Meet Coralville At Large Council Candidate Thomas Gill

Name: Thomas Gill

Address: 808 Fifth Ave., Coralville

Age: 71

Seat seeking: At Large (incumbent)

Occupation: Dentist

Educational background: University of Iowa DDS

Why are you running for council?

Gill: To finish 2 major projects still on the agenda The University Hospital building in the IRL (Iowa River Landing) and the new arena in the IRL.

What are the three largest issues facing the city? How will you address them?

Gill: All economic. Pay the debt, pay the debt, pay the debt. Clear idle properties and get them back on the tax rolls. This years backfill has a slim chance of becoming a reality, we will have to adjust our FY19/20/21/ plans for TIF release from the General Fund. We can't rely on the state, WE have to be proactive and move forward.

Next summer, Coralville's now 20-year-old tax increment finance district for Coral Ridge Mall expires, opening up millions in additional property tax revenue annually. For Coralville, that means about $2 million added each year to the general fund. How would you like to see that money used?

Gill: We have designated financial commitments for FY 19/20/21 That will not change. We have anticipated for the last few years where these funds are applied. It is not really opening up of millions. It's a transfer for already ongoing projects. It is not free money and it shouldn't be considered in such a way. It makes it sound like we can just place wherever we wish. We have commitments that won't go away.

The Iowa River Landing continues to grow in Coralville, with housing, storefronts and a soon-to-begin arena project all taking place. However, some have questioned if the area should be offering more affordable housing opportunities. Is this something lacking — or are there other elements missing — in the IRL area? What do you want to see added as development continues?

Gill: Coralville has some of the most expensive property in the state. To be honest it is expensive to live in Coralville. I'm very aware of the need for affordable housing. Two ways of accomplishing it: 1. Direct subsidy, I have a hard time directing funds generated from citizens already paying ever increasing property taxes. The other method is housing is what our city staff is doing right now. Ellen Habel has done a great job of defining our solution and I support continuing the project. See City housing PDF.

Coralville — and cities across Iowa — could face revenue losses as the state revenues remain tight. The state is threatening to do away with the backfill funds it provides to communities in an effort to balance its budget. How would you balance the city's budget if the city were to lose funds? What funding priorities do you have?

Gill: We have already addressed that issue We will continue our original plans that the council policy has approved. These priorities will continue, but will just take longer.

Where do you see growth occurring in the city in coming years? What should the city do to manage it?

Gill: Coralville has limited boundaries. Growth will be in the west, I was on the West Land use committee and that document will guide growth in that area. Because we have defined borders. The interior OLD Town will be rehabilitated and improved with more density. You can see that all along Fifth Street

What other big issues would you like to see the council address in the next few years?

Gill: Continue what we have doing for the last 30 years I have always supported keeping it basic, without strong Public Safety It's hard to continue without it. We have a Great Police and Fire Department and That comes first, Then infrastructure Streets, water, sewer. The infrastructure needs immediate attention.