Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa warns against political vitriol

Harsh political rhetoric in local elections has reached unprecedented levels, Art Wittmack, president of the Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa (TACI), told Axios Monday.

Driving the news: The association is holding a town hall meeting Wednesday to offer guidance to help resolve the problem.

Why it matters: School and city elections are a week from Tuesday, and serious issues like student achievement are being overshadowed, Wittmack argues.

• The toxic atmosphere could discourage people from running for offices in the future — especially for seats that aren't paid, he said.

Catch up quick: Mask mandates have driven vitriol in races for even nonpartisan roles, such as school boards.

• What were typically uneventful elections are now drawing the attention of the state's top politicians, including Gov. Kim Reynolds.

State of play: Several candidates in Iowa have recently reported intimidation or harassment, such as anonymous postcards with anti-vaccine and anti-mask messages.

• Ankeny school board members faced threats during a meeting last month, including from a parent who screamed, "We know where you live."
• And just last week, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Ross Wilburn reported threats he's received since publishing an op-ed critical of former President Donald Trump earlier this month.

The big picture: The metro is a microcosm of what’s happening across the U.S.

• The Justice Department this month announced efforts to address the problem, including special training for school boards and administrators.

⏰ How to watch: TACI's virtual town hall starts at 4:30pm Wednesday.

• Get your link by emailing: [email protected].