Candidate Profiles

My first priority is to continue a forward thinking approach when it comes to the development of the city. Although I believe that we need to focus on the continued economic development of the city, we also need to continue efforts on things that help improve residents’ quality of life such as bike trails, public spaces, support of the library, and a friendly atmosphere. These goals need to be addressed while we continue to work to improve the city's bond rating and making fiscally sound decisions.
Second, I would like to continue to support the schools. Through my involvement with the Iowa City Community School District, I have seen how supportive Coralville is to the local schools in the area. I would continue advocating for a strong partnership with the ICCSD to provide the best educational experience possible for our students.
Third, as the area is growing, I would like to continue working sensibly with the surrounding communities to help all areas thrive.

For any growing city, the top issue is creating balance in all areas. For example, we need to be pro-development without unnecessarily disrupting neighborhoods or being financially irresponsible. We need to provide a safe environment without infringing on individual's rights. To achieve this balance, it is imperative that we really listen to residents, businesses, and surrounding communities, while at the same time objectively focusing on the details. Projections of cost, usage, and benefits to the city must be critically examined for every project.

Anytime there needs to be cuts to a budget, I believe you need to look at the entire budget. If there is a revenue shortfall, the city needs to look at ways it generates revenue to see if there is any way to increase these funds or relatively simple ways to reduce expenses associated with this stream of income. All expenses need to be reviewed as groups. First, there are the expenses that must be incurred (essential services). This will likely not be a place where costs can be saved. Next, are expenses related to programs, projects, and services that are great for the community but could have cuts with a minimal amount of harm. I would also look to see if there are any projects that could be delayed a bit until there may be more revenue for funding. Lastly, I would look at assets owned by the city that generate revenue but are not carrying their weight. It can then be determined whether it makes sense to continue to fund those projects (unless there is no choice in holding this asset).

Housing is an important issue facing many Coralville residents and is an issue that needs to be addressed by the Coralville City Council. I think asking questions to frame the issue appropriately is the best way to address this issue. For example, are we trying to improve the housing conditions of current residents, are we trying to attract new residents with access to affordable housing, or maybe some of both? We also need to look at what the housing needs and desires of Coralville residents are currently. Are people looking for nicer apartments with affordable rent, ownership of condos and houses? What amenities and areas are desirable? For example, would housing be better by grocery stores, bus lines, schools, etc. In answering these questions, I believe it is important to talk to the affected residents to get their input. Once the questions are framed, then it is easier to utilize the tools available to the City Council to make decisions. Examples of tools that I would consider using are zoning reforms, revision of building codes, property tax incentives, and public-private partnerships.

YES!
I believe the local sales tax ballot measure provides an opportunity for Coralville (and surrounding communities) to generate funds to do great projects for the community. I am especially supportive of the new recreation center that is being proposed for Coralville. Not only will this new center be a wonderful addition for the community but also an excellent collaboration with the Iowa City Community School District.

Regional collaboration is very important for Coralville. Coralville is no longer an isolated community but rather part of a metropolitan area that has grown significantly. It is extremely important to work with other nearby governments on infrastructure and other projects that affect both communities. For example, there may be opportunities for consolidation of services as areas become more intertwined. We must create and maintain positive working relationships and come up with solutions that are beneficial for both Coralville and the surrounding areas. Similarly, non-government entities, such as the Coralville Food Pantry, also play a very important function in serving the needs of Coralville residents. The city must support these non-government entities as much as possible.

As a retired attorney, I am in a position to spend a lot of time conversing with residents of Coralville. I am an avid emailer and would be conscientious about checking emails and responding accordingly. I have a fairly flexible schedule so if a resident had concerns or issues they would like to discuss in person, I would be happy to set up a time to meet.

Differing opinions are necessary to have great results. The most important things, when working with others, is to listen to all ideas and treat all ideas with respect. If we have differing opinions, I would try to see if there was a way to compromise on a solution in which we can all accept. If there cannot be a compromise, so that all members agree, it will come to a vote and all council members will have to accept what the board, as a whole, has decided and move forward with that decision (even if that is not the decision I would have made).

I think the City of Coralville has done an excellent job with forward-thinking development, while at the same time keeping with the small-town feel and ease of working with the city. I also think the city has done a good job in focusing on "quality of life" amenities such as bike/walking trails, support of the library, maintaining the Coralville Center of Performing Arts, and having great community spirit through its many festivals and celebrations. One area that I would continue to work on is improving the bond rating. I would do this by still focusing on investment and project development but ensuring fiscally responsible practices.

The city should play a large role in business and economic development. With all investments, a number of factors should be considered. In applying for incentives, grants, or developmental rights there should be some set factors when evaluating projects. I believe an ideal business candidate receiving governmental incentives, grants, or development rights would have the following characteristics.
• The business would create a significant amount of jobs;
• The business would be placed on land that currently is bare or underutilized and does not generate significant tax revenue;
• The incentives given to the business would not give it an unfair advantage to our existing businesses;
• There is a clear understanding of what the City is likely to recoup from its investment, monetarily or otherwise; and
• Although not absolutely necessary, preference for governmental incentives should be given to businesses that would provide goods or services that are not currently easily available or work as an anchor for the development of other businesses.
The amount of help the City can provide is limited so each project under consideration needs to be scrutinized relative to the above.