There is a new face on the Iola city council and he is on a mission to increase participation within the community. Jonathan Wells has recently been appointed to Ward 1.
Wells, an Allen Community College history and political science instructor, has lived in Iola for five years. Before moving to Iola, Wells resided in Tulsa, Okla. He studied at the University of Tulsa where he received his bachelor and master’s degrees in history and political science.
He originally wanted to practice law but moved toward the teaching route.
“I never thought I’d go into teaching,” Wells said. “Both of my parents are teachers and so was my grandfather.”
Currently, he is finishing his doctorate in history at the University of Kansas.
Although he doesn’t have political experience, Wells is familiar with the procedure. Many people encouraged him to run for the council member position but he was reluctant to run a campaign.
When he saw the opening position for Ward 1 he applied quickly and went through a two week process before he was selected.
Wells, who just turned 30, hopes to reach out to a younger Iola generation.
“The 30-35 age group voices tend to be silent,” Wells said.
This is because citizens who are younger typically are not as financially sound and are just now settling down. Therefore they have different interests in the community.
Citizens who have a specific concern attend the meetings currently but Wells would like to see more people, especially college-aged students, come to meetings. Wells said it would be a learning process for students so they can “see what local government does.”
He would like more people to get involved within the community, too. He believes getting involved is beneficial to both the community and the individual.
“There are some really great memories made and it helps build connections,” Wells said.
Wells has voted at the last two city council meetings. The next council meeting is Monday at 6 p.m.
Wells looks to tap into young citizens
