At large: Michelle Payne

Being involved in the community is what prompted me to serve on the Iowa City Board of Adjustment from 2006-07, and on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the past four years.

Being involved on these commissions, I have interacted with city staff on at least a monthly basis for more than five years. It's become clear to me that the most important issues in the election are:

l How to keep the city budget balanced.

l Growing our community through economic development.

l Regional planning.

If elected, I will work to make it easier for homeowners, businesses, developers and others to do business with city government. That means:

l Encouraging city staff to review procedures.

l Streamlining processes where it makes sense.

l Reviewing ordinances and updating where feasible.

As an elected official, I will work to grow existing businesses and encourage new development, which will increase our tax base and create more jobs. That will encourage people to buy homes and purchase goods and services. In the next four years, I will work toward growing our community and making it prosper.

It's also time for all of the communities in the Corridor to work together to bring out the best in each individual city. We need to engage in the idea of “fair play” within the Corridor, which would promote each city or town, without hurting the economic growth and development in a neighboring community.

I am ready to help the city make these changes. As a single parent, I have juggled a demanding job, devoting time to city commissions and earning my four-year degree, which indicates I am well organized and motivated.

At work, I have budgeted, worked on teams and supervised work groups of up to 22 people.

If you're looking for someone who has common sense and business sense, and wants to help the entire community grow, I ask for your vote. For more information visit my website at www.votemichellepayneic.com.

Michelle Payne, mother of two adult children, expects to receive a BA in 2012 from the University of Iowa. With 15 years of experience in business, she currently works as an operations supervisor at MidAmerican Energy's Iowa City Service Center. Comments: MLPayne@midamerican.com