Geological and ecological services
Concerns about water quality and loss of natural habitats are important environmental concerns, in Iowa and elsewhere. They are in front of us daily in a variety of news stories that quickly change from one issue to another. Some have traction for a while and others are shoved aside as another grabs the headlines. What is missing from these discussions are the cumulative effects of these problems through time and their connections to each other.
The natural world operates on a much different time scale than our daily, monthly, or yearly order of things. Human actions, or inactions, affecting our lands, waters, flora and fauna will have repercussions eventually. Society depends on these natural systems and their connections to each other to maintain human life on our planet.
Governmental agencies sometimes change names, adding “services” to a bureau, with the thought that it will project a more user-friendly image to the public. In the case of geology and ecology, for example, these “services” are, in truth, provided by rock strata, water, soil, plants and wildlife at work in their age-old patterns. These systems operate on a time scale vastly different than our human calendars, and their unvoiced services to us − to society − need to be part of both our understanding of and solutions to current environmental problems.
Geologists, ecologists, and many other “ologists” know these natural systems and how they operate. Bring these natural-world services, our knowledge and information about them, into discussions about environmental concerns for better understandings and better outcomes. Tune in.
Jean C. Prior
Iowa Geological Survey (retired)
Iowa City
High cancer rate
It is unrealistic to expect the entire Democratic Party to unanimously agree on banning farm chemicals. However, some proponents are demanding this as a litmus test for candidates. Gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand has addressed Iowa’s high cancer rates, highlighting that radon gas and alcohol consumption are the leading causes. He advocates for increased water monitoring and cancer research and public education.
Extremists in the Democratic Party are making errors similar to those of extreme MAGA supporters by creating false narratives to justify their policies. For instance, while MAGA advocates claim non-citizen voter fraud steals elections, some Democrats argue that farmers are responsible for Iowa’s high cancer rates without evidence.
Pushing for a ban on farm chemicals risks alienating crucial constituents, like corn and soybean farmers, who depend on these chemicals for high yields. When Democratic politicians claim there is no urban-rural divide, that may resonate in cities but fail to connect with rural farmers.
The outcomes of the November elections hinge on messaging legitimate facts and practical solutions.
Best regards,
John Clayton
Iowa City
Regulate kratom, don’t ban it
I’m writing about HF 2133, the bill to ban kratom in Iowa:I’m a Coralville resident who uses kratom tea a few times a week from a reputable company that lab-tests its products. It’s a meaningful quality-of-life benefit for me, and I’m one of thousands of Iowans who use this plant responsibly.The Iowa House just voted 69-26 to classify kratom as a Schedule I substance, making simple possession a criminal offense. A bipartisan amendment to regulate kratom instead (with age restrictions, lab testing, and labeling requirements) narrowly failed 44-51. That amendment was the right approach.Prohibition won’t eliminate demand. It will push the market underground, remove every consumer safety control, and criminalize responsible adults. Rhode Island learned this lesson and became the first state to reverse its kratom ban last year, replacing it with a regulatory framework. Iowa should follow that example, not repeat the mistake.SF 2192, the Senate companion bill, is now on the calendar and could come up for a vote at any time. I urge Iowa senators to reject prohibition and pursue regulation instead. If the goal is truly to protect Iowans, make the product safer; don’t drive it underground.
Chad TimblinCoralville
ICCSD board member calls parent reaction to shortfall ‘hysterical’ — needs reality check
There has been zero accountability as the Iowa City Community School District seeks $35M in loans to correct its financial shortfall — and is now asking taxpayers to bail them out.
This lack of accountability is astonishing. But what may be more astonishing is the lack of outrage by the school board, with some members publicly minimizing this disaster.
As a recent legislative forum, Director Charlie Eastham asked state lawmakers for their “support in helping us get a narrative that is not solely about hysterical financial issues.” He made this comment while commending current district leadership for its equity and inclusion work — which is, of course, important work — but not a pass for the current state of the district’s finances, which includes three years without any bookkeeping or audits, and the procurement of an unauthorized $10M loan.
I’d like to point out to Mr. Eastham and his colleagues, that as the ramifications of this massive shortfall become tangible — it is our most vulnerable families who will be most impacted by the implications of these and future cuts. We haven’t seen the full implementation of the $7.5M cuts just passed and what is to come next. Who do you think hurts the most in a class of 30+ students? Do I really need to point that out to Director Eastham?
The fact of the matter is that many in our community, including the majority of our board members, are letting their personal relationships with this administrative team blind them to the reality in front of us. Our school board and current district leaders must separate personal relationships and feelings as they look at the facts of the situation. I’m sure the superintendent, deputy superintendent, and HR director, are good people, and that they do and have done other parts of their jobs well — but the simple fact of the matter is that they failed in arguably the most important part of their role as leaders — ensuring our finances are healthy and sustainable so we can provide an excellent education and services to our kids and families.
The finances fall; the whole thing collapses.
The wider community doesn’t yet realize the full impact and what is coming. But there is no doubt it is coming in the form of bloated class sizes, fewer teachers, and school closures.
Comments by this board that aim to minimize the financial disaster and bolster other strengths by the current administration are dangerous and naïve as we try to claw out of this massive hole.
The ICCSD needs new leadership on its administrative team and on its board.
Katie Linder
Iowa City Community School District parent
(This article has been updated to include new information.)
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: High cancer rate | Letters
Reporting by Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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