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The second session of the 83rd Iowa General Assembly will convene in a little more than a week, and as state lawmakers return, they will bring with them a variety of concerns that constituents in their districts have addressed.

Republican State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven of Pella says that concerns about a possible Department of Transportation issue just west of Marion County and the local impact of the recommended closure of the mental health institute in Mt. Pleasant are a few of the more recent concerns he has received.

“When we’re not in session, then you have to communicate by phone or e-mail, or make personal contact,” says Van Engelenhoven.

The 2010 Legislative session will convene on January 11th. Jim Van Engelenhoven represents District 71 in the Iowa House, which includes the majority of Marion County and the Monroe area.