Iowa City at large: Tim Conroy

I am running for council because as Iowa City moves forward and changes, I want to help make it as good as it can be. The community has worked hard to get to where we are today; we cannot take this for granted.

Economic development needs to continue. Iowa City draws creative individuals and provides them a thriving environment. The role of the creative class - incorporating not only artists, poets, and writers, but those in the fields of science, technology, medicine, and research - is important in our economy. As a city we need to expand the opportunities for entrepreneurs and younger companies by continuing to develop our downtown area in terms of commercial space, residential options, and amenities.

State tax changes will cause Iowa City to lose substantial revenue. Institutions including schools, libraries, senior centers, human services, and support for the arts could be the first to suffer unless we proactively find ways to offset these losses. Developing a new tax base remains our best tool for self-sufficiency. Moreover, density in the central business district where infrastructure is in place is the most cost effective strategy for furthering our economy, increasing our tax base, and insuring our vibrancy as a great place to live.

We need more affordable housing in our city. I believe blending housing types within an area/neighborhood is a healthy way to develop levels of affordability. It is important to add various models of subsidized housing to such a blend. This mix helps transcend the misguided stereotypes placed on affordable and subsided housing, avoids concentrating poverty, and provides not only shelter but a community.

There is no doubt we need to work hard to become a more inclusive community. It's not my place to be the spokesman for the impoverished or the minority populations in Iowa City. I will, however, work hard to be the best advocate possible for all populations who are, or feel, marginalized in our community. This requires increased, and more importantly, improved communication. I look at our country, and I see in both public and political discourse depressing evidence of how ineffective we are when we talk at, instead of with, each other. My goal is to create a meaningful discourse that connects us. As a city council member, I will talk with everyone, rather than at everyone. We need to work together to come together.

' Tim Conroy is an at-large candidate for Iowa City Council. More information: www.conroyforcouncil.com; facebook.com/conroyforcouncil; conroyforcouncil@gmail.com