The June 4th Primary Election Day is less than a week away.
The Political Action Committee contacted the candidates in all the contested races in Des Moines and asked them to submit a 90-second video and respond to 6 questions about issues important to the Black community.
If you know someone who lives in the districts with contested races, please send the links to them so they can also be an informed voter.
John's 90 seconds:
John's Q & A's:
Question 1: In light of recent legislative actions that have expanded funding for Iowa's private school voucher program and passed legislation to provide legal and civil immunity to armed school staff in the event of a shooting, there are growing concerns about the impact on equity, safety, and accountability in our public education system. Considering the NAACP's commitment to equitable access to quality education, how do you plan to address the consequences of diverting public funds to private schools through these voucher programs? Moreover, regarding the new law now permitting the arming of school staff, what measures will you advocate for to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff in Iowa's schools while also upholding accountability and transparency?
Answer: As someone who is committed to equity and justice in education, I share the community’s concerns about the recent legislative actions that have expanded funding for private school voucher programs and allowed for the arming of school staff. These policies threaten to exacerbate existing disparities in our education system and compromise the safety and well-being of our students and staff.
To be frank, I oppose the diversion of public funds to private schools through voucher programs. Instead of siphoning resources away from our public education system, we must prioritize equitable funding for all schools to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education regardless of their background or zip code. I will work to strengthen our public schools by investing in resources, reducing class sizes, supporting students with disabilities, and supporting teachers and staff.
As a parent, I understand the fear of not knowing if your kids will come home or not with these extreme laws in place. Firearms have no place in our schools. The safety and well-being of our students and staff should be paramount, and introducing more guns into our schools only increases the risk of violence and harm. Instead, I will advocate for evidence-based measures to promote school safety, such as increasing funding for mental health resources, implementing comprehensive violence prevention programs, and improving school climate and culture. I believe that accountability and transparency are essential to make certain the safety of our schools. I will push for rigorous oversight mechanisms to monitor the implementation of safety measures and hold school districts accountable for creating safe and inclusive learning environments for all students. This includes robust reporting requirements, regular audits, and meaningful community engagement to ensure that the voices of students, parents, and educators are heard in decision-making processes.
I am a product of the incredible work of my public school teachers, some who still live right here in our district. I am committed to fighting for a public education system that is equitable, safe, and accountable. By investing in our public schools and implementing evidence-based policies, we can make sure that every child in Iowa has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
Question 2: Recent legislative actions, notably the passage of HF 2319, which seeks to ban basic income programs in Iowa, have sparked significant concern regarding their impact on low-income and working-class communities. These measures appear to be part of a wider effort to dismantle support systems essential for marginalized populations. As a candidate for the Iowa House, how do you plan to respond to these concerns? Specifically, what strategies will you propose to ensure that all Iowans, especially the most vulnerable, have access to resources and opportunities that foster economic stability and promote social mobility?
Answer: I am deeply troubled by recent legislative actions of HF 2319, which seeks to ban basic income programs in our state. These measures not only fail to address the root causes of poverty and inequality but also exacerbate the challenges faced by low-income and working-class communities. It is clear that these policies are part of a broader effort to dismantle support systems that are essential for marginalized populations to thrive.
I was raised right here in Des Moines by a working-class mother and devoted teacher who also had to clean houses so her children could have the essentials. I understand what policies do to families like mine when I was growing up and I am committed to advocating for policies that prioritize economic justice and promote social mobility for all Iowans, especially the most vulnerable. Instead of blocking initiatives like basic income programs, which have the potential to lift families out of poverty and provide a financial safety net during times of economic uncertainty, I will work to expand access to these vital resources.
There’s currently 11 states and over 50 municipalities that have or are running a version of a guaranteed basic income program. I believe a great strategy we can employ as a state is implement a guaranteed basic income pilot program in Iowa, modeled after successful initiatives in other cities and states. This program would provide direct cash payments to individuals and families, particularly those living below the poverty line, to help cover basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare. By ensuring that all Iowans have a stable source of income, we can reduce poverty, increase economic security, and promote social inclusion.
I will advocate for policies that address the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities, including discrimination, gender inequality, and lack of access to education and employment opportunities. This includes increasing funding for affordable housing, expanding access to quality healthcare, investing in education and workforce development programs, and raising the minimum wage to a living wage. We can uplift and work with our labor apprenticeship programs to close equity gaps in employment particularly in marginalized communities.
Question 3: The recent passage of Senate File 2385 has raised serious concerns, as it is perceived as a setback to Iowa's rich civil rights history. This legislation weakens civil and human rights agencies and abolishes specific commissions aimed at protecting marginalized groups. Alongside other bills that limit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, there appears to be a diminishing state commitment to the rights and dignity of all Iowans. How do you intend to counteract this erosion of civil rights protections and ensure continued voice and representation for marginalized communities in our state government? Furthermore, what specific actions will you take to preserve Iowa's historical role as a champion of civil rights and equality, and how will you actively promote policies that combat discrimination and uphold equality for all residents?
Answer: As a voter and voter rights activist in this great state, I am very troubled by the legislation that weakens civil rights agencies and limits diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in our state.I intend to take proactive steps to counteract these harmful policies and ensure continued voice and representation for marginalized communities in our state government.I will advocate for the restoration of funding and authority to civil and human rights agencies, as well as the reinstatement of commissions aimed at protecting marginalized groups. It is imperative that we have robust institutions in place to enforce anti-discrimination laws and safeguard the rights and dignity of all Iowans.
I will work to promote policies that combat discrimination and uphold equality for all residents and be a staunch supporter of efforts to strengthen hate crime laws, expand voting rights, and address disparities in healthcare, criminal justice, and other areas that disproportionately impact marginalized communities.I will prioritize community engagement and partnership with grassroots organizations and advocacy groups that are working to advance civil rights and social justice in Iowa. By amplifying the voices of those most affected by discrimination and injustice, we can ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed in the policymaking process.
Question 4: Effective legislation often depends not just on public speeches but on strategic actions during the early stages of a bill and building relationships with key influencers. Given the pivotal role of bipartisan cooperation, are you willing to work across the aisle and can you share examples of how you forge productive relationships with colleagues, particularly those with whom you have significant differences?
Answer: Gladly, as a longtime activist and advocate, and through my work lobbying on behalf of labor for working families, I understand that bipartisan cooperation is essential for effective governance and the passage of meaningful legislation. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a willingness to work with colleagues from across the political spectrum to find common ground and move important initiatives forward. Building productive relationships with colleagues, particularly those with whom I may have significant differences, requires a commitment to active listening, mutual respect, and finding areas of shared interest. I make it a priority to engage in open and honest dialogue, seeking to understand different perspectives and find common ground where possible. With me, my word is my bond and I can commit to working hard for Iowans. This isn’t about me, it’s really about all of us. Ultimately, my goal is to find solutions that benefit all Iowans, regardless of political affiliation. While I remain steadfast in my principles and values, I am committed to finding pragmatic, bipartisan approaches to address the challenges facing our state and move Iowa forward
Question 5: Many residents remain civically disengaged, often due to the demands of their daily lives and efforts to make ends meet. If elected, these individuals will be among your constituents. How do you plan to actively engage with these hardworking individuals? What strategies will you employ to ensure their concerns are heard and effectively represented in your legislative work?
Answer: I understand that we are all just trying to make it work. To engage with hardworking individuals who may be facing time constraints or other challenges, I will employ a variety of strategies to meet them where they are and make participation as accessible as possible. It’s about meeting people where they are in the community and this might include things like:
Community Outreach: I will prioritize holding open space where we can host community forums, and listening sessions in different parts of our neighborhoods and communities throughout our district. These events will provide opportunities for constituents to share their concerns, ask questions, and offer feedback on legislative issues that affect their lives. Community/constituent services are important and this will not be ignored
Door-to-Door: We need to bring back engaging 1:1 with our residents. I will engage in door-to-door campaigns to connect directly with residents in their own neighborhoods. By knocking on doors and engaging in face-to-face conversations, I can build personal relationships with constituents, listen to their concerns, and offer assistance in accessing resources and navigating government services. This is work I am familiar with working with labor and I believe is essential to employ to ensure the community is connected to what we are doing in the People’s House.
Mobile Hours: I will establish mobile office hours at locations such as community centers, libraries, and local businesses. These convenient drop-in sessions will allow constituents to meet with me one-on-one or in small groups to discuss their concerns and seek assistance with specific issues
Partnerships with Community Organizations: I will collaborate with local nonprofits, advocacy groups and other community stakeholders to amplify outreach efforts and ensure that hardworking individuals are informed and empowered to participate in the democratic process. By working together, we can leverage existing networks and resources to reach underserved populations and address systemic barriers to civic engagement.
Question 6: Immigration has shaped Iowa's community landscape from its early days as a state, bringing diverse groups who sought new opportunities in response to both 'push' and 'pull' factors. As the NAACP, we advocate for humane and inclusive immigration policies that recognize the dignity of all people. How will you collaborate with relevant community stakeholders to promote fair and just immigration policies in Iowa, ensuring that immigrants and refugees are treated with respect and dignity? Additionally, given Iowa's rich history of welcoming various immigrant waves, how will you address the specific challenges faced by today's immigrant communities in areas such as healthcare, education, and employment to ensure they are integrated and supported within our state?
Answer: I recognize the invaluable contributions that immigrants and refugees make to the fabric of our society and the importance of promoting humane and inclusive immigration policies in Iowa. If elected, I am committed to collaborating with community stakeholders to advance fair and just immigration policies that uphold the dignity and rights of all people. We cannot stand on the sidelines while harmful policies are made about our community members and neighbors. We must actively engage with immigrant rights organizations, advocacy groups, legal aid providers, and other stakeholders to understand the needs and concerns of immigrant communities and amplify their voices in the policymaking process.
In addition to advocating for policy changes at the state level, I will work hard to address the specific challenges faced by today's immigrant communities to ensure they are integrated and supported within our state. This includes:
Healthcare Access: I will support efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare for all residents, regardless of immigration status. This includes advocating for state-funded healthcare programs that are inclusive and accessible to everyone and making sure that language and cultural competency in healthcare services is prioritized. This is extremely important also for people with disabilities - everyone deserves to be treated with dignity in healthcare.
Education Equity: I will work to ensure that immigrant children have equal access to quality education by supporting policies that promote language acquisition programs, culturally responsive teaching practices, and support services for English language learners. I will also advocate for policies that remove barriers to higher education for immigrant students, such as in-state tuition and financial aid eligibility regardless of immigration status.
Employment Rights: I will advocate for policies that protect immigrant workers from exploitation and discrimination in the workplace, including enforcing labor laws and strengthening worker protections. This includes supporting efforts to expand access to occupational training and certification programs for immigrant workers and promoting fair wages and working conditions for all workers.
Other Iowa House District 34 candidates:
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