Bringing a strong, analytic perspective

My wife Beth and I have lived in Coralville over 25 years and raised both our daughters in Coralville. I work at the university and am a professor in the Department of Pathology as a Physician scientist and UIHC Blood Bank and Donor Denter Medical Director. I have done research in a variety of areas including cancer, transfusion medicine and COVID-19.

Prior to my election to the Coralville City Council in 2021, I had 15 years of experience as a volunteer in Coralville including the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment and Parks & Recreation Commission. I proposed a Coralville Community Garden which remains in use today.

One of my core beliefs is the threat of global warming and the importance of sustainability. Personally, my wife and I recycle and compost as much material as possible, drive a plug in automobile and bike frequently to events/work to minimize our contributions to greenhouse gases. At the city level, I strongly advocated for single stream recycling and curbside composting that is combined with the yard waste pickup. I frequently ask staff to consider initiatives or opportunities that support sustainability. I am a staunch supporter of local social service organizations and donate my city council salary to Coralville Food Pantry, Houses into Homes and Neighbors helping Neighbors. I also volunteer for these organizations as time and opportunities arise.

At the city level, I have advocated for financial and other support for these and many other social service organizations. While on the council I have promoted economic development through projects such as Gather Iowa (near Hwy 6 and 1st Ave), Iowa River Power Property redevelopment, CIVCO Medical Solutions relocation and affordable housing initiatives such as Corel North Apartments. I strongly support the modernization of our recreation center in partnership with the school district and support the local-option sales tax (LOST) which will assure financing for this important project. My background in science and in medicine enables me to bring a strong analytic perspective to the council and assure a data driven decision making process is utilized. I am proud of my accomplishments over the last four years and would be honored if you would support me this November so I can continue to pursue and expand on the accomplishments mentioned above.

Mike Knudson is a candidate for Coralville City Council.