Candidate Terry Dickens

I am a lifelong resident of Iowa City and I am asking for your support for re-election to the Iowa City Council.

I am married, father of three daughters and grandfather to five, and a longtime business owner in downtown Iowa City. My daughters' families live in the Iowa City area, so I have a vested interest in ensuring Iowa City continues to thrive as a great place to live, work and raise a family. My strengths are in my ability to listen, comprehend, compromise and take action on the various concerns and issues. Some of my primary concerns include:

l Affordable, living wage/work force housing. As an entitlement city, Iowa City can explore potential grants for affordable housing. River Crossing and our UniverCity program are two unique opportunities for developing affordable housing. Building up, not out, will reduce our environmental footprint. Affordable housing solutions, a critical regional issue, requires ongoing cooperative collaboration with all area governmental units.

l Economic development is critical to the well-being of our community. I am council representative to the Iowa City Area Development Board (ICAD). Projections indicate a $10 million loss in revenue over the next five years due to reductions in government appropriations and changes in property taxes. It is imperative that we expand our tax base and aggressively pursue new businesses and industries, especially in Towncrest and Sycamore Mall. My proposal (and council's adoption of) changing the alcohol 500-foot rule outside the university-impact area encourages development in outlying neighborhoods.

l I continue to work with the Gilbert Court businesses to resolve parking and safety issues.

l To better streamline the City's zoning and inspection office, I organized meetings between city staff and contractors to develop better understanding and relationships. Responsible growth is essential to remaining a vibrant community.

l Great strides have been made in dealing with the city's diversity issues with the implementation of recommendations from the ad hoc committee. I will continue to work toward the common good of all.

l As a member of the Paratransit Committee, I continue to work toward keeping this system as strong as is economically feasible.

I am grateful for the experience gained these past four years. I have seen improvements and growth in many areas: flood mitigation, the animal shelter, fire station 4, and UniverCity program. I ask that you allow me to continue serving the city I love. Please vote on Tuesday.

Comments: joterdickens@yahoo.com