Gene Ficken

October 17, 2007

INDEPENDENCE -- Former high school teacher and coach Gene Ficken of Independence announced today that he will run for state representative in House District 23, which includes Buchanan and part of Black Hawk County. 

The seat is currently filled by Republican Dan Rasmussen of Independence.  Rasmussen will be up for reelection in the fall of 2008.

"As a science instructor for 33 years at Independence High School, I understand how critical it is to make sure our students are prepared for jobs in the 21st Century.  Students today aren't just competing for jobs with other kids from Iowa, they are competing with those from around the world," said Ficken.

Ficken is a fourth generation Iowan, who was born and raised on a farm.  He lives with his wife Michelle.  She is a registered nurse at the Mental Health Institute and works at the Cromwell Children's Unit.  They have three children and one grandson.  The Fickens have been members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence for more than 25 years, where Gene has served on the church council as a congregation president.

After retiring from teaching, Ficken now runs a small business out of his home  building custom scale model Oliver tractors and implements.  He also works part-time at the Reiff Funeral Home.

"I've spent my life making sure students have the best education possible.  Now, our challenge is to keep those young people in Iowa with good-paying jobs and improving the quality of life in our communities," concluded Ficken.  "I'm ready to go to work for the people of House District 23."