DAVID FESLER

I am running for mayor of Coralville because I want to give back to a community that has been my home for most of my life.

My parents bought a home in Coralville in 1939 on what then was Houston Street, now Eighth Avenue. My brother, Jack and I were both born and raised in that home.

We have heard a lot in this campaign about the “Coralville debt.” I, too, am concerned about this, but my concerns are more about the negative perspective that this has given our community.

Admittedly, I was skeptical about the Iowa River Landing project and questioned why the City would play the role of developer.

As the project has continued to take shape over the past 15 years, I am convinced that it was only because of the resources available to Coralville as a municipality to apply for the various grants for brown fields cleanup and flood mitigation as well as the economic development tools such as TIF that have brought this to fruition.

But it is not just Iowa River Landing that is an achievement for our city. In the past 20 years, we have seen the upgrades to Highway 6, the “Coralville Strip,” and those continue today. Coral Ridge Mall has been an asset to our community but also to our region as well. Our trails system is second to none and our facilities are more like those of a city of much larger size.

There are some areas that also need attention. Old Town Coralville is in need of an infrastructure review. As I walked through my old neighborhood, I noticed that there are very few streetlights, and the streets and sidewalks are in need of upgrades.

I have heard from residents who often feel their interaction with the City is of a negative nature because of a problem of some sort. I feel that better communication will foster a more positive attitude.

To learn more about me, please “Like” my Facebook page: David Fesler for Coralville Mayor.

Coralville is a community with a great history and a great future. Please vote for me on Nov. 5.

l Comments: dkf3@q.com