Candidate Profiles

Here are links to the our candidate profiles that were run in the 11/1/11 Iowa City Press Citizen.

Mike Haverkamp: Haverkamp running to finish what he started

Jim Lane: Lane calls for better understanding of the budget

Amanda Whitmer: Whitmer says she offers city financial expertise

Pat Yeggy: Yeggy wants to focus on independence

Why I'm Running- Amanda

I've lived in University Heights for 10 years, the first three as a renter, the last seven as a landlord. I have an extensive background in finance, with nine years of experience in public accounting and having served on several non-profit boards as Treasurer.

I admit to not having paid a great deal of attention to the St. Andrews project. It was only after I visited the model in the City office that I started to delve into the issues and became aware of the deep divide in the community over this project.

I am running for City Council because I think my financial expertise would be a beneficial addition. We are currently paying for outside assistance in this area, and while I believe having a source of unbiased advice is valuable, I also believe that having someone on the Council with this background is essential.

I am interested in helping move the community past the division, and do what is best for the City. If the development is built, I want to help ensure that the City is enriched by the addition, both financially and evolutionary. If this development is not built, then I would like to add my experience in budgeting and cash flow analysis to help alleviate the choice to forgo a source of revenue.

Why I'm Running- Pat

I’ve lived in University Heights for more than twenty years.  When I realized what a unique place University Heights is I wanted to do my part for the city.  My first “event” was the 60^th anniversary celebration in 1995, and I’ve been a contributor since then.  I was the city clerk for six years and previously served on City Council (2006-2007), so I have fifteen years of experiences with the city and first-hand experience with city government and administration. 

I’ve always helped with the Chautauqua.  I’ve been in the garden club for a long time.  I am our city’s representative to the JCCOG Community Climate Action Task Force.  I have great interest in the history of University Heights and I designed University Height’s posters for the Johnson County Historical Society’s Communities Stories exhibit.

My interest in our city's past and present helps me envision our city’s future.

Why I'm Running- Mike

I entered the 2009 City Council race after listening to my neighbors debate the issues related to future city development. I participated in the 2006 Comprehensive Plan process, and always read council minutes online to stay abreast of the council's work. As a former elementary school teacher I frequently taught my students the importance of an informed citizenry to the workings of a strong democracy. I have learned an immense amount in my two years on council and would appreciate your support to continue.

One of the things I'm most proud of is the amount of information our citizens have access to through the municipal website. University Heights has had council minutes online since 2000. However agendas were never posted online giving people notice before the meetings. Since becoming chair of eGovernment we have posted agendas and reports, in advance of council meetings along with minutes.

Why I am Running- Jim

"There are many diverse concerns and issues facing the City Council at this time and in the future which I believe my experiences, in both engineering and finance management, will help me address them with fellow Council members."

"Leadership, decision making and consensus building are the strengths that I have developed throughout my career, and these strengths have thus enabled me to be successful in many diverse experiences. I bring those same abilities to the Council position for University Heights."

"The major issue at this time is the Maxwell proposal for the St. Andrew Property. I continue to believe that the revised Maxwell proposal offers University Heights the ability for continued responsible fiscal management, and provides the opportunity for our community to define itself at a new level."

Read more of my thought here

Why I am running- Louise

It has been my privilege to serve the City of University Heights for 18 years. I would be honored to continue serving our community as we move forward.

As Mayor I have collaborated and built relationships with state and local governments, business, agencies, institutions and associations to give University Heights better exposure and inclusion in the community at large. I have the experience, expertise and a vision that can lead University Heights to thrive and flourish for many years to come.