By Laura Bergus, Iowa City Council member, District A We can expect the next few years to be increasingly difficult and dangerous for many among us. The time to stand up against bigotry and hate is now. Having served on City Council through the COVID pandemic and the protests of 2020, I know we require […]
letters to the editor
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Iowa’s SF 347/HF 558 is merely an attempt to intimidate librarians into censorship
By Kristin Watson, Coralville After reading Sam Helmick’s letter regarding SF 347/HF 558, I read the bill and am both alarmed and amazed by the absurdity. Sections b. and c. forbid librarians from providing obscene material or hardcore pornography to minors, under threat of substantial penalty. This might possibly seem reasonable until you realize it’s already […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Enough about twitter already. There’s so much more to Oliver Weilein
By Riley Eynon-Lynch, Iowa City A recent op-ed claimed that Oliver Weilein “prefers violence against the government to thoughtful action.” The claim was based on social media posts, and broadcast publicly without nuance, investigation, or compassion. This particular letter was one of many that use a shallow analysis of some tweets to disqualify a candidate, […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: SF 347 would restrict access to information and create barriers to learning
By Sam Helmick, Iowa City I’m writing with urgent concern about Senate File 347, legislation that would dramatically restrict our library’s ability to serve as an anchor institution of learning and discovery for everyone in our community. As a librarian, I’ve witnessed first-hand how our library sparks curiosity and opens doors through its diverse collection […]
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Letter to the editor: Ross Nusser is the leader Iowa City needs
By Chuck Skaugstad Jr., Iowa City As a longtime Iowa Citian and business owner, I have had the privilege of knowing Ross Nusser since he was a child. Over the years, I’ve watched him grow into a dedicated community leader, a compassionate advocate and a problem-solver who isn’t afraid to do the hard work to make Iowa City better. […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: SF 347 threatens Iowa public libraries and criminalizes librarians
By Katie Roche, Iowa City I am writing to express my strong opposition to Senate File 347, a bill that poses a serious threat to the vital role public libraries play in our communities. If passed, this legislation would place undue restrictions on libraries, limiting access to educational and informational resources that benefit people of […]
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Letter to the editor: Oliver Weilein makes me want to stay in Iowa City
By Zoe Mahler, Iowa City I’m really excited about Oliver running for city council. In the two years since I’ve returned he has proven time and time again how a person can connect with Iowa City. It feels like there is such a turnover or divide between university and permanent residents. Like a pressure to […]
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Letter to the editor: Vote with courage on March 4, Iowa City
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 […]
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Letter to the editor: As a gun safety advocate and gay Iowan, I support Oliver Weilein
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 […]
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Letter to the editor: Oliver Weilein is not scary, but you are scared
By Tara McGovern, Coralville Oliver Weilein is not scary but you are scared. This is a you problem. You are being manipulated by your own discomfort at the state of our crumbling world and by your participation in it. You are also being manipulated by a handful of establishment politicians, some of whom are currently […]
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Letter to the editor: Ross Nusser will maximize resources to make Iowa City safer and more accessible
By Tom Rocklin, Iowa City In politically turbulent times such as these, Iowa City needs a city council member with a long-standing record of commitment to the community, a mature attitude, and a deep concern for all members of our community. That’s why I’m voting for Ross Nusser for City Council. Ross wants to maximize […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: We deserve an anti-fascist alternative. Oliver Weilein is it.
By Case Fenner, Iowa City We can’t keep the people of Iowa City safe by laying low. In the lead up to the 2024 presidential elections, Democratic leadership at the local, state and national level identified Donald Trump, his MAGA movement and the wider party that supported them as a fascist threat to the people […]
