Iowa watchdog: pandemic offers lessons in government transparency

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa’s handling of the coronavirus response has received criticism at times. A watchdog organization says it’s fair to question some of the moves, but adds there’s a lot to consider.

Gov. Kim Reynolds has been scrutinized for not issuing a stay-at-home order, and the state’s troubled testing initiative has raised eyebrows for contracting with a tech firm lacking in health-care experience. Suzanne Behnke, executive director of the investigative news group Iowa Watch, said one of her biggest questions centers around protecting workers at meat plants.

“I’m very curious myself about the personal protective equipment being available to those workers,” she said. “Oftentimes, they are underrepresented populations in our state.”

Behnke said it appears state officials have put a lot of work into Iowa’s response, and noted that the governor has been consistent in her message about moving the state forward. Behnke said when elected leaders are dealing with a situation of this magnitude, being forthcoming and taking timely action can help with public trust.

“Allow your state agency directors to take interviews and to answer for themselves,” she said. “Be proactive in your information dissemination, rather than reactive.”

Behnke said the public shouldn’t demand perfection from officials such as Reynolds, but they still should hold them to a high standard.