To the editor:

A few weeks ago I attended an event in Des Moines hosted by POLITICO which brought together community leaders to discuss how economic issues will impact the 2016 Iowa caucuses and presidential election. The event touched on some of the nation’s most important economic issues, including the national debt.

I believe our more than $18 trillion national debt is the most important economic issue facing the nation. The national debt is large and growing and could lead to higher mortgage rates, higher interest rates, and less economic growth. This event was important to help foster discussion on this critical issue, and reinforces the efforts of initiatives like First Budget — a joint effort of the Concord Coalition and the Campaign to Fix the Debt that is raising awareness of the national debt and making solving this problem a high priority for the 2016 presidential candidates. It is essential that Iowans continue to press candidates and ask them to come up with realistic solutions and specific plans to solve important issues like the national debt.

Kim Reem

Marion