Victor lawyer Garrett Dozark seeking Senate District 38 seat

   Garrett Dozark, a lawyer with Bloethe, Elwood & Buchanan Law Firm in Victor and former Marine, says his venture into Iowa Politics is a “calling.”
   “I will be a fish in the water,” he said if elected to represent the residents of Iowa Senate District 38. “I will be an effective senator.”
   Iowa District 38 includes Poweshiek, Iowa and Benton counties.
   Dozark, 32, is one of two Republican candidates vying for the Senate seat currently held by Tim Kapucian (R, Keystone) who has served in the Senate since 2009, this being his last year. The other candidate is Dawn Driscoll of Williamsburg, who Dozark will face in the Republican primary on June 2.
   Dozark said Kapucian, who is one of his clients, was in his office last year and the two began talking Iowa politics when Kapucian said he was retiring. After hearing that news, Dozark jumped at the chance to throw his hat into the political arena and take a more direct role in the process of legislative and political advocacy.
“I basically did a lot praying and talking to my family about this venture,” he said. “There are issues directly affecting my generation (Millennials) as well as the judiciary, and I felt both desperately needed a stronger voice in the political process.”
   Dozark said throughout his life, he has always felt a higher calling to serve God and country.
   “I felt that calling when I served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and I still feel it now,” he said. “It will be a sacrifice, but it is something I have to do. Given my background and education, I feel this is something I need to do for the people in Iowa District 38.”
   If elected, Dozark said some of the most pressing issues right now are the 3 M’s: Medicaid, Mental Health and Millennials.
   “If this state wishes to keep Medicaid privatized, then at the very least we must have strict reporting and accounting to ensure it is doing the job it is intended. Otherwise, we must find an alternate approach, as I am hearing troubling reports from hospitals and nursing homes in my district regarding compensation for even routine services.”
   “We must continue Gov. Kim Reynold’s momentum regarding mental health to ensure Iowa is never again ranked near the bottom. Finally, we must ensure all future generations have a bright future in this state.”

Background
   A native of Denison, Dozark is a former United State Marine Sergeant, platoon leader and graduate of Marine Officer School. He holds Bachelor Degrees in Political Science and U.S. History from the University of Nebraska and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law.
   His legal practice focuses on taxation, estate planning and elder law. He is a current member of the State of Iowa Bar Association, Iowa County Bar Association and Iowa Association for Justice.
   “I’m a zealous representative and advocate for farmers and the elderly,” he said.

Track Record of Service
         • Member of the Compass Memorial Healthcare Foundation Board in Marengo
         • Member and Board of Directors of the 100+ Who Care Charity, Iowa County Chapter
         •Legal Counsel and Investment Chair of the HLV Area Scholarship Foundation
         • Advisor to the Kirkwood Community College Foundation Board
         • Coach and co-director of the Williamsburg Middle School Mock Trial program, who he coaches with his  
            fiancé, Jessica Hlubek, a trial lawyer with Hlubek Law Office
         • Member of the American Legion
         • Lutheran Church missionary work in Poland

Wrapping up
   Dozark said his sister, Taryn Frideres, is one of his big role models and has given him the courage to continue to stand up and serve. Frideres is currently living outside of Washington D.C. and was working on Senator Joni Ernst’s team before taking a position in the State Department as a deputy director to the Ambassador for the UN.
   “There has never been anyone in our family like her before,” said Dozark. “So, watching her blaze trails gave me the admiration, inspiration and courage to serve in the public sector. I feel like I can use my set of experiences to help others.”
   When not practicing law or serving others through his church and various outreaches and organizations, Dozark enjoys reading, sports and spending time with friends and family.