Editorial: Indira Sheumaker owes it to those she represents to show up — or speak up

The Des Moines City Council will meet on Monday night, like they do every two weeks. And when they do convene, people living in Ward 1 will be wondering if their council member will be there. That’s because the last time their representative, Indira Sheumaker, attended a meeting was March 6.Sheumaker’s election to the council in 2021 demonstrated what’s possible when an individual sets their mind to a goal and goes to work to achieve it. She was on the front lines of the social justice protests of 2020. And like other protesters that summer, she recognized that if you want real change, you have to engage in the process. And to be successful, that engagement has to be more than a protest. Sheumaker took that passion, energy and commitment and ran for city government. She challenged an established incumbent, took her message to people across Ward One, and she won. A political outsider, now with a seat at the table. Representing people who needed her voice and perspective. From the beginning, Sheumaker’s direct style rubbed some council members the wrong way. But now, she’s gone silent. Only Sheumaker knows why. Earlier this year, her father said his daughter was receiving care. We get that these elected positions, at any level, are hard work. Thankless work. But Sheumaker’s absence has led some neighborhood groups to call for her resignation. Her silence is a stark contrast to what got her elected. Through her victory, Sheumaker gave the voiceless and marginalized hope. And she owes it to those who believed in her to show up or speak up. Because right now, her silence is speaking for her.