Every resident in Iowa City matters

My name is Megan Alter and I am currently an Iowa City Council member serving in an at-large seat. Thank you for taking the time to read about my re-election campaign to serve a second term.

I am running again to continue making daily life better for residents in Iowa City. The need to continue this work is crucial. Voters often crave change and right now the imperative to “Do Something!” in the face of threats and tumult is real and felt. We are living in scary times, and what we do as local officials matters enormously.

As your council member, I will never condone or accept unlawful arrests of our residents. I will do my utmost, along with my fellow members, to do more than make proclamations. But I am also strategic. Resistance takes many forms and drawing attention to the work we do isn’t always the right play. In some instances, it is. Ultimately though, I support a well-functioning government that puts your needs at the forefront of everything we do. And this isn’t solely about addressing the biggest issues or the most passionate voices.

Every resident matters; your lived experiences matter. I will show up consistently on matters most important to you. This may look like better bus stops; this may be working with you on safe pop-up child care to give you a few hours; it may be supporting your neighborhood to throw a block party.

I am committed to bettering Iowa City now and for the future. I approach my decision making by considering the specific issues while also looking at broader implications of what this means for an Iowa City in 10, 20, 30 years time. I am eager to continue providing this vantage point. We should collaborate and make decisions after considering all angles as best we can. That is your charge to us. I am here to listen, to consider, and think about the long term as well as the now. I will work hard to make sure you don’t have to work so hard and that you can enjoy living here. Living your life to the fullest is resistance. I want Iowa City to be part of that joy for you. I will leverage my experience and approach on council to push forward to improve your daily lives. I hope you will vote for me on Nov. 4.

Megan Alter is a candidate for Iowa City Council.