Iowa City banker considering run for City Council

An Iowa City banker is considering making a run at City Council.

Mike Finlayson, second vice president/retail managing officer at Midwest One Bank's downtown Iowa City office, said Tuesday that he'll decide in the next couple of weeks whether to declare himself a candidate for this fall's election.

Candidates can file the paperwork to run for council starting Aug. 15.

Finlayson, 46, said being on the City Council has been a goal of his, and he's weighing his personal and professional obligations to see if now is the right time. He's also going to spend the coming days talking with business and social contacts to see what the response is to his possible candidacy.

“So far, it's been good,” Finlayson said.

A Facebook page called “‘I Like Mike' for City Council” was created Monday night and had more than 100 members as of Tuesday morning. Finlayson posted that he supports a “fiscal conservative approach with accountability and transparency within our government.”

Finlayson said he's not sure which seat he'd seek, if he runs. He lives at 2365 Cae Dr. in west Iowa City.

That's in District A, currently represented by Ross Wilburn, who is not seeking re-election. Rick Dobyns, a doctor at the University of Iowa, has declared himself a candidate for the seat.

Finlayson also could go after one of the two at-large council seats up for election. Mayor Matt Hayek has said he will run for one of the spots. Josh Eklow, a recent University of Iowa student, said this week he also will seek an at-large seat.

The other seat up for election is District C, with former council member

Jim Throgmorton and former council candidate

Dan Tallon having declared their candidacies for it.