Campaign Update

As can be seen by even the most casual observer through town, the 2013 municipal campaign is in full swing.

I have been working my way through town, going door to door and talking to citizens. It has been rewarding, as it always is, and interesting as well. I appreciate the willingness of our community members to talk about city issues and share their views.

In the crowded field of 9 candidates for the 5 council seats are 5 independent candidates and 4 that are running together as a slate. I am running as an independent candidate.

 I have shared this space in the past with Jim Lane, another independent, and he continues to have the right to post information here, as he has done over the last several years.

As Iowa law permits, groups of local citizens have the right to form Political Action Committees and advocate in city elections. Building Common Ground is a group that was formed by U-Heights citizens for the 2013 election cycle. I was invited to their Meet the Candidates event last week along with other independent candidates.There was a very nice turn out of 30 or so residents and I greatly enjoyed the afternoon. 


I also got the chance to hear from some other candidates, and was impressed with their knowledge, background and passion for our town. While I don't agree with each of them on everything I heard them discussing, I do know that these are capable people that I would honored to have the opportunity to serve in city government with.

VIRGINIA MILLER

I met Virginia last spring at the City Clean Up Day. She was loading an oak bookshelf from the "Too Good to Throw Away" table into her car and I helped her get it in the back. We chatted and she mentioned what a great event this was, because they were moving from their rental house into a new home. I asked where they were moving to, and she said, "That's the best part, we get to stay here in U-Heights, we're on a little street at the end of Golfview!" Her new home is two doors down from mine. Virginia is  a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Business, where she majored in Management and Marketing.  After college she worked in Chicago for 5 years as a manager for a wholesale specialty stationery company.  She and her husband, Dan, have also lived in Albuquerque, NM,before returning the the midwest. They have two children, Otis and Jane.

ZADOK NAMPALA

While campaigning in my first city council bid in 2009, I met Zadok and his wife Erin. I was immediately impressed by his warm nature and keen interest in city business. I was quite happy to hear he was interested in running for city council. His comment was that he would like to give back to his community, as it has been such a wonderful place to live. Zadok is finishing a master's degree in social work, and has served as a translator for both UI Hospitals and Clinics and the Iowa City Community School District.

SILVIA QUEZADA

I had also met Silvia while campaigning. I appreciate her direct and straightforward manner. Silvia has served on our U-Heights Zoning Commission since 2010. She is an attorney who currently works for a utility company. Silvia has a website that contains more information and articulates her views:  

www.silviaq.com