Iowa City thrives on community engagement, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to progress. Our city needs leaders who not only advocate for important issues but also possess the skills to collaborate, build coalitions, and implement meaningful change. That is why I am proud to support Ross Nusser in his campaign for City Council.

Ross demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges facing our community, from affordable housing and public safety to economic development, threats to the transgender community, to the unhoused and to the immigrant population. His approach to governance is rooted in action, pragmatism, and the belief that lasting progress comes from working together.

We are in a troubling and dangerous time, and sadly, not for the first time. I, an openly gay Black man, was mayor of Iowa City the first time Trump was president. I was mayor during a pandemic. I protested during George Floyd because I, like many, was hurt, mad, and was grieving because of what is a problem for Blacks throughout this country.

I’ve protested for Black Lives Matter, our immigrants, our Latino community, and our LGBTQ+ and trans community. I will absolutely have no fear and boldly state values while rebalancing “a long-term plan” of how to strategize to get things done.

And I learned a lot of important lessons serving as mayor of this city through 2020 and after. And from those lessons, I have an idea of what leadership needs to look like when we are facing unprecedented threats and challenges.

I protest, and I believe there’s a time to get into “good trouble” as John Lewis said. There’s a time and place for civil disobedience, and as a Black man, I’m grateful my ancestors showed us the way. For the things we’re facing now nationally at the state level, we will need elected officials who know how to keep our community members safe and be bold, without fear, but also strategic in how we are a community fighting for the rights of all.

While I appreciate Oliver Weilein’s dedication to their beliefs, governance requires more than advocacy alone. The ability to navigate complex political structures, build consensus, and create policies that result in lasting change is essential for effective leadership. Throughout my discussions with Oliver, I have had concerns about their approach to governance. One of the lessons I learned again during 2020 and many times since was that leadership is about more than ideology; it requires the ability to bring people together to find solutions that work in practice, not just in theory.

Effective leaders are passionate about serving their community, and Ross is passionate about doing the tough job of being on the council in 2025 and beyond. But it is not just about passion — it’s about having the ability to turn ideas into policies that benefit all members of our community. Ross has consistently shown he is willing to listen, learn, and engage with people across different perspectives to create solutions that work. His commitment to balanced and strategic leadership makes him the right choice for Iowa City at this crucial time.

Iowa City voters, please go and vote for the candidate you want to represent you the next three years.

We learned this past November the impacts of elections.

Please don’t sit this one out and cast your vote this Tuesday, March 4.

– Bruce Teague, Iowa City mayor