Letters to the editor: 2 books leaving Iowa City schools meant a lot to our family
Don’t let evil ideas go unchallenged
One of the great features of our American democracy is that government doesn’t suppress speech based on its content. That feature comes with a responsibility. To paraphrase, all it takes for evil speech to prevail is the silence of a few good people.
And so, I write today.
At a recent City Council public forum, Matthew North, Phillip Barber, and others who identified themselves only by first name took the opportunity to express unfiltered racist and antisemitic ideas. I won’t dignify the tired stereotypes and absurd conspiracy theories they trotted out by repeating them here.
At the root of these comments, though, is a fundamental misunderstanding of what makes the United States the great country it is. Our democracy is nourished by the diversity of our people. The United States has always been a country of immigrants who have brought with them their cultural and religious heritages. Out of those diverse backgrounds, we have forged a resilient society with remarkable potential. Our diversity is a cause for celebration and the foundation of our aspirations.
North, Barber, and the other commenters have a right to their ideas, and the right to espouse them before our City Council. That doesn’t change the fact that their ideas are not just wrong, but evil. They compel our attention and demand our condemnation.
Tom Rocklin, Iowa City
At least 2 books leaving schools meant a lot to our family
I was saddened to read Ryan Hansen’s article listing the 68 books coming off the shelves of ICCSD libraries because of Senate File 496. From personal experience, I have seen two of these books have a positive effect on a child in my household.
My husband and I are legal guardians for a teen that came from a home damaged by drug use, food insecurity, physical abuse, and parental neglect. This child had undiagnosed dyslexia and loathed reading.
After receiving outstanding learning support from teachers in the ICCSD, this kid was able to read at grade level within a year. The first two books this child read for pleasure are on this list — “Crank” and “Milk and Honey.” Both are books of poetry that describe situations this kid recognizes from their recent past. These books were affirming reads that led to critical thinking. We had insightful conversations about what each character experienced, how it related to their own life, and what the characters could have done differently.
I would go so far as to say these books were enlightening and informational — far from the “how-to” guides their critics make them out to be.
We need to give teenagers more freedom to explore the world through books, not less.
Shannon Christensen, Iowa City
Miller-Meeks turns on those who elected her
Iowa’s 1st Congressional District Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks doesn’t understand the concept of the operation.
Republican delegates made it simple by writing the Republican Party platform detailing Republican values.
Typically voters choose the candidate who they believe is the best person to represent “their” interests at the Capitol, not the candidate’s personal interests.
Too often Miller-Meeks has ignored the people who put her in office and voted with Democrats.
She ran for office under the Republican banner yet voted for same-sex marriage, increasing the debt ceiling and other priorities of Democrats.
Lately she was the only Iowa representative to vote against Congressman Jim Jordan for speaker of the House, even though he is very popular in her district.
She knows how well-received Jordan is here, as she arranged for him to come to Iowa City to fundraise for her. Then, like she did to her constituents, she turned against him.
Being a member of Congress is a serious job, and our country is facing critical issues.
Congress was meant to preserve the country that those before so generously saved for those that follow.
We need strong people in those positions, not the meek.
Leland Graber, Wayland
Housing rules could have unintended consequences
The pursuit of more "affordable housing" is appealing, and its proponents seem genuinely committed to securing affordable housing for all. However, it is crucial to appraise proposals, not by their well-intentioned goals, but by the incentives they create.
The recent proposal aims to expand the housing market by relaxing a zoning requirement, paired with mandating a low-cost offer from the developer. Yet, historical evidence demonstrates that this approach (rent control) has the opposite effect: by constraining housing development and incentivizing luxury development, housing prices actually rise.
Consider the chain of events following this proposal. First, developers decide what housing to develop (and where). Knowing that they are required to cap prices of a certain type of housing, they are incentivized to develop alternative housing. Most likely, the developer will create luxury housing that isn’t subject to the rent control or other types of housing outside the jurisdiction of the city regulations. In the medium-term, this leads to less housing than demanded by the market, which drives prices up. This creates a cycle that can be difficult for future homeowners and renters.
If Iowa City’s elected officials genuinely want to promote affordable housing, they should prioritize policies that encourage development by incentivizing investment among a wide range of housing options. Rent control, while a political popular slogan, is unlikely to help families find affordable housing.
The allure of "affordable housing" is undeniable, but its implementation demands a more thoughtful and evidence-based approach. Let's focus on policies that foster competition, increase supply, and, in the process, make affordable housing a reality for current and future Iowa City residents.
Jason Semprini, Iowa City
Remington’s experiences elevate her candidacy
Mandi Remington will bring a seldom heard perspective to the Iowa City Council as a single parent of three, a renter, a domestic violence survivor, a former public assistance recipient, struggling to make ends meet in an expensive Iowa City. But Remington has used her experience to serve others through actively working with non-profit groups helping those in need, especially as founder of the Corridor Community Action Network.
Unlike candidate Josh Moe, she believes the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is necessary to address daily racial issues in Iowa City. She has and continues to work to reduce harm through serving on the UI Safety and Security Committee, UI Council on the Status of Women, and the Iowa City Police Review Board. On the Review Board, Remington has met the City Council mandate to offer specific proposals to restructure the police department and reduce harm in police interactions with the public.
Tom Carsner, Iowa City
Elect candidates who reflect community values
I am writing to express my deep concerns about three of the candidates currently running for the school board in our community. As a concerned parent, resident, and member of the ICCSD Equity Advisory Committee, I believe it is crucial for our school board members to possess qualities and intentions that reflect the best interests of our children and the values of our community. Not only do these three candidates fail to meet these criteria, but their views would be detrimental and dangerous to our children and the future of our schools.
First and foremost, I am worried about our students and families that belong to the LGBTQ+ community. In October 2022, Jacob Onken led a group of protesters to intimidate parents and children at a drag queen story hour event at the Iowa City Public Library. In March of this year, Micah Broekemeier attended another protest at a similar event where he held a sign referring to drag queens as “groomers.” We need school board members to be leaders who respect all students and families. Onken and Broekemeier are bullies who spread misinformation and punch down at vulnerable groups that are already marginalized.
In his unsuccessful bid for state Legislature last year, Onken advocated for using taxpayer money to fund homeschooling and private schools. He also proposed giving teachers firearms to carry on school grounds. He cannot be trusted with the security of our dollars or our children.
Furthermore, Robert Decker's lack of experience and knowledge in education is evident. The role of a school board member requires a thorough understanding of the complexities of our school system. Decker advocates a regressive and overly simplistic “three R’s” approach to education and believes that the humanities have no place in our schools. This is not someone who belongs on the school board in a community that is proud to be a UNESCO City of Literature.
Our children deserve school board members who are dedicated to improving public education, promoting equity and inclusion, and ensuring a well-rounded education for all.
Doug Kollasch, Iowa City
We need the Truth and Reconciliation Committee
Amazingly, the future of the City’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission is at issue in the City Council election. Reversing course from previous statements, at-large City Council candidate Josh Moe said October 16 that Iowa City’s TRC is too costly, not working, and should be abandoned.
At-large candidate Mandi Remington says the commission created by the City Council after the George Floyd murder is necessary and the pain in our community requires that the commission continue its work. She said new facilitators are now allowing the commission to build momentum.
The TRC is one of a handful of issues that distinguish the candidates.
The TRC is too important to Iowa City to let it wither away.
Mike Carberry, Iowa City
Lots to commend school board incumbents
The school board has done generally excellent work over the past years and I encourage voters to mark their ballots for Charlie Eastham (incumbent), Mitchell Lingo, Lisa Williams (incumbent) and Molly Abraham (incumbent) to continue that trend.
I will vote for Laura Bergus for City Council, the only councilor to offer a clear statement regarding funding of the police department and why she thought it would be better to fund support services to work with the police rather than to hire two new officers. The council chose the latter path, despite Laura’s solid arguments. I will also cast ballots for Josh Moe and Mandi Remington, two candidates who would be fresh voices regarding the issues that will confront the council in the next few years.
Carol deProsse, Iowa City
Political intrigue, Iowa City style
With chaos in Washington D.C. and wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, there is, understandably, not much talk about this year's Iowa City Council Election. But people are asking why At-Large Councilor Laura Bergus jumped from running At-Large to run against incumbent District A Councilor Pauline Taylor.
The answer to this starts by watching six minutes on YouTube of the Iowa City Council Special Formal meeting of January 10, 2023. That was the meeting where the Council met to appoint a succesor to Councilor Janice Weiner, who had resigned after she was elected to the Iowa Senate.
You only have to watch six minutes from the 1 hour 8 minute mark to the 1 hour 14 minute mark. There were four rounds of nominations before the Council selected Andrew Dunn, and Laura Bergus nominated Mandi Remington in each round.
A few months later City Council candidates were gathering signatures to file to run for the November 7 election.
For most of the summer it appeared that incumbent Pauline Taylor would be unopposed for District A , and it appeared that there would be three people running for two At Large seats--incumbent Laura Bergus and candidates Mandi Remington and Josh Moe.
But a week before the filing deadline Laura realized that she and Josh Moe would win the two At-Large seats and her protege Mandi Remington would be left out in the cold. So Laura jumped into the District A race against Pauline Taylor. Laura is a resident of District A so this is entirely legal. But in my 45 years of following the Iowa City Council I have never before witnessed last minute political maneuvering like this.
In the November 7 election, where all Iowa City registered voters can vote for the District A seat, we will find out if Laura's gamble will trump Pauline's eight years of helping constituents all over Iowa City.
Gary Sanders, Iowa City
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Letters: Mariannette Miller-Meeks turns on those who elected her
