It is time for Chris Rants, who represents Sioux City in the Iowa Legislature and who is the powerful Speaker of the Iowa House, to choose sides when it comes to South Dakota’s efforts to raid Iowa businesses.

I’m referring to recent comments by Speaker Rants about South Dakota’s supposed advantages over Iowa when it comes to doing business.

This is a serious matter that affects hundreds of Iowa families.

Speaker Rants should make it clear — as soon as possible — whether he believes businesses like Wells Dairy should stay in Iowa or move to South Dakota.

If, contrary to his comments to the media, Speaker Rants actually believes Iowa is the better state in which to do business, then he should say so at every opportunity.

How will Iowa ever move forward if our own elected leaders choose to run down our state in order to further their own political ambitions?

Iowa offers businesses plenty of advantages over South Dakota. I would be happy to meet with Speaker Rants if he needs a quick lesson on the subject of “Why Choose Iowa.”

Number one on my list would be Iowa’s quality of life advantage. For example, a 2003 “Smart State” survey of state educational environments ranked Iowa at #8 and South Dakota at #31. Iowa’s cities have been found to be among the healthiest, hippest and happiest communities in the nation.

By essentially saying that businesses should move to South Dakota because some tax rate comparisons are lower, Speaker Rants is giving up a fight he could be winning. South Dakota is a nice place to visit, but I choose to live in Iowa and I’ve got plenty of reasons why.

When I approach businesses about expanding or relocating to Iowa, I can and do make a pretty strong case for Iowa. We should expect that Chris Rants, the Speaker of the Iowa House, be able and willing to also stand up for Iowa.

Sen. Mike Gronstal

Iowa Senate Democratic Leader