Tom O'Donnell for HD87

Tom O'Donnell for HD87 Van Buren County guy. Candidate for Iowa House and advocate for a stronger rural Iowa. Join us to build a lasting and caring community.

Tom O’Donnell grew up with his 13 siblings in an Iowa town of around a thousand people. His father was a carpenter, and his mother was a homemaker and postal clerk. Besides federal grants, Tom pumped gas, set hotel meeting rooms and had other jobs to pay his way through Iowa State University. He started working for newspapers at 17 and spent more than 20 years as an Iowa reporter and editor, inclu

ding almost 16 years with the Des Moines Register. Tom next focused on science, first as a freelancer and then for 16 years at a nonprofit company. Tom and his wife, Paula Mohr, live in her childhood home near Keosauqua. He has served on the Bentonsport Improvement Association board and helped Van Buren County Conservation win a $1.6 million grant to rehabilitate the historic Bentonsport Pedestrian Bridge over the Des Moines River. He volunteers at Van Buren County Community Schools. Tom is a board member for the Rural Restoration Project, a nonprofit that seeks to build economic and social opportunities in the five counties of Iowa Senate District 44.

08/31/2026

When people listen, rather than making assumptions or dismissing others based on their affiliations, we can make progress on the REAL issues facing Iowans. Let's get to work. odonnellforhouse87.com

It was exciting to see so many people at "Party at the Pottery," an event to celebrate the rebirth of the Bonaparte Pott...
08/30/2026

It was exciting to see so many people at "Party at the Pottery," an event to celebrate the rebirth of the Bonaparte Pottery & Artisan Market, a nearly untouched 18th-century relic of the days when earthenware jugs and bowls were the norm. A local group has taken over the living museum and is doing wonderful work to make it a worthy attraction. Some quality art is available for purchase. Keep up the fantastic work!

We had a great time marching with a fantastic Henry County Democrats contingent in the Salem Old Settlers parade. We dis...
08/29/2026

We had a great time marching with a fantastic Henry County Democrats contingent in the Salem Old Settlers parade. We distributed toffees, stickers and, for the first time, coasters! They're gorgeous. Get yours at a future parade!
Thanks to Dave and Rita Smith for driving their truck with our banners!

I learned much Friday evening at the Will and Katie Whitaker farm near Hillsboro. We met with area farmers, including hi...
08/29/2026

I learned much Friday evening at the Will and Katie Whitaker farm near Hillsboro. We met with area farmers, including his father and mother, Clark and Norma, uncles Bruce and John, plus Paul Wells, Gary Lane, Chris Boley and Vincent Moine. I mostly listened as they discussed low prices and high input costs, conservation practices and fertilizer options. It became clear that some farmers may be unaware of the latest best practices, with education lagging due to a depleted ISU Extension Service. Let's give farmers the tools to do the job right. odonnellforhouse87.com

08/28/2026

A version of this video will appear tonight and every Friday night ahead of the Ottumwa Radio Group livestream of Van Buren County football games on YouTube. We're proud to sponsor broadcasts for all three area high schools: Fairfield, Mt. Pleasant and Van Buren. We're hoping for a successful and safe football season for all the teams and players! https://www.youtube.com//streams

My thanks to Derek and Jason Mullin, who showed me around their farm north of Mt. Pleasant this afternoon. They're right...
08/25/2026

My thanks to Derek and Jason Mullin, who showed me around their farm north of Mt. Pleasant this afternoon. They're rightfully proud of some of the conservation measures they've taken, such as filling and terracing a waterway that leads to Spring Creek. They know more must be done, including perhaps returning some property to wetlands. We can help and encourage farmers to take steps that will benefit their bottom line – and our water quality. Derek, a former Mt. Pleasant School Board member, also is a great supporter of rural public education!

We had two fun events on Saturday, talking with local folks about their concerns: data centers, public schools and rural...
08/23/2026

We had two fun events on Saturday, talking with local folks about their concerns: data centers, public schools and rural health care access. First, coffee at the Keosauqua home of the unstoppable Twyla Peacock. Then wine and fine edibles at with Kathy, Sue, Ronda, Lauren and hostess Melissa Mahon. Each gathering provided vital perspectives for when I serve in the House.

I've talked to hundreds of folks in House District 87. Almost all of them agree on the big things: keeping rural schools...
08/19/2026

I've talked to hundreds of folks in House District 87. Almost all of them agree on the big things: keeping rural schools and hospitals viable, cleaning polluted rivers and lakes, and keeping seniors safe in care centers. As the election nears, politicians will try to splinter us over side issues. Focus on what we can DO to bring Iowa forward. Join us! odonnellforhouse87.com

Address

26849 South Street
Keosauqua, IA
52565

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Tom O'Donnell for HD87 posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category