Ralston will be a thoughtful I.C. leader

I intend to vote for Christine Ralston for Iowa City Council. It took Christine less than five minutes at the Farmers Market to convince me that her brilliant and inquisitive soul, which I have grown to appreciate as a friend over several years, was right for this job.

Christine briefly shared her sensibilities about certain policies - her support for a higher minimum wage, her perspective on the use of tax increment finance districts (TIFs).

More important to me, our conversation gave me a sense of how she would make decisions as a council member. I could hear in her thinking something I value more highly than whether I agree with every policy decision an elected official makes. I heard a thought process that was fair, thoughtful, nuanced and steeped in what clearly are her core values of kindness, compassion and service to a community she loves.

Christine has what I want in an elected official. I want authenticity, thoughtfulness, compassion, intellectual heft and curiosity, the humility to listen and the courage to speak. This is what I see in Christine Ralston. She earned my vote in those few minutes, and I believe she deserves yours.

Michael Shaw

Iowa City