With the municipal election next month I have been going door to door talking with citizens about city issues. This is always an interesting and informative process for me, and I greatly value the time I get to spend talking to so many residents.
Here are some very practical notes first, from the Johnson County Auditor:
In person early voting, Auditor's Office, 913 S. Dubuque St. Iowa CityEarly voting available weekdays 7:45 - 5:30 through Monday, November 2.
Nov. 3 U-Heights polling station St. Andrew Church 1300 Melrose Ave. Polls open 7 AM to 8 PM
As I have been walking and talking I have highlighted the following:
A Ballot Initiative for U-Heights Voters
The
following will be on our Nov. 3rd ballots: Shall the terms of elective office of the
Mayor and Council Members of the City of University Heights, Iowa be changed
from two (2) to four (4) years, with the Council Members' terms being
staggered?
U-Heights is the last town in the county with two year terms
for council and mayor. Staggering 4 year terms will allow for greater
continuity in the council as there would not be the possibility of overturning
the entire council in a single election. I would urge you to vote “yes” on this
measure.
Two Important Issues that council will need to address:
One University Place
As you all know, construction
began on the mixed use building has started. I will continue to work for the
completion of this project with minimal disruption to neighbors, and to protect
the city’s interests as the Melrose/Sunset intersection in re-aligned. The
completion and planning of the community center space will be critical as well.
As someone who has worked on this project for 6 years, I ask for to the
opportunity to see it through to completion.
City Finances
As a small land-locked community
our budget is always a major topic of concern. My goal is to make sure our priorities
are funded and we are able to control spending and stay within our projected
budget limits. Since we contract most of our city services we have very few
areas that we can make budget adjustments. I have the experience to make
crucial decisions with our limited resources.
An Issue where we can be a leader for the
greater metro area
Bike Friendly Community
A higher
percentage of U-Heights workers walk and bike to work than any other city in
the U.S. We are the smallest city ever recognized by the League of American
Cyclists with a Bronze Level Award in 2012. With our critical location near UIHC we
need to improve commuter access through town. We can become a leader in how to
involve community members and partners to improve our commuting infrastructure.
With any improvements to our infrastructure we could easily
become a Silver or perhaps the first Gold level community in Iowa.
My personal request:
I
have worked hard to represent all citizens in town during my three terms on
council. I would like to finish the work
I’ve helped start and also lay the groundwork toward a greater future for our
town. I ask for your vote so I can help accomplish these tasks.
