I grew up in IC and I realize that nowhere stays the same. However its hard to say that IC is a better plan now than it was in the 70s or 80s. Greater extremes of wealth and poverty High real estate values, yet a bigger underclass.
I don't like the high rises at all. I think he is just wrong. I knew Matt once upon a time....I left, he stayed. I am glad I left.
I cant see the OP/Ed. Can someone copy and paste it please?
By almost any measure, Iowa City is exceptionally progressive. We were the first city statewide to measure the community’s environmental footprint, mandate affordable housing and maintain civilian oversight of police operations.
We have lobbied for TIF reform. We have expanded historic preservation, bike trails and community gardens. We have launched multiple diversity initiatives. We fund public art, a full-time human rights coordinator and an emergency wet homeless shelter. We support dozens of nonprofits doing incredible work throughout the community.
At the same time, we recognize it will take effective leadership to manage the budget pressures municipalities across Iowa soon will face. Recent tax legislation will hurt Iowa City alone by more than $50 million in the coming decade.
The looming fiscal challenge is real, and it is serious. We are meeting it with strategic planning and smart government to protect the tax base necessary to pay for the countless services Iowa City provides. The results are starting to show.
Just five years ago an unruly bar zone, our downtown is now a vibrant mix that includes cafes, boutiques, art venues and creative economy employers. It attracts retirees, young entrepreneurs, families, artists and residents of all ages. Our live music scene is booming.
We have invested in other commercial areas — from Towncrest to the Sycamore Mall to Riverside Drive — and they are resurgent. We have turned around fragile neighborhoods like Miller-Orchard through critical enhancements to the housing stock. We have transformed aging parks like North Market Square, and established new parks like the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area.
Every corner of Iowa City has seen major investments in public infrastructure, from streets to ADA compliance to wastewater facilities to historic structures to recycling centers.
We have maintained the city’s credit rating — the highest in the state — and reduced our tax levy four years in a row, all while providing more services to a growing population.
These accomplishments are the result of careful planning, prudent budgeting and operational efficiencies. They reflect a balance between investment in our future and adherence to our values.
A group of city council candidates threatens this balance. They call themselves the “Core Four” and seek a majority on the council. One of them is presently suing the city. Another says our community is not “just” and wants to issue public debt to fund his pet causes. All of them are unabashedly running as a slate.
If this slate wins, the next mayor will likely be Jim Throgmorton. We will return to the anti-growth, micromanaging city hall of eras past. We will lose the critical progress made by recent councils with the help of talented professional staff. We will jeopardize the city’s long-term ability to fund important social services for our most vulnerable populations.
Iowa Citians — progressive and moderate alike — can avoid this. I am supporting candidates marked by common sense and humility who can move this great city forward.
In District C, Scott McDonough is a house remodeler and a nonprofit leader. In District A, Rick Dobyns is a family physician and an important west side voice. In the at-large race, Michelle Payne is the hardest-working, best-prepared councilor I know, and realtor Tim Conroy represents a new generation of community servants.
Each would bring a thoughtful approach to the council. Each would be an independent thinker. Each understands that balance is essential.
The election is November 3rd. Your vote matters.
