I own a plant shop downtown called Moss. I chose to locate my business in downtown Iowa City because I believe in this vibrant, walkable, urban space filled with unique local businesses, art and culture. In my view, downtown is the city’s most important asset and Christine Ralston is the best candidate to advocate for policy ensuring its health and vibrancy.
Opinion
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Ann Freerks will hit the ground running
I heartily support Ann Freerks for City Council. Many times I saw her in action on the Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission — a volunteer commission that she served on for 17 years, and chaired for eight. With thorough analysis beforehand, she posed thoughtful questions of every proposal. She listened closely to all perspectives. And she was not afraid to ask for more — more information, more consideration of the people impacted, more rethinking on behalf of the community at large.
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: Brianna Wills has proven her toughness
As a member and coach of the U.S. National Rowing Team, I have been around some exceptionally mentally and physically tough people. I am voting for Brianna Wills for Iowa City Council because her strength rivals any world-class athlete I have known.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘Three Identical Strangers’ takes the idea of ‘stranger than fiction’ to a new level
A cursory glance at the story prompts a thousand questions, one of the prevailing being, “Where are they now?” Enter Three Identical Strangers, a documentary that takes you through the triplets’ story detail by detail. The exceptionally fascinating film is now showing at FilmScene.
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Why Iowa City needs Bruce Teague on the city council
By Nolan Petersen, Iowa City There is no shortage of opinions about the upcoming city council election in Iowa City, but it seems there is a gap in the conversation: the identities of the candidates. With the field of candidates that is 80 percent white to fill a seat previously held by a black man, […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Ann Freerks is committed to the quality and future of our town
In my 33-year career as a city planner I served in cities across the country: from Midland, Texas to Kansas City, Missouri to Windsor, Connecticut and Iowa City. I worked with scores of planning commissioners who volunteered enormous time for their cities’ betterment. Of all of these, Ann Freerks impressed me as being the most dedicated and thoughtful.
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.
