Vote for IC council incumbents in high-stakes election

The almost invisible Nov. 4 Iowa City Council election is upon us, with early voting starting October 15.

We have three excellent city councilors running for re-election: Megan Alter and Bruce Teague in the at-large race, where everyone can vote for two candidates, and Shawn Harmsen in the District B race, where everyone in Iowa City can vote even if they don't live in District B.

Megan and Bruce are facing two candidates, Newman Abuissa and Clara Reynen, who are not mounting significant campaigns. Shawn is facing a well-financed and well-organized challenger, Amy Hospodarsky.

If you look at Shawn's website, harmsenforcouncil.com, you'll see an impressive list of what he has worked on and accomplished in his four years on the Council.

If you look at Amy's website, amyforiowacity.com, you will not see the main reasons she is running against Shawn.

She is running to provide the crucial fourth and deciding vote for Council member Laura Bergus' annual motion at the April budget hearing to reduce the police department budget and to provide the crucial fourth and deciding vote to make Laura Bergus the mayor. This is the reality of her campaign and this makes it a high stakes election.

Take a few minutes and vote for our three excellent incumbents: Megan Alter, Bruce Teague, and Shawn Harmsen.

Gary Sanders

Iowa City