Strengthen Iowa City for all residents

To the editor:

My partner, Larry Fitzpatrick, and I spent the better part of October on a fall bike tour. We spent more time offline than on.

When we were able to 'connect” with news of the Iowa City Council it was hard to read how the outgoing mayor and incumbents characterized candidates who oppose the status quo. It's too tedious to repeat any of what went on, but these potshots and fear-mongering came from people who should know better.

This 'if you're not with us you're against us” attitude is turning downtown into a chrome and glass mecca. Our business owners worked hard to survive the Wal-martization of small town America; it is time to harness that attitude to strengthen our city for all residents. Iowa City is more than a car-centric downtown, public transportation is a social equity issue, and economic development isn't just running out small businesses to erect a shiny new glass tower with expensive real estate above and empty storefronts at ground level.

The destruction of older commercial buildings mean that it is rare for a non-bar business to start up in downtown Iowa City. This attitude allowed a property owner without an approved plan to begin to displace 10 small businesses on Dubuque Street. If they survive, these small businesses may have to leave the area.

We have an abundance of good candidates this election. I support Jim Throgmorton and Rockne Cole in the at-large race, John Thomas in District C, and Pauline Taylor in District A.

Anne Duggan

Iowa City