Not Quite Quorum
Conversations about Iowa City, focusing on issues facing our local government and community.
Human Rights, A Biased Forum, and Listening to Each Other
Nick Bergus and Laura Bergus discuss jail bond events the week of September 21, 2026: Iowa City Human Rights Commission, League of Women Voters Pro-Jail Forum, and Dream City's ongoing Community Conversations.
Why You Haven't Seen the Footage Yet
We break down the bureaucracy of moving towards release of video footage of Iowa City's first police killing in 30 years, reflect on several other recent tragedies, and talk about the horror of the Johnson County Sheriff's error(s) that enable ICE's unconstitutional work in our community.
It Feels Like Too Much
I recorded this short late-night voice memo after a week of tragedies in our community. I took this picture while I was trying to take in some nature, immediately after watching all of the footage of the man killed by Iowa City Police. These times call for digging into the work to make transformative change, together. It is messy and scary and hard and noisy. But we cannot sit back or stay silent when we have the power to make the change we deserve. Stay uncomfortable. I’m right here with you.
How Does ICE Use Our Jail?
Laura and Nick Bergus discuss how federal immigration enforcement already happens at the Johnson County Jail, and how ICE can expand its reach if we build a bigger jail.
Why's That Back on the Agenda?
Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein discuss the procedure of a recently deferred vote coming back on the Iowa City city council agenda, and what happens next.
Why Did We Delay the Vote to Add More Police?
Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss the Iowa City city council meeting discussion and vote to defer the decision to add three full-time police officers, and recount the community conversation at Dream Fest about the proposed Johnson County jail.
Why Isn't It Just a Building?
Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus discuss how we can do hard things if we think just a little bit creatively and avoid falling into the trap of shortsightedness.
Why Couldn't We Create Public Libraries Today?
Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein discuss the upcoming city council meeting, including the proposal to add three new police officers.
Is the Jail Our Highest Priority?
Laura and Nick Bergus discuss Johnson County's request to build a larger, new jail, highlighting what the expected $125M total spend WON'T include.
What Makes the Ped Mall Safe?
Oliver and Laura discuss the current proposal to hire more police, which was presented as the only answer to "Ped Mall Safety" at a city council work session. There are proven, in-progress alternatives that are cheaper and less likely to negatively impact our Black and brown neighbors. Let's try those first!
How Does Dialectical Materialism Inform Local Choices?
Iowa City city council members Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss local politics. This week's episode includes critique of the Coralville mayor's choice to temporarily remove public comment from the city council agenda, and then Oliver takes a brief, deep dive into leftist politics, generally.
What's a More Honest Take?
Nick and Laura Bergus discuss the Johnson County Board of Supervisors' decision to place the question of borrowing $94.5M on the November 3, 2026 ballot, and how "do nothing" or "this much bigger jail" is not an honest framing of the question for voters.
How Can We Invest in Community, Not Incarceration?
Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein discuss many cool housing-related initiatives from the most recent city council work session, and reflect on the Board of Supervisors' decision to ask voters to approve borrowing nearly $125Million (when you include the interest) for a new jail.
How Much Does $94.5Million Really Cost?
Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus discuss the proposed Johnson County Jail, recapping the Board of Supervisors' discussion of borrowing $94.5M, which would be Johnson County's biggest debt ever.
How Awesome is Nora?
Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss the upcoming city council work session and formal meeting, featuring the work of the City of Iowa City's Harvard fellow, Nora Cahill.
What's Good Public Engagement Look Like?
Nick Bergus and Laura Bergus discuss the discourse about public discussion--about the proposed Johnson County jail, of course.
Should We Fear the Dictatorship of the Proletariat?
Oliver and Laura discuss right-wing fear-mongering around the DSA and how now is a terrible time for local leaders to silence dissent.
Is Beef Days A Very Vegan Event?
Books mentioned this episode:
Children of Blood and Bone
A Canticle for Liebowitz
His Majesty’s Dragon
The Blade Itself
Why Didn't I Know Better Than to Post on Facebook?
Laura dives in solo to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors’ recent $7.6Million in unbudgeted property purchases, approved prior to any disclosure to the public.
What's Going On (with the Jail Convos)???
Watch the July 1 Board of Supervisors’ work session here.
Watch the July 2 Board of Supervisors’ formal meeting here.
Join the conversation at johnsoncountydeservesbetter.org!
By the numbers: jailfacts.org.
What's Changed Since July 10, 2024?
Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus discuss the current status of Johnson County’s journey towards a new jail, revisiting an early Board of Supervisors work session on the topic, held July 10, 2024.
What Can NYC Learn from IC?
Oliver and Laura discuss the recent big wins in the New York Democratic primary for Democratic Socialists, and how it relates to local politics in Iowa CIty and Johnson County.
Can We Figure Out Where the Snow Goes?
Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss recent Iowa City city council actions, like a new pilot for a couple of protected bike lanes on Dodge and Governor Streets this fall. And Oliver shares what it feels like to be solidly outside of the elites' club.
Books recommended this episode:
King Leopold’s Ghost by Adam Hochschild
The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
When Will We Know the Jail Ballot Language?
Laura and Nick Bergus discuss continued myths surrounding the Johnson County jail, and what we will be asked to believe.
Who Needs Permission to Vote No?
Books recommended this episode:
Means and Ends by Zoe Baker
The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings
What Does Tuesday Tell Us About November?
Laura and Nick Bergus check in about the Democratic primary results and what they might teach us about the jail vote in November.
What Makes for a Healthy Discussion on the Dais?
Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss city council's recent agreement to help out some displaced tenants.
Who Gets to Define Public Safety?
Laura and Nick Bergus continue their weekly discussion of a proposed new Johnson County jail, focusing on how we define "public safety," and why it must be different than just the reactive State punishment system.
Are We Done with Silly(est) Season Yet??
Oliver and Laura discuss the upcoming primary election on June 2.
What Do the Jail Pricetags Include?
Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus provide a weekly update on public discourse and questions about the proposed new Johnson County, Iowa, jail.
Why Try Deer Birth Control?
Oliver and Laura discuss progress on the Summit Street City-developed affordable housing project, deer "management," and how everything (literally everything in society) is made up.
What Do Jail Stats Say About the Need for a Bigger Jail?
Laura and Nick Bergus discuss a recent Community Conversation hosted by Great Plains Action Society about the question of a new, bigger jail.
Why Can't We Just Be Normal to Each Other?
Laura and Oliver discuss the upcoming city council meeting, ongoing silliness at the Board of Supervisors, and the standards we should hold each other to, as elected officials.
What's New in the (In)Decision for a New County Jail?
Nick and Laura discuss the happenings of the past week around the County's (in)decision to push for a new jail.
How Do We Manage Big Feelings in Small Political Spaces?
Oliver shares about his recent tour with Japanese hardcore band Wipes, Laura vents about Johnson County Board of Supervisors shenanigans--could there be a community effort for transformative investments in affordable housing?!--and both reflect on the challenges of needing therapy and a thick skin to govern well.
How Does the 13th Amendment Influence Our Jail Vote?
Special guest Nick Bergus returns to talk with Laura about plans for the Johnson County jail, the upcoming vote on ballot language for a new jail, conversations with other local elected officials about the jail, and the history of jail bond votes locally.
How Do Electeds Handle Interpersonal Conflict?
Laura and Oliver discuss the aftermath of the shooting in the ped mall, creation of a new community response reserve fund, and how local elected leaders talk to each other.
Haven't We Tried All of That Before?
Oliver and Laura discuss the upcoming city council meeting agenda, public records on private platforms, and Johnson County electoral politics.
What Are We Balancing in Housing Policy?
Oliver and Laura discuss housing policy, proposed property tax reform, and what it takes to win elections.
Can You Explain Non-Market Housing One More Time?
Oliver and Laura discuss factors they consider relating to housing affordability, a community leader's press conference on the Ped Mall, and listening to The Youth.
