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“We the People” is a phrase that is engraved into the minds of Americans at a young age. As children, they are taught that they have the power to choose their leaders, the opportunity to represent their people and the right to have their voice heard. We the People. But how often does one really see themselves represented through their elected officials, much less have the opportunity to know them before their time on Capitol Hill?

Perhaps this opportunity is far more available than one may think. After all, one of Grand View University’s very own is running for state office. Adjunct professor of Business Administration, Dr. Mark Weatherly, is running as the Republican candidate for District 39 in the 2022 Iowa House of Representatives election. 

Born and raised on the East side of Des Moines, Iowa, Weatherly now has the opportunity to use his experiences to represent and serve his community. 

“The important thing for me is that I’ve always been a continuous learner and I have valued education,” Weatherly said. “One of the reasons I teach at GV is so I can give back in an educational way to people who can glean some experience from my experiences, because it was so important to me.” 

Weatherly did not take a traditional approach to further education. After working full-time and moving up in his company, Weatherly received his Bachelor of Business Management at Simpson College. After graduating cum laude and continuing to work full-time, he learned he really enjoyed going to school and learning. For him, the next step was to attend Drake University and earn a Master of Business Administration. From there, Weatherly would leave Iowa for a career opportunity but ultimately return to the Hawkeye State to raise his family.

In 2010, Weatherly retired from business and went to Iowa State University to get his PhD in Educational Leadership and policy. During this process, he was recruited to develop Grandview Park Baptist School into Grand View Christian School, which has been successfully operating since its reopening in 2014. Weatherly has also been sharing in knowledge with the students at GV on and off since 2011. 

While Weatherly has undergone many exciting yet challenging journeys, he did not anticipate his latest: running for state legislature. After experiencing the chaotic last few years and appreciating Iowa’s response to the situation, he was inspired to get involved in state government. What originally was a plan to volunteer or provide financial support changed, when a lobbyist, who is now a part of his campaign, asked if he would consider running for state legislature.          

After lots of prayers and talks with his family, Weatherly decided to run as a District 39 candidate for the Iowan House of Representatives in the 2022 election. 

“I want to do my part, take my turn, try to do a good job for the people of the East side, my district, and represent them well,” Weatherly said. 

Weatherly will be running against Democratic candidate Rick Olson who has held this area for the last 14 years. However, the region which had a Cook Partisan Voting Index (PVI) of D+27 has changed to a PVI of D+3 with the redistricting. For those unfamiliar with the PVI, it measures how strongly a state or district leans towards the Democratic or Republican Party. So, District 39 which previously leaned quite Democratic, now has the potential to be a swing district and go either direction. State districts are redrawn every 10 years to account for changes in population. As 2021 marked the 10th year, the state of Iowa adjusted the districts which went into effect this year. District 39 is now made up of Pleasant Hill, Sheridan Park and East Des Moines, including the east side of GV’s campus. 

District 39 is an area with many blue-collar individuals; however, the redistricting brought in white-collar individuals as well. Weatherly has worked in both blue-collar and white-collar careers, which gives him an interesting perspective. 

“I can empathize with those who are in blue-collar careers in the East side, and I can empathize with white-collar individuals. So, when I go out and ask them ‘what’s important to you,’ I’ll be able to hear it from two voices and empathize with both those voices,” Weatherly said. 

While Weatherly is passionate about tax law and providing opportunities for both public and private education, he also wants to understand those of District 39. A core value in Weatherly’s campaign is hearing the voices of his district in order to best represent them and their needs. 

 “That’s why I’m running, because I think the people’s voices need to be heard and they need to be served,” Weatherly said.

While speaking out and having one’s voice be heard may sound like a daunting task, it may be easier than one may think. 

“I am shocked as I move through this process on if you want your voice to be heard, how easy it is for you to get involved and be a part of it. There’s vacancies everywhere for people to get involved at the state level,” Weatherly said. 

Weatherly has also provided opportunities for GV students to get involved through his campaign. Sophomore Seth Wilson, a finance and accounting major, just recently joined Weatherly’s campaign as the treasurer. 

“I’m really excited that I get to be a part of a campaign and to help Mark out and to have someone that wants for, not from people is really great,” Wilson said. “I think he’ll do a great job.” 

Not only will this position provide him with professional experience in finance, but a chance to network and meet to people.

“The common misconception is it’s hard to get involved, and it’s really not,” Wilson said. 

For those interested and wanting to learn more about state and local government in an academic setting, GV offers a State and Local Government course each spring. The Iowa State Legislature website is also a great resource to learn about legislators, find educational publications, and stay updated on important dates. For those wanting a more active form of involvement, joining student government, going to school boards meetings, or volunteering for organizations are all great options to have your voice heard. 

“The reason you should get involved is so that you have a voice. Ultimately, how is your voice going to be heard if you don’t get involved?” Weatherly said.