Nuturing growth, vibrancy of city

As a lifelong Coralville resident, Navy veteran, and small-business owner with 25 years of service on the City Council, I take great pride in this community and my part in its continued growth. I want to continue to support neighborhoods for families; trails for walking, running, and bicycling; a comprehensive transit system that works in concert with neighboring systems; festivals and recreational programs for all ages; and a strong and diverse local economy.

We are within months of completing construction on flood protection in Coralville. I am proud to say we will have walls, berms, and other infrastructure in place to protect to one foot above the water levels in 2008, and much of it was funded with state and federal grant dollars. This protection has been critical to reinvestment by local businesses and property owners, as well as the strength of our economy and business district.

My goals for the next four years will be the extension of our successful and mutually beneficial partnership with the University of Iowa for another clinic facility in the Iowa River Landing; development of the Iowa Arena and Iowa Fitness and Sports Performance Institute to strengthen the appeal of Coralville as a sports, hospitality, and entertainment destination; and reduction of the city's debt. With a strong local economy and quality of place, Coralville will continue to be the growing and vibrant community I love.

' Thomas Gill is a candidate for Coralville City Council, At-Large