First published in The Manhattan Mercury, Octoboer 5, 2006.

Strawn is an inspiring mentor who will be a superb legislator

To the Editor:

Three year's ago June, I reported to my first post-undergraduate job - marketing coordinator at a chemical company in southeastern Iowa. After nervously going through the new-hire orientation, I logged onto my email account to find a message from the business director who hired me. The message read, "Amy, we are very pleased to have you in the group. Now go find your head and have a great time helping our little family succeed. You will do very well here. Bob." That's where my mentoring relationship with Bob Strawn began.

For the next year, Bob made it a point to keep in contact with me. Our emails and conversations generally went the same - he'd ask questions and let the conversation be directed by my answers. He listened intently and wanted to understand what I was saying and why. And, when he did, he'd offer his honest feedback.

Bob encouraged me to enroll in the local master's program. So, I enrolled and was assigned to find a mentor. Without doubt I asked Bob, who without hesitation agreed. It's been fun - we email on things such as motivation, leadership and empowerment. He always sees the big picture and provides insightful responses. He forces me to challenge myself, respects my opinion and treats me as an equal. That's pretty inspiring considering he's the most influential member of our company and I'm a 24-year-old female employee.

I'm now halfway through the masters' program and manage the company's distribution group, both of which without Bob's mentoring I'd have not believed in myself enough to accomplish. After getting to know Bob these past years, I have no doubt that he would bring the same level of respect, insight and guidance to the constituents of the 66th District. He made a difference in my life and will do the same in yours.

Amy Munday
Fort Madison, Iowa