Latest news with #ChrisCournoyer
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer formally launches campaign for state auditor in 2026
Iowa Lieutenant Gov. Chris Cournoyer formally announced that she will run for state auditor in 2026. 'As Iowa continues to cut taxes and streamline government, the auditor's office must lead by example and serve as a true watchdog for the taxpayer — not a political weapon,' Cournoyer said in a statement shared first with the Des Moines Register. 'It's time for an auditor who prioritizes transparency, efficiency and results over headlines and partisanship.' Cournoyer, a Republican, had previously signaled her intention to seek the office when she filed the necessary paperwork for an auditor campaign with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. Iowa's auditor often serves in a "watchdog" role by auditing finances within state government to guard against abuse of taxpayer dollars. The position is currently held by Iowa's only statewide elected Democrat, Rob Sand. But Sand is expected to launch a gubernatorial bid, potentially leaving an open seat in 2026. More: Will they run for Iowa governor in 2026? Our early handicap of 10 potential GOP candidates In a release, Cournoyer said she would focus on bringing nonpartisan transparency, efficiency and technology-driven solutions to the role. She said she would work to help integrate AI into the auditing process and implement recommendations from the governor's DOGE, or Department of Government Efficiency, task force. 'The people of Iowa deserve an Auditor who will protect their dollars, keep politics out of the office, and bring a business-minded, results-oriented approach to every audit,' she said. 'That's exactly what I intend to deliver.' Cournoyer was tapped by Reynolds to become her lieutenant governor in December 2024 after her then-second-in-command, Adam Gregg, left the post. Her appointment made Iowa one of only a few states in the country to have ever had women concurrently serving as governor and lieutenant governor. At the time, Cournoyer was serving a second term in the Iowa Senate, and she resigned her seat to serve alongside the governor. When Reynolds announced her pick for lieutenant governor, she touted Cournoyer's "doer" mentality and competitive instincts, as well as her background in education and technology. She reiterated her support for Cournoyer as she enters the auditor's race. "For the same reasons I selected Chris Cournoyer to serve alongside me as lieutenant governor, I'm proud to endorse her to be Iowa's next state auditor," Reynolds said in a statement. "Chris is a true fiscal conservative with a strong record of improving government efficiencies and accountability. Her background in technology and her unwavering commitment to taxpayers makes her an ideal watchdog every Iowan can trust. Iowans can rest assured Chris Cournoyer will always have their best interests at heart.' In the Senate, Cournoyer was the vice chair of the State Government Committee, where she helped lead Reynolds' effort to reorganize and consolidate state government and Iowa's hundreds of state boards and commissions. She took the lead in the Senate on a law Reynolds signed that eliminated dozens of state boards and commissions. And she served as a member of a new board created by that law: The State Government Efficiency Review Committee. More: How a 'computer nerd' and substitute teacher earned her spot as Iowa's lieutenant governor Cournoyer previously told the Des Moines Register she first entered politics after the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012. Her twin boys were first graders at the time — the same age as some of the victims. She wanted to know what their school was doing to enhance safety measures, but she couldn't get an answer from her local school board representative. So she decided to run against him and ultimately won the seat. Cournoyer later was elected school board president and served for two years before she was approached to run for the state Senate. She has also worked as a reserve sheriff deputy and has run a business as an independent website designer and developer. (This story has been updated to include additional information.) Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at bpfann@ or 515-284-8244. Follow her on X at @brianneDMR. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer announces 2026 auditor campaign
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
QC Memorial Day services planned
IOWA LeCl;aire The American Legion Buffalo Bill Post 347, along with The American Legion Women's Auxiliary Unit 347 and the Pleasant Valley School District, invites the public to Memorial Day services. Events commence at LeClaire's Glendale Cemetery on Monday, May 26, from 10:15 to 10:30 a.m . Placing of a wreath at the cemetery's Flag Memorial will be directly followed by Memorial Day events at the Bridgeview Elementary School Gymnasium at 11 a.m. LeClaire's Mayor Dennis Gerard will deliver the welcoming speech. The guest speaker will be Chris Cournoyer, Iowa lieutenant governor. Music is being provided by the PVHS award winning band. Buffalo Bill Post 347 has flags for sale. Contact Karl Kreiling, Post 347 adjutant, at 563-528-2964 for more information or to place an order. Scott County The public is invited to one of the oldest continuous observances of Memorial Day west of the Mississippi River at the 106th annual Memorial Day service at Historic Summit Church on Utica Ridge Road, 21980 210th Ave., service will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, May 26. It is a tradition that started at Summit Church in 1919, with Sunday School Superintendent Sally Walker, who wanted to honor World War I veterans from the a collation of the Scott County Historical Society, the Carl Jacobsen Post 639 of the American Legion & Auxiliary, Eldridge, honor all Scott County veterans who have served from the Civil War to the service will consist of an honor guard presenting the U. S. Flag, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance led by a veteran, the singing of patriotic songs, listening to patriotic speeches, and reading of a roll call of Scott County the tribute, everyone is invited to remain and enjoy fellowship and refreshments at the historic country more information, contact Tom at 563-676-6762 by May 22. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cournoyer, Miller-Meeks attend Regional Innovation Center, Eldridge, grand opening
Iowa Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks attended the grand opening of the Regional Innovation Center in Eldridge. on Friday. The $18.7-million project came from a combination of investments from the North Scott School District, Eastern Iowa Community College, grants, businesses and people in the community. It had a soft launch in January. John Maxwell, former North Scott School Board member, said the idea for the center 'started with just a little bit of writing on a napkin. Thinking how can we close the gap between employment and graduation – that really is the vision.' Those attending toured the facility. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sioux City Art Center wins award for ‘Razzle Dazzle' project
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — The Sioux City Art Center is being recognized as part of the 2025 Iowa Governor's Arts Awards for one of its projects that debuted this past year. Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer and the Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded the museum with the Arts Service Award for Amanda Browder's 'Razzle Dazzle' project back in August. The project transformed the architecture of the center by installing vibrant textiles made from dozens of recycled, donated, or locally sourced fabrics. SUX Fly & Drive fly in, car show, and pancake breakfast happening Saturday Browder, who lives in Brooklyn, worked with volunteers and artists at sewing events hosted in Sioux City. Razzle Dazzle represents in part the diversity of those who worked on the installation, according to a release. The Governor's Arts Awards are given every other year to recognize outstanding organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts in Iowa. 'These awardees exemplify the passion, creativity and leadership that drive Iowa's arts community forward,' Iowa Arts Council director David Schmitz said. 'Their work enriches our state, inspires our communities and ensures that the arts continue to thrive for future generations.' 10 Iowa individuals and organizations received awards in seven categories. There were over 90 nominees. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer files paperwork to run for state auditor in 2026
Iowa Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer has filed paperwork organizing a campaign to run for auditor in 2026, appearing to take a pass on running to succeed Kim Reynolds as governor. A representative for Cournoyer declined to comment. Cournoyer, a Republican, became lieutenant governor in December 2024 after being tapped by Reynolds. At the time, she was serving a second term in the Iowa Senate and resigned her seat to serve alongside the governor. When Reynolds announced her pick, she touted Cournoyer's "doer" mentality and competitive instincts, as well as her background in education and technology. But Reynolds' surprise announcement to forgo reelection in 2026 scrambled the electoral landscape. Cournoyer had been among a group of Republicans expected to at least consider a possible run to succeed her. But the paperwork, filed with the Iowa Ethics and Campaigns Disclosure Board April 25, indicates she's opting instead to run for auditor. Auditor is a statewide office currently held by Democrat Rob Sand. The auditor often serves in a "watchdog" role by auditing finances within state government to guard against abuse of taxpayer dollars. Sand is expected to run for governor in 2026, although he has not formally announced a campaign. If he does, it would create an open seat for auditor. Before being elected to the Legislature, Cournoyer served as president of her local school board, as a reserve sheriff deputy and has run a business as an independent website designer and developer. Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at bpfann@ or 515-284-8244. Follow her on X at @brianneDMR. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Republican Chris Cournoyer files to run for state auditor in 2026
