To my neighbors and fellow residents of Iola,
We live in a place where people aren’t afraid to speak their minds, and that’s because we all have a stake in this village. But lately, our conversations have become more about what divides us than what unites us.
Our volunteers, our school staff, and your village board members are your neighbors. They are the people you see at the grocery store and at Friday night games. When we tear down the people trying to build up our community, we don’t just hurt individuals — we weaken the very fabric of Iola.
Progress doesn’t happen through “us versus them.” It happens when we disagree with respect and work toward a common goal. Whether it’s the school referendum or the future of our streets, we all want a village that our children are proud to inherit.
I am asking everyone to hit the reset button. Let’s lead with curiosity instead of criticism. Let’s offer a hand to a volunteer before we offer a complaint. We are a small village, and we are at our best when we look out for one another. Let’s get back to being the Iola we know we can be.”To my neighbors and fellow residents of Iola,
We live in a place where people aren’t afraid to speak their minds, and that’s because we all have a stake in this village. But lately, our conversations have become more about what divides us than what unites us.
Our volunteers, our school staff, and your village board members are your neighbors. They are the people you see at the grocery store and at Friday night games. When we tear down the people trying to build up our community, we don’t just hurt individuals — we weaken the very fabric of Iola.
Progress doesn’t happen through “us versus them.” It happens when we disagree with respect and work toward a common goal. Whether it’s the school referendum or the future of our streets, we all want a village that our children are proud to inherit.
I am asking everyone to hit the reset button. Let’s lead with curiosity instead of criticism. Let’s offer a hand to a volunteer before we offer a complaint. We are a small village, and we are at our best when we look out for one another. Let’s get back to being the Iola we know we can be.”
Jennifer Schustek
Village of Iola president