Sustainability, accessibility are key

Local Democrats encouraged me to run for Coralville City Council after only two incumbents ran last election.

I started attending the City Council meetings last January and enjoy learning more about Coralville. As a lawyer, mediator, and a volunteering mom I would add helpful experience to the council. Mediating is about helping people solve problems by helping them communicate more clearly.

I've served on the Emma Goldman Board, my church board, and the Johnson County Comprehensive Planning Committee. So, I am familiar with zoning, budgeting, policy-making and strategic planning. Recently, I've been working with the parent-teacher organizations at my children's schools - Central and Northwest. I am accessible to many Coralville residents.

My three goals are to make Coralville more sustainable, accessible and fiscally responsible.

I encourage dense growth, more trees, and public transportation. Coralville should have buses on Sunday and more bus shelters. Intersections should be designed for moms with strollers, not just cars.

Going green can save money. For example, we can lower energy costs with windbreaks and shade trees.

I understand the idea of making good investments in TIF, but also think Coralville would be wise to cultivate good relationships with the county and to be fiscally responsible instead of giving big gifts to certain businesses just to spur economic development. I would want any future TIF to have clear public benefits like providing affordable housing and being LEED certified instead of funding new commercial development.

' Miriam Timmer-Hackert is a candidate for Coralville City Council, At-Large