ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ned Chiodo, Author
Overview
From the Tip of the Boot to the Top of the Heap by Ned Chiodo is a memoir and history that explores the journey of Des Moines’ Southside Italian-American community. Ned Chiodo, a former Iowa State Representative (1977–1985) and first-generation Italian-American, reflects on his upbringing in a close-knit immigrant neighborhood defined by resilience, unity, and cultural pride.
The book begins with Ned Chiodo’s father’s experiences as an Italian immigrant and the struggles faced by families on the Southside. He shares vivid stories about their traditions, encounters with stereotypes, and the cultural values that held the community together. Using metaphors like Italians carrying wisdom “in their trunks,” Ned Chiodo highlights the rich heritage of his community.
A significant part of the book focuses on La Macchina, a political organization led by Southside leaders like John Mauro. Ned Chiodo explains how it secured resources, jobs, and opportunities for the Italian-American community, shaping their progress even as social changes eventually led to its decline.
Through engaging and heartfelt storytelling, From the Tip of the Boot to the Top of the Heap pays tribute to the immigrant journey from humble beginnings to notable achievements in America. Ned Chiodo blends personal memories with historical insight, offering a thoughtful reflection on the struggles, triumphs, and lasting contributions of immigrant families.
Ned Chiodo, Author
The Remarkable Political Journey of Ned Chiodo
Ned Chiodo is a long-time political activist whose career is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and leadership. His political journey began in the frigid winter of 1972 when he ran for State Representative from the South Side of Des Moines. Despite losing his first two elections by fewer than 50 votes each, Chiodo refused to give up. In his third attempt, he ran as a write-in candidate—a bold move that led to a historic victory. He became the highest-ranking elected official in Iowa’s history to win as a write-in candidate and went on to serve five impactful terms in the Iowa Legislature.
Chiodo’s innovative approach to elections also ignited what is now known as “early voting.” His groundbreaking program not only helped secure his victory but also became a nationwide standard.
As a legislator, Chiodo quickly rose to prominence, chairing the most powerful committee in the Iowa Legislature. His leadership was instrumental in passing transformative and enduring programs. One of his landmark efforts was the legalization of riverboat gambling, which revolutionized the gambling industry across the nation. What started as a local initiative in Iowa became a model for other states, sparking widespread interest in gambling legislation.
Chiodo’s impact extended beyond the legislature when he transitioned to serve as Polk County Auditor. In this role, he introduced electronic voting—a controversial yet visionary change at the time. Eventually, this innovation was adopted nationwide, setting the stage for modern voting practices. After leaving his role as Auditor, Chiodo founded Personal Representative Inc., a lobbying firm that grew to become the premier political consultancy in Iowa. Thanks to Iowa’s “first in the nation” caucus status, Chiodo became a trusted advisor to many Democratic presidential hopefuls. His influence grew so significant that The New York Times featured a front page story about him and his son, highlighting their political clout.
As a leader of La Macchina, Chiodo also led his community to unprecedented political heights, solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader.
A Legacy of Leadership and Reform
Throughout his career, Chiodo played a pivotal role in shaping Iowa’s political and economic landscape. His contributions include:
- Rewriting the Iowa utility code to regulate utilities.
- Updating Iowa’s usury statute.
- Introducing branching banking in Iowa.
- Enabling interstate banking for Iowa.
- Overhauling the Credit Union charter.
- Lowering consumer credit limits.
- Restricting mortgage points charged to consumers
- Eliminating redlining in Iowa cities.
- Creating the Lemon Law for car purchases.
- Legalizing the lottery.
- Authorizing pari-mutuel betting on horse racing.
- Establishing riverboat gambling.
- Supporting the World Trade Center initiative.
- Securing tuition grants for Iowa students.
- Spearheading the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd charter commissions.
- Founding the Talented and Gifted Program at the University of Iowa.
- Updating standard valuation and interest assumptions for insurance companies.
- Pioneering the use of electronic voting machines in Iowa.
- Introducing the nation to absentee voting, later known as early voting.
- Driving urban renewal initiatives.
- Legalizing home equity lines of credit.
- Amending laws to help Iowa companies list on NASDAQ.
- Founding La Macchina.
Ned Chiodo’s journey from a determined write-in candidate to a trailblazer in political reform is an inspiring story of dedication and impact. His legacy is deeply embedded in Iowa’s history, influencing policies and practices that continue to shape the state and beyond.
S everal people have had great influence in my life. No one more than Edward Campbell. Everyone knew him as “Edward”. He is a legend in the political history of the Iowa Democrat party of Iowa. He was a politician who ran for office and advisor to governors and senators and many business leaders. He was a very kind person hidden under a tough political façade. His ability to get things done was a testament to his people skills. He could read people like a book. He knew how to find out what appealed to an individual and then use it to guide him on the right course. Edward took me under his wing and taught me everything about politics. He knew everyone who was anyone and he introduced me to them. No matter where he went, he was recognized. Campbell, who was elected to the Iowa Democratic Party’s Hall of Fame in 2007, ran an unsuccessful bid for his party’s 1982 gubernatorial nomination after serving as state chairman from 1977 to 1982. He worked on a number of state and Iowa presidential caucus campaigns, as well as a lobbyist at the Statehouse during his career. As a testament to his accomplishment. His funeral was attended by an overflow crowd. Former President Bill Clinton joined me in giving the epilogue.
Donald Avenson was the longest serving speaker of the House of Representatives Iowa. He was the democrat leader of our time. We developed a great friendship. He grew up in Oelwein, Iowa which has a large Italian community. He appointed me to be the most powerful committee chair in the Iowa House during my time. He taught me how to count votes and how you really make a bill become a law. Because of his faith in my abilities, I was able to build a great reputation with the public and the business community. That trust provided great help in the real world after I left the legislature.
