Des Moines Sun

Indira Sheumaker states she feels she's not welcome by other members of the Des Moines City Council.

"Constantly inspired by the public that's able to come out to these meetings," Council member Indira Sheumaker said in a Twitter post Jan. 24. "We had people in the overflow tonight! I want to respond to one sentiment I heard: that the council is turning against one of their own (me) It has been made clear, I am not allowed to be one of them."

The comment referred to the recent change in the Des Moines City Council that a second should be added to any motion prior to a vote. Sheumaker felt that this new rule is mainly targeting her and her constituents. 

"They feel that they elected someone and that that person is getting backlash and not allowed to speak for the people on the things they elected them for," Sheumaker said, KCCI reported. 

Sheumaker represents Ward 1. She is the youngest member of the Des Moines City Council and the only person of color.

Sheumaker said that the timing of this new rule is such that it is evident that it is being directed at her.

"The timing for when it got put on the agenda is very suspect and it does not look good to the public," Sheumaker said, according to KCCI. 

It was Council member Connie Boesen who had proposed the second rule because Boesen felt it helps to run meetings fairly and smoothly. 

"It's basic governance to have a second," Boesen said, KCCI reported. "I have never served on a board public or nonprofit that doesn't have a second. A second offers the opportunity for the minority to be heard and the majority to rule."