Unfair attacks on young politician

Over the past two weeks, I have been cavalierly attacked by “Captain Steve,” the voice of KCJJ propaganda, and state Rep. Dave Jacoby. My infraction? Getting involved in the Coralville community.

As a recent graduate of the University of Iowa, I was eager to get involved in local politics. I began interning for a local citizens group in an attempt to educate the public on local issues and perhaps incite change in the current unsustainable path we are on.

On the radio, Captain Steve has mocked my involvement, dismissing me as too young and disparaging my interest in gaining experience in local politics.

In a recent radio parody, I was wrongfully linked to the Koch Brothers, as they acted out a scene depicting me making phone calls for their organization as I skipped rope on the playground eating a Happy Meal. This misogynistic and demeaning portrayal of a woman in the “media” is far from acceptable.

Rep. Dave Jacoby, my fellow Democrat, has numerous times laughed me off as an “outsider” because my cellphone area code originates from my Iowa hometown. It has been much easier for him to mislabel and attack me than to address the issues and facts I am presenting.

Ironically, Rep. Jacoby lamented in the media last week that young people would be discouraged from getting involved in politics if they believed it would cost them $20,000. I believe character assassination from a local political leader and media figurehead is a much greater deterrent.

Jordan Willison

Iowa City