Iowa City Council member Susan Mims to seek re-election

IOWA CITY - Iowa City Council member Susan Mims announced Thursday she intends to run for a third term.

Mims, 60, an at-large member of the council who served four years as Mayor Pro Tem, plans to seek the council's District B seat, which is currently held by Terry Dickens. Citing a desire to spend more time with his family and business, Dickens said Thursday he does not plan to seek re-election.

Mims told The Gazette that for months she contemplated the decision to run for District B, rather than for an at-large seat. She said it can be difficult to find a number of quality candidates for council so her switch ultimately gives more people an opportunity to run.

District B includes precincts 1, 6, 12, 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24.

According to the Secretary of State's website, candidates can begin officially filing for city elections on Aug. 14. A primary election would be held Oct. 10 if more than three file for the District B seat. The general election is Nov. 7.

Members of the Iowa City Council earn $7,072 though increases can be made based on inflation.

As for motivation to run for another term, Mims said council members still have a lot of projects they're working on that she wants to continue with. She said it's important to support economic growth and development so the city can continue to provide various programs for residents.

'Continued improvement to the quality of life of all residents is my primary goal,” Mims said in a media release. 'This includes not only the basics of public safety and infrastructure, but also the city's support of nonprofits, the arts, strong neighborhoods and many other priorities.

'These are services and programs that our residents need and expect. They are critical to our quality of life.”

Mims touted her roles in the hiring process of key positions like the city manager, police chief and city clerk.

For the past 16 years, Mims has served as a financial adviser, according to the release. She earned her bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering and her master's degree in industrial engineering.

Mims and her husband Willie have four adult children.

l Comments: (319) 339-3172; maddy.arnold@thegazette.com