OPINION | BEYOND THE BALLOT
A personal reflection on the lessons passed down through family, Latino heritage and the responsibility of civic participation.
Introducing Beyond The Ballot with Rob Barron
Beyond The Ballot is a new monthly opinion column by Rob Barron, a member of the Des Moines City Council representing Ward 1. Drawing on his experiences in public service and community life, Barron will explore civic participation, leadership and the decisions affecting Iowa communities.
By Rob Barron
I believe that the greatest inheritance I will ever receive from my parents is the belief that any one of us can make a difference in the life of someone in need. My mother was a social worker and a librarian and my father was a police officer. The news was always on tv before we sat down to dinner and they talked to my sister and me about what was happening in the world, especially what could be better.
When I was growing up, I remember seeing a sign, leaning against the wall in my dad’s work room. The sign was simple white cardboard with green lettering. It read: “Xavier Barron for City Council.” As I grew up, I learned that my dad ran for the city council in the year that I was born. He did not win, but he may have become the first Latino to run for office in the history of Des Moines.
After I graduated from college, I was fortunate to work for U.S. Senator Tom Harkin for 13 years. As he was retiring, I ran for and won election to the Des Moines School Board. At that time I became the first Latino to win elected office in Des Moines. Then, last year, I was elected in the Des Moines City Council, the first Latino to serve in that role.
The sign in the workroom was the only one remaining from his campaign. When I went to work for Senator Harkin I asked my mom to get my father’s campaign sign so that I could have it framed. I’ve taken it to every office I’ve worked in ever since because I believe I am living out his and my mother’s legacies.
Some of my earliest memories were going to vote with my parents. I have a very special memory of attending the 1988 Democratic Presidential Caucus with them at the library of my elementary school!
I believe that we are the product of those that raise us: our parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. The choices they make leave an impact in our lives. I’ve been fortunate to succeed in this life, because of the sacrifices others have made for me and the example they set. My Latino heritage is incredibly important to me.
This fall I am asking you to exercise your right to vote. I will be there with my children- even though there are races where I am not inspired by either candidate. It is important to set an example for our children and everyone else watching us.
Voting also generates power in our community. When the Latino community shows up to vote every year, candidates must come to us to ask what they can do to earn our votes. When we stay home, we give them permission to ignore us.
I grew up Latino in Des Moines at a time when there were very few of us. In 1998 when I graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, there were only 1,840 Latino students in Des Moines Public Schools.
A lot has changed since then. There are now over 9,400 Latina and Latino students in DMPS. Over 200,000 Latinas and Latinos in Iowa! There is also a Latina state legislator and two Latino state legislators, as well as dozens of other Latino elected officials across Iowa that represent us.
We are building a culture of civic engagement that is based on family and respect. Do your part this year and get out and vote!
About the author: Rob Barron represents Ward 1 on the Des Moines City Council and previously served on the Des Moines Public Schools Board.
Related: Rob Barron sworn in as Des Moines’ first Latino City Council member.
Editor’s note: Rob Barron represents Ward 1 on the Des Moines City Council. This is an opinion column. The views expressed are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Hola America News.
Stay in the know with stories that matter — visit HolaAmericaNews.com for the latest news, culture and community updates!
Facebook Comments
