By Temple Hiatt, Iowa City
I’m a longtime gun violence prevention advocate and I’m supporting Oliver Weilein for Iowa City City Council. Let me tell you why. The movement to end gun violence must include gun owners. While the presence of a gun in a home puts everyone at increased risk of gun violence, my goal as an advocate is not to take away guns, but to highlight the need for gun safety.
At the JC LWV forum, both candidates indicated they are gun owners. However, only Oliver shared his gun safety practices, which includes secure storage and being a resource to others should they need to store a firearm. Oliver also denounced the NRA and the toxic gun culture they promote.
Owning a firearm is a deeply personal decision and can include complicated experiences such as being threatened or stalked, experiencing gun violence, and wanting to protect yourself when hiking in the backcountry. These are some of the reasons Oliver and his partner decided to own firearms.
As a veteran, I understand the training it takes to stay proficient with a firearm. Not being committed to staying proficient was one of the reasons I decided to give up my firearm. I like knowing both Oliver and his partner go to the firing range. That’s gun safety.
Gun violence disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. I like Oliver’s commitment to anti-racism and his vocal advocacy for the Trans community. As a gay person, I’m not interested in a candidate who simply wants to go along to get along. My LGBTQ siblings and I deserve a candidate who will advocate for us and will oppose any attempts to erase us. Oliver is that candidate.
