Iowa City District C: John Thomas

As a landscape architect that designed public places such as parks and streets, I spent most of my adult life making cities better, healthier places to live and work, as well as to visit. I hope Iowa Citians will support my '4-Points for a Better, Healthier Iowa City” as a useful framework for working toward making our city a more prosperous, inclusive, and welcoming place for everyone.

Healthy Governance: City Hall needs to be more accessible, fair-minded, and accountable; it needs to have meaningful conversations with residents and businesses. I would advocate for holding town halls in Iowa City's Districts, and hold regular office hours.

I would seek negotiated agreements and common ground among our diverse interests, 'where everyone gets something, and no one gets everything.” City council can help hold the community together with solutions that work for everyone.

I will advocate for city council to establish measurable goals with clear time frames to ensure accountability. Measurable goals could apply to reforming our criminal justice system; increasing the diversity/affordability of housing; expanding our bike lane network, and more.

Healthy Economy: I believe economic development must be guided by fairness. We should promote our local business and arts communities, thereby enhancing our own unique sense of place. Public subsidies should be used wisely. Development should be context-sensitive and something the community will care about for years to come.

Healthy Neighborhoods: Healthy neighborhoods are the cornerstone of a resilient community. They should include outstanding parks and schools. I would like to explore collaborations and joint-use agreements between the school district and the city so that school buildings and grounds serve neighbors of all ages.

Citywide concerns include social and economic justice. We have a coalition of affordable housing advocates working with city staff on how to achieve it. We also have organizations helping address worker and racial justice. The entire Iowa City community must move forward together on these challenging issues.

I would encourage Iowa Citians to get together with your neighbors and friends and develop action plans to improve your neighborhood or a particular concern in Iowa City. You have a lot of knowledge about your neighborhood and areas of concern! Develop a plan, and present it to city council.

Healthy Streets: Our streets need to be safe and pleasurable for people of all ages and abilities, whether walking, biking, or driving. I will advocate for slowing down traffic on our neighborhood streets, and increasing bicycle safety by expanding our network of separated bike lanes.

' John Thomas is a District C candidate for Iowa City Council. More information: thomas4iccouncil@gmail.com; Facebook: John Thomas for Iowa City Council