WAPELLO, Iowa — Political rivals for Iowa House District 87 do not see eye-to-eye on much.

But Rep. Tom Sands, R-Columbus Junction, and his Democratic opponent, Frank Best, both see the small business sector as essential to Iowa’s rural economy.

“We can’t choke out our small business,” said Best, a council member and former mayor in Columbus City.

Sands, who is seeking a fourth term in the Nov. 4 election, pointed out figures from the National Federation of Independent Business that show Iowa has among the fifth-highest property tax rates in the nation.

“This has got to change,” Sands said.

He noted that agriculture was also a part of rural economics, and said the state and Legislature should look for ways to ease regulations.

Best said he would look for ways to make health care affordable for businesses to offer to their employees.

Sands had sharp words at a recent public forum when Best criticized his vote against a bill the Legislature passed earlier this year that changed how school districts can finance infrastructure improvements.

Sands said he voted against the bill that turned the 1-cent local-option sales tax used by school districts across Iowa into a mandatory statewide tax because it took away local control.

The candidates agree, however, on which issues are most important to the 87th District, including nurturing small business and assisting with flood recovery.

“That’s first and foremost,” Best said. “Everyone’s priorities changed this summer.”

Sands said he has been calling for a special legislative session because, “there are definitely gaps out there that people are not getting served the way they should be.”

 Jennifer Meyer can be contacted at (563) 262-0525 or jennifer.meyer@muscatinejournal.com. \

House District 87

About the district: Covers Louisa County; Pike, Orono, Cedar, 76 and Fruitland townships in Muscatine County; and Des Moines County, excluding City of Burlington and Benton, Huron, Jackson and Tama townships.

Salary of the position: $25,000

Frank Best

Age: 39

Address: 2306 Philadelphia St., Columbus City

Party: Democrat

Family: Single

Education: Associate degree from Muscatine Community College; bachelor’s degree from University of Iowa

Occupation: Rivers Edge Gallery

Previous elected office or experience: Mayor of Columbus City; council member, Columbus City; founding member of Louisa Development Group; founding member of Unity Board; president, Louisa County Historical Society

Thomas R. Sands

Age: 54

Address: 134 Orchard Lane, Columbus Junction

Party: Republican

Family: Wife, Catherine Miller-Sands; sons, Joshua, 33, and Jacob, 31, and daughter, Anna, 26; four grandchildren.

Education: Columbus Community High School

graduate; attended Muscatine Community College

Occupation: Assistant vice president, Columbus Junction State Bank; certified residential real property appraiser; farm owner

Previous elective office or experience: Iowa House of Representatives, 2003-present, serving on Ways and Means, Administration and Regulation Budget, Commerce, Public Safety, Environmental Protection, Appropriations and Fiscal committees and Legislative Council; Columbus Junction City Council, 1996-2002, and Concord Township Trustee, 1985-89