State Representative Clel Baudler is the sponsor of a controversial bill that helps maintain Iowa’s private lakes. Two of those lakes, Panorama and Diamondhead, are in Guthrie County. Approximately $1.7 million is paid each year by the residents of Guthrie County to maintain Lake Panorama through Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ) funds. Opponents of the bill think they’re being unfairly taxed to maintain land owned by Iowa’s movers and shakers. Supporters of RIZ believe it’s a worthwhile investment in spurring economic development in maintaining Iowa’s most pristine bodies of water. Representative Baudler believes RIZ will pass. “I feel we got that pretty good. I think it will move. I hope it moves.”

Baudler is our guest today on Let’s Talk Guthrie County, which airs during the 9 am, noon and 5 pm hours on K107.9 and www.raccoonvalleyradio.com .