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.
Robs's 90 seconds:
Robs'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: First and foremost we must reverse course in Iowa and eliminate Gov. Reynolds voucher program and return to a public school system where our AEAs are properly funded. That is the only way to protect and properly fund our public school system. Iowa was once a beacon for public education in our country and I believe we can return to that storied history and reputation. At the same time, we also must ensure our children learn all aspects of our history so they feel seen, heard and valued.
Second, we should take a comprehensive approach to school safety in Iowa. Emergency response plans should involve parents and children so they know what to do if an urgent situation arises. Increasing mental health services, providing regular training for staff and students and utilizing technology for surveillance and communication can also help improve school safety. As a regular speaker to students in Des Moines Public Schools, I also believe community engagement is an essential component to support our students and reduce violence.
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 believe this piece of legislation was just wrong and a complete overstep into local communities. It also cuts off a funding source for programs and organizations that are supporting many families who are struggling to pay their bills. I believe we must change our priorities at the statehouse.
Instead of making it harder for our most vulnerable population, we should stop the handouts to corporations and special interests, lower taxes for those working multiple jobs and take care of those who need the support. I also believe that we have to expand affordable housing by working with community partners to prevent the loss of existing housing and remove economic barriers to homeownership. That’s why it’s also vital we support our small and local businesses so that we can encourage entrepreneurship that will then contribute to long-term economic prosperity.
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: To counteract the erosion of civil rights protections and ensure continued voice and representation for marginalized communities, I will prioritize several actions:
Advocacy and Legislation: I will work to introduce and support legislation that strengthens civil rights protections, including laws against discrimination in housing, employment, and education. I will also advocate for policies that address systemic inequalities and promote diversity and inclusion.
Community Engagement: I will actively engage with marginalized communities to understand their needs and concerns and ensure their voices are heard in the legislative process. This includes holding regular town hall meetings, listening sessions, and forums to gather input and feedback.
Partnerships and Coalitions: I will collaborate with civil rights organizations, advocacy groups, and community leaders to build coalitions and amplify our collective efforts to combat discrimination and promote equality.
Education and Awareness: I will work to raise awareness about civil rights issues and the importance of equality and inclusion through public outreach campaigns, educational initiatives, and community events.
Accountability and Oversight: I will advocate for robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that civil rights laws are enforced effectively and hold accountable those who engage in discriminatory practices.
Policy Innovation: I will actively promote innovative policies and practices that advance civil rights and equality, drawing on best practices from other states and jurisdictions.
By taking these proactive measures, I am committed to preserving Iowa's historical role as a champion of civil rights and equality and ensuring that all residents have equal rights and opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.
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: In 2020, Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad and I were on the front lines during the protests and marches. We were the negotiators between law enforcement and those exercising their first amendment rights. Tensions were extremely high, but I learned then how important it was to work together and communicate effectively between two groups who disagree. I believe we have more in common with our neighbors than what divides us.
However, there are policies and issues that I will not compromise on. I firmly believe discrimination is wrong in any form. I will push back against any more efforts to chip away at our reproductive freedoms and I believe that every child, no matter their background or where they live, deserves the right to a quality public education.
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: My campaign is already putting in the work to engage with our community. The literature we’re handing out on the doors includes voting deadlines and links to voter registration information. We’re educating people about how to fill out an Absentee Ballot Request Form and we are connecting them with resources, so if they have questions, they know where to go. I believe that your voice is your vote and we have to show up if we want to see change. If elected, I will also commit to weekly meetings in every corner of this district. I want to be as accessible as possible to this community.
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: To promote fair and just immigration policies in Iowa and ensure that immigrants and refugees are treated with respect and dignity, I will prioritize collaboration with our community stakeholders in the following ways:
Engagement and Dialogue: I will engage in meaningful dialogue with immigrant and refugee communities, advocacy groups, religious organizations, and other stakeholders to understand their needs, concerns, and priorities regarding immigration policies.
Partnerships:I will forge partnerships with local community organizations, legal aid services, and immigrant advocacy groups to provide support, resources, and services to immigrant and refugee populations. This could include legal assistance, language services, and cultural integration programs.
Policy Advocacy: I will advocate for fair and just immigration policies at the state level, including policies that protect the rights of immigrants and refugees, promote family reunification, and provide pathways to legal status and citizenship.
Education and Outreach: I will work to raise awareness about immigration issues and combat misinformation and stereotypes through public education campaigns, community forums, and cultural events.
Healthcare, Education, and Employment: To address the specific challenges faced by immigrant communities in areas such as healthcare, education, and employment, I will work to ensure that these services are accessible and culturally competent. This could involve expanding access to healthcare services, supporting language acquisition programs in schools, and promoting workforce development initiatives that provide training and job opportunities for immigrants.
By collaborating with relevant stakeholders and taking proactive measures to address the needs of immigrant and refugee communities, I am committed to promoting inclusivity, integration, and support for all residents of Iowa, regardless of their immigration status.
Other Iowa House District 34 candidates: