By Christine Grant, Coralville
JP Claussen and I served together on the Advisory Committee for the Rape Victim Advocacy (RVAP) for several years and it was through this committee that I came to know and admire him greatly. What impressed me most was his real commitment to helping reduce violence against women and men in our community and State. To that end, he came fully prepared to each meeting to contribute to each item on the agenda by offering creative ideas, thoughtful critiques and/or volunteering to serve on committees or special projects. He contributed greatly to the quality of these meetings. He also brought an ability to relate very well to others, a willingness to speak out on sensitive topics in a quiet but effective way and a sense of humor. Through his 10 years as a special education teacher, he demonstrated through his choice of career that he indeed values each child and through his work with RVAP that he values each person. That is exactly the type of person who should be on the Iowa City School Board.
