Posted inLetters

Letter to the editor: There are five qualified candidates for Iowa City Council, but Bruce Teague stands out

Bruce Teague has started several businesses in Iowa City aimed at helping persons. He is sensitive to the needs of people. His priority issues: human rights, transportation and inclusion. As Bruce explained at the first candidate’s forum: A Human Rights City identifies the needs of all its citizens and build its budget to address those needs. A Human Rights City recognizes the worth of each and every citizen. All persons are valued.

Posted inLetters

Letter to the editor: Christine Ralston has what I want in an elected official

I intend to vote for Christine Ralston for Iowa City City Council. It took Christine less than five minutes at the farmers market to convince me that this brilliant and inquisitive soul, that I have grown to appreciate as a friend over several years, was the right person for this job. Our conversation included her briefly sharing her sensibilities about certain policies (her support for a higher minimum wage, her perspective on the use of TIF).

Posted inLetters

Letter to the editor: Mollie Tibbetts’ murder and the repercussions of violent masculinity

What happened to Mollie is a tragedy. It sheds light on why women today constantly fear for their safety, why so many of my friends carry keys in between their knuckles to feel safe walking home. Take this as an opportunity to realize how gender has disproportionately plagued women worldwide. More than 1 in 10 women have experienced forced intercourse or other forced sexual acts at some point in their life. In none of these situations are women wondering “is he a legal citizen?”

Posted inLetters

Letter to the editor: Vote Christine Ralston for Iowa City Council

I met Christine while she was a professional mediator. I watched her skillfully navigate tough disputes by guiding meaningful conversations. What struck me first was how well Christine listens: without an ego or a personal agenda, but with deep care and compassion. Since then, I’ve worked with Christine on other projects, especially in her art, her support of local nonprofits and as a champion of recent UI graduates. My experiences show Christine is more than just a smart person who listens well.

Posted inLetters

Letter to the editor: We critiqued newbo evolve. Now here’s how we fix it.

Several weeks ago I penned a letter raising concerns about the then-upcoming newbo evolve festival. My primary criticism was that the event’s branding seemed at odds with its elements. How can one truly have an event “celebrating the Bohemian spirit” with $400 passes, a lineup dominated by mainstream pop acts and a lack of community engagement in the planning process?

Posted inLetters

Letter to the editor: Vote Ryan Hall for Iowa City Council on Sept. 4

Ryan Hall ran a credible campaign for Iowa City Council last year as he came close to defeating an incumbent councilor. For the past year, Hall has continued to actively advocate for affordable housing, energy efficiency and a bus system to better accommodate second shift workers and those with special needs. He is now a candidate for city council in the Sept. 4 primary, and he has my vote.

Posted inLetters

Letters to the editor: Vote Brianna Wills in the Iowa City Council special election

Brianna Wills works tirelessly for her community through a variety of service groups. Whether she is delivering Meals on Wheels, or serving as Parent Teacher Student Organization vice president or president, co-president for the Districtwide Parents’ Organization or the keynote speaker at Dance Marathon, Brianna is committed to making the lives of those around her better.

Gift this article