By Matt Hayek, former mayor, Iowa City
On March 4, all voters throughout Iowa City can vote in the City Council special election.
There are two candidates, both in their 30s. One is Ross Nusser, who lives in the Northside, whose children attend public schools, and who has dedicated countless hours to organizations that work with housing, mental health and substance use. Nusser wants to keep our neighborhoods safe, improve our roads and parks, support nonprofits, and help local government navigate tough financial times.
The other is Oliver Weilein, whose campaign logo is the diagonal red and black symbol for international anarchy. Weilein is active on Twitter and other social media. Take a look at what he posts. You will see him show off his AR-15 and other weapons, as recently as three months ago. You will see him celebrate the burning of police cars (with messages like “DO IT”), as recently as last year. You will see him applaud graffiti and the defacement of the Old Capitol (“My town never looked better”). You will see him suggest it’s OK to use an assault rifle against police officers. You will see him mock the first woman and person of color to be vice president (“shut the f[**]k up”).
Weilein’s promotion of violence toward public servants and public property is not OK. It is dangerous. It has no place on our Council. Please vote.
