By Ben Smasher, Iowa City
Iowa City is currently engaging in a vital discourse over the upcoming City Council special election. It is great to see so many recognizing the opportunity to make a difference even in a smaller election.
I wanted to comment on the radical viewpoints of candidate Oliver Weilein and fears over his social media activity.
Though his perspectives as an activist, artist and community supporter are indeed radical, I trust his willingness to collaborate with others on the council to reach agreeable actions for our most vulnerable in this community. This is why we need disparate voices and viewpoints in elected offices. In a nation currently governed by fascists and nazis, many of us are desperate for radical change in an opposite direction. If we keep letting wealthy mediocre do-nothings make their way into offices of power, we will only continue to let our community be stripped of its identity and history. If you are concerned about Oliver’s views expressed online, it’s because you have not seen his actions. You haven’t been there to see him raise money for the unhoused, organize for the renter’s union or escort and protect people safely to receive reproductive health care because you were doomscrolling social media.
Now is certainly not the time to waste an opportunity to make real change happen. Vote for Oliver on March 4 or we’re all in for more of the same. Vote with courage and not fear!
