Republican Matt Schultz, a lawyer from Council Bluffs, is Iowa’s Secretary of State-elect. His first hire for his office: fellow Council Bluffs lawyer Doug Struyk. Struyk had been a legislator from Council Bluffs, but he did not seek reelection in 2010. Struyk was first elected to the Iowa House in 2002 as a Democrat, but he changed his party affiliation to Republican in 2004. Last week Schultz said he would commute from Council Bluffs to Des Moines. Perhaps the two will carpool?
(COUNCIL BLUFFS) – Iowa Secretary of State Elect Matt Schultz today filled his first key position in the Secretary of State’s office by naming retiring State Representative Doug Struyk (R-Council Bluffs) as Legal Counsel and Policy Advisor.
“I’m pleased to add Rep. Struyk to my team. His tenure as ranking member on the State Government Committee will be a great asset to our office, and ensures we hit the ground running on day one,” said Schultz.
Struyk graduated with honors from Creighton School of Law, is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, and a long time member of the legislature’s Judiciary Committee. Struyk served as the top Republican in the State Government Committee which handles election law. Additionally, Struyk is Vice President of Struyk Turf Ltd., a forty year old family owned business in Council Bluffs. Struyk served for eight years in the House of Representatives.
“This was a great move by my transition team. I’ve always appreciated Doug’s ability to build consensus and move legislation. Those are skills my office will need to fulfill the goals I laid out on the campaign trail,” added Schultz.
Struyk gave a lengthy retirement speech in the Iowa House this past spring, quoting Homer and suggesting a new drinking game for his colleagues. Struyk kept mentioning the name of “Jeff Mitchell” who has been the director of the House Republican Caucus staff. Apparently every time Mitchell’s name was said during debate/speeches on the House floor, he was to buy a round of adult beverages for his staff.
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
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