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- Politics
- Roya News
Iowa City Council passes ‘Israel' boycott bill over Gaza genocide
In a landmark decision, the Iowa City Council voted unanimously to pass a resolution that will boycott investments in bonds and companies complicit in 'Israel's' actions in Gaza. This makes Iowa City the first municipality in a state with a GOP-majority government to take such an action, marking a significant victory for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement in a conservative state . The resolution, which passed with a seven-to-zero vote on August 5, is the result of a two-year campaign by local group Iowa City Action for Palestine (ICAP). It builds on a previous ceasefire resolution from January 2024 and uses strong language, explicitly recognizing "the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the genocide of Palestinian people, ethnic cleansing by Israeli armed forces, and illegal occupation of Palestinian land". The resolution directs the city to avoid future investments in companies identified by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). Companies on this list, which includes major corporations like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Caterpillar, are complicit by providing military equipment and other support to the 'Israeli' military . The resolution's passage places Iowa City in direct conflict with Iowa's 2016 anti-BDS law, which prohibits state entities from contracting with or investing in companies that boycott 'Israel'. This has led to concerns from some council members about the potential for state and federal funds to be withheld. Given the history of Governor Kim Reynolds and Attorney General Brenna Bird using their offices to combat progressive local policies, a legal challenge from the state is considered highly likely . This brewing conflict is set to be a key test case for anti-BDS laws nationwide.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Weilein, Nusser earn spots on March 4 ballot as top two vote-getters in Tuesday's primary
Oliver Weilein and Ross Nusser advanced to the March 4 general election following Tuesday's primary to fill a vacant seat on the Iowa City City Council. Weilein earned 641 votes to lead the way, with Nusser picking up 248 votes, according to preliminary results from the Johnson County Auditor's Office. Sharon DeGraw, who formally withdrew in January, finished third with 48 votes. More: Midwest ice storm coming Wednesday. What to expect in Iowa. Only Iowa City Council District C residents were eligible to vote in the primary. All registered Iowa City residents can cast votes in the general election next month. The winner in next month's election will serve the remainder of a four-year term won by former councilor Andrew Dunn, keeping them on the council through 2027. Fewer than 1,000 ballots were cast in the build-up to the election and on Election Day, according to data provided by the auditor's office. That equates to a turnout of 5.1% in District C. The most recent special city council election was held in 2019, with current Mayor Bruce Teague prevailing. That election also necessitated a primary, though it was city-wide. In that race, 8.7% of voters turned out for that September election. More: A monument to Caitlin Clark and Lisa Bluder? How an Iowa lawmaker wants to make it happen The 63-day sprint campaigns now hurdle toward a March 4 finish. Early, in-person voting will begin on Feb. 12. The deadline to pre-register or request an absentee ballot for the general election is Feb. 18. Former councilor Andrew Dunn announced his resignation last fall, citing increased obligations within the local labor movement. His resignation opened up a seat on the seven-member council, which the council could have filled through appointment. Instead, they opted to hold a special election at a rough cost to the city of about $100,000 in total, including about $25,000 for the primary election. More: Iowa City to hold a special election for vacant District C council seat on March 4 The primary became necessary after three candidates filed their candidacy in the District C election. The council was obligated to set a date for the election at the earliest "practicable" date, essentially the soonest possible election date, rather than being able to hold off until the warmer months in hopes of higher turnout. Oliver Weilein "very quickly realized that this is a place I would want to stay and have be my forever home." Weilein, 30, grew up in Cedar Falls and has been a musician his entire life. He plays the French horn, participates in choir and taught himself how to play the drums and the guitar. He was drawn to Iowa City by the music scene and stayed because of the "community of friends" he has since made. Weilein described himself as "involved with the community and an activist." He works full-time as a caregiver for adults with disabilities at Systems Unlimited in southeast Iowa City, a job he said was not "lucrative" — he only makes about $30,000 a year — but one he loves so much that "I don't see myself wanting to leave." More: Former University of Iowa IT employee to serve 12-year prison sentence for identity fraud Weilein said conversations with current city councilors and Johnson County supervisors helped him overcome an "imposter syndrome" he initially felt when he considered running for council. "It is not as common for a rank and file working class person, someone who is a tenant, someone who has engaged in human rights and housing activism, engaged in politics in that way for so long, someone like me to be on the council," Weilein said. "(Someone) who has direct experience, not just working with low-income people or with people facing housing insecurity, but someone who is a low-income person." Housing is also a top priority for Weilein, who said the city is "doing so many good things right now," like permanent supportive housing. Weilein wants to expand these programs. Read more about Weilein's priorities here. Iowa City native Ross Nusser is connected to Iowa City's history. His father's family founded and still owns the Hands Jewelers location, first opened in the 1800s. Nusser's brother now runs the business. On his mother's side, his grandpa was University of Iowa president Sandy Boyd. Nusser graduated from Iowa City West High and entered real estate when he returned to Iowa City in the late 2000s. In 2015, Nusser co-founded Urban Acres Real Estate, a local agency covering the Iowa City metro. He later joined the Board of Directors for Successful Living, a non-profit focused on serving adults with chronic mental illness. More: Secretary of state boots 183,000 Iowans off voter rolls. Which counties got hit hardest? One of the services provided by Successful Living is a housing program, a key priority for Nusser. He said that his experience in real estate can "help inform those discussions" around affordable housing, zoning and other housing-related issues and would "help produce real and positive results." Nusser cited his non-profit work and professional work as examples of his involvement with affordable housing. He said he cares "deeply" about listening, hearing other viewpoints and collaborating. "When I'm able to serve the community, I feel better connected to the community," Nusser said. "I feel my place in it, and I feel the support from those around me." Read more about Nusser's priorities here. DeGraw announced she would be suspending her campaign on Jan. 24, citing "a personal matter." "Thank you to the people who encouraged and supported me," DeGraw wrote online. "I am glad to have had taken part in the process of running a campaign for office." The deadline to remove her name from the ballot passed before she announced her withdrawal. DeGraw still would have advanced to the general election if she had finished in the top two on Tuesday. Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01. This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Weilein, Nusser advance in primary for vacant Iowa City council seat
