lead with love and authenticity.