Candidate Susan Mims

The opportunity to compete in collegiate-level track and field brought me to the University of Iowa 36 years ago. I completed my B.S. in Biomedical Engineering as a student athlete, and then earned my M.S. in Industrial Engineering.

After receiving my master's degree, I served as Professor/Coordinator of the Pre-Engineering Program at Kirkwood Community College for 18 years.

In 2000, I joined the financial planning profession, earning my Certified Financial Planner designation in 2006.

My husband, Fred Mims, long time UI Associate Athletics Director, and I raised our four children in Iowa City where they attended the public schools. We are both committed to Iowa City and have been active in the community.

The most important issue facing Iowa City in the next several years is financial stability. Property tax reform by the Iowa Legislature is estimated to reduce city property tax revenues by $50 million over the next 10 years.

Rising salary and benefit costs, a diminishing road use tax fund, and general inflation will add to the challenges.

The City has maintained a AAA bond rating by Moody's for 37 consecutive years, and kept our debt to very reasonable levels. We have also lowered the property tax rate two years in a row, for a total reduction of 6 percent, while maintaining extensive services for city residents.

Continuing to expand the commercial/industrial tax base is critical to increasing tax revenues without an increase in the tax rate. Efficiencies must be implemented where possible in city operations. Additional revenue sources must be explored with the Legislature. All of these efforts must be made if we are to continue the level of services and try to further reduce our tax rate.

Other priorities include addressing diversity issues in the community and neighborhood stabilization.

My experiences, skills and personal qualities are an asset to the Council and City. I have served on numerous boards over the years, am finishing my first term on the City Council, serve as mayor pro tem, serve as chair of the Council's Economic Development Committee and as vice chair of the Johnson County Emergency Communication Policy Board.

I have the skills and knowledge to analyze problems; the ability and desire to listen and consider the views of others; and the ethics of hard work, honesty, compassion, and cooperation.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve the residents of Iowa City for another four years.

l Comments: susanmims04@me.com