A semi-retired Cedar Rapids businessman is the vice presidential nominee of the New Independent Party. It’s one of the so-called “third parties” with candidates on Iowa’s 2016 General Election ballot. Sixty-year-old Jay Stolba says the two-party system isn’t working. “What we need is to get more people with independent views and that are willing to compromise in Washington and, for that matter, at the state level,” Stolba says. The New Independent Party’s platform offers what Stolba describes as a “coherent plan” to dramatically transform the federal government.

“Either eliminate or redirect over a trillion dollars by eliminating programs within the government that have never produced,” Stolba says. “The problem with that is every congressional district has a stake in keeping these programs alive if it brings money to their state and we need to start getting some of those eliminated and direct the money toward where we need it. We also need a lot less directed towards the military. We’re supplying the military for the world and I really don’t think we need to be doing that.”

The gridlock and stalemate in Washington are created by the two-party system, according to Stolba.  “The problem is we’re down to two choices and quite honestly neither one’s very good,” Stolba says. “It’s very polarizing and there’s no compromise left in government anymore and I think if you introduce more people that are willing to compromise into the system, rather than creating a closed system where there’s this animosity and malice, we’d have a much better government for the people.” Stolba says the gerrymandering of congressional districts needs to end and the “Citizens United” Supreme Court decision needs to be overturned so campaign contribution limits can be enforced.

“What’s happening now is we’ve got a system that just absolutely does not work in Washington,” Stolba says. “The only thing that works is money.” Stolba was drafted to be the vice presidential running mate of his long-time friend Lynn Kahn, the New Independent Party’s presidential nominee.

“She’s been in government for 30-plus years,” he Stolba says. “She worked with the FAA as a psychologist. She worked on reinventing government with Al Gore.” Stolba says. Stolba says his current business interests are in real estate. In 2009 he sold Iowa Discount Shippers after owning and operating the company for 17 years.

(Radio Iowa)

CLIVE, Iowa (AP) — An overnight shooting at an event center in Clive has killed one person and injured several others. Clive police say they were called to the 7 Flags Event Center shortly before 2 a.m. Monday on a report for gunshots fired. Officers say they found a male victim in the parking lot with a gunshot wound in his torso, followed by another shooting victim who was already dead.

Authorities say at least another two gunshot victims were driven to hospitals in private vehicles. Clive Chief Michael Venema says the people involved in the shooting knew each other. Venema says the shooting was the result of a personal dispute, and the public is not in danger.

Authorities say the center had been hosting an event, and security staff had removed several people.

Grant, Ia. – From 2-6 p.m. today (Mon., Sept. 5th), Jim Wymore and Grant Community Preservationists (GCP) will host a Labor Day country music festival in the Grant Park.   The festival honors the memory of Teddy and Donna Weston, both founding members and former presidents of GCP as well as regular country music players.

In addition to the music, GCP will open the concession stand and serve Sloppy Joes & hot dogs, chips, desserts, floats, coffee, soda and tea. Concession sales benefit Grant Community Preservationists and their work. Admission to the event is a $7 Gate Fee that benefits the Grant Park Opry.

Area musicians are encouraged to come play music on the park’s unique stage on the banks of the Nodaway River. Fans of live music are welcome to listen and dance. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of great performances.

The Grant Community Preservationists was formed to help maintain Grant and its unique historic character. Designated in October 2003, the Grant Commercial Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.