Meet the seven finalists seeking to fill the vacant seat on Iowa City Council

IOWA CITY — The Iowa City Council is preparing to appoint its newest member Tuesday, and council members have narrowed the pool of applicants to seven finalists.

Twenty-one residents applied to fill the council vacancy. The council selected the finalists during a special formal meeting Saturday morning before a budget work session.

The seven finalists are Andrew Dunn, Na Li, Mary Mascher, Sean McRoberts, Elizabeth Miglin, Joshua Moe and Mandi Remington.

The council will fill the vacancy at a special formal meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday. During the public meeting, finalists may make an oral presentation about their interest in the job.

The council voted unanimously in November to fill the vacancy by appointment instead of holding a special election. The appointee will succeed Janice Weiner, who resigned after being elected a state senator to represent District 45.

One year is left on the four-year, at-large council term, which runs through Jan. 2, 2024.

Andrew Dunn

Andrew Dunn recently ran in the Democratic primary to represent Iowa House District 90 but lost to Adam Zabner, who now holds the seat.

In his City Council application, Dunn said renters’ issues and affordable housing are top of mind for him.

Dunn serves on the boards of the Iowa Farmers Union and Sustainable Iowa Land Trust. He works at a local scientific manufacturing company and serves as a legislative aide for state Sen. Claire Celsi, D-West Des Moines.

Working as a legislative aide, Dunn said, has given him experience with the budgeting process, cultivating relationships and would give the council a “seat to some of the most critical issues affecting local government in the upcoming session.”

Na Li

Na Li served as the president of the Iowa City Area Chinese Association for two years. Li said what she is most proud of from her time as president is when the Iowa City Community School District’s board added Lunar New Year to its academic calendar.

Li is a graduate of the University of Iowa and an adjunct professor.

She said the events of 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic and the killing of George Floyd fueled her desire to get involved in the community. Li listed her experience organizing various events and advocating for the Asian American community.

“I will use the City Council position as my platform to reach out and work with all communities, minorities and immigrants and show them that everyone who is willing to work hard has a chance to succeed,” Li said.

Mary Mascher

Mary Mascher recently wrapped up a nearly 30-year career representing Iowa City in the Iowa Legislature. She opted not to see re-election in 2022.

Mascher also taught in the Iowa City Community School District for 33 years and is actively involved in many nonprofit organizations throughout the community.

Mascher said the council’s relationship with state lawmakers, county officials, the school district and neighboring cities is “critical in furthering our goals in Iowa City.” She highlighted the strong relationships she has built in the community over the years.

Mascher said she is supportive of the city’s affordable housing efforts and is interested in efforts to make child care more affordable and accessible. She said her skills would be helpful in promoting economic development in the city.

Sean McRoberts

Sean McRoberts has served as a pastor with congregations for 12 years and is the director of operations and development at the Wesley Center at the UI.

“In that time, I learned the importance of deep listening and the responsibility of holding leadership and speaking to and at times on behalf of a community,” McRoberts said.

McRoberts, who identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, said their experience and commitment to accountability will aid the council in responding to emerging needs and long-term planning.

McRoberts said they will use their knowledge of organizational budgeting and finances to help as the City Council discusses the upcoming city budget.

Elizabeth Miglin

Elizabeth Miglin is a junior at the University of Iowa and recently served as the city liaison to the university’s student government.

As city liaison, Miglin attended council meetings and updated council members about concerns from the student population. Miglin worked with the city to create magnets with housing-related resources that were distributed to students.

Miglin said she would be an advocate for the business community and the city’s student population. Among the priorities Miglin mentioned are affordable housing, sustainability, mental health and food insecurity.

“Maintaining harmony between our business community, local residents and student population is critical to the continued growth and prosperity of Iowa City,” Miglin said.

Joshua Moe

Joshua Moe is a project architect with OPN Architects in Iowa City.

Moe said he has acted as a professional consultant for the city, which has given him knowledge about the city’s processes and helped him develop relationships with city staff.

Moe added that he works with other cities, the county and the school district. He said he would encourage investments in public infrastructure, facilities and fiscal reserves. Moe also highlighted commitment to affordable housing, child care and sustainability in his application.

“As a good listener, creative problem-solver and articulate communicator, I have a proven track record of bringing people together, building consensus and solving problems,” Moe said.

Mandi Remington

Mandi Remington is the founder and executive director of the Corridor Community Action Network, an organization that seeks to facilitate resident participation and raise awareness about opportunities to improve quality of life.

Remington also is a member and former chair of the city’s Community Police Review Board.

She has lived in Iowa City since 1999 and expressed the various perspectives she would bring if chosen to fill the vacancy. Remington also highlighted her experience and connections with nonprofits in the city.

“If appointed, I will represent our community by applying my understanding of residents' wants and needs to my work and by regularly engaging with community members in ways that allow me to see them, hear them, and amplify their voices,” Remington said.

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