V Fixmer-Oraiz running for seat on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors

IOWA CITY — V Fixmer-Oraiz is among three Democrats running for two seats on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors ahead of the June primary.

Fixmer-Oraiz, who has lived in Johnson County for the last decade, said they have always been interested in public policy and serving the community. But now felt like the right moment to take the next step and run for elected office.

“We're just at this critical moment with COVID-19, with so many people passing, with entire communities getting left behind, falling through these huge, social safety net gaps,” Fixmer-Oraiz said. “It just feels like we're really at this moment where we need to start planning for a future where that's not happening.”

Fixmer-Oraiz, 43, is the founder and CEO of Astig Planning, a community and environmental planning firm in Iowa City. Fixmer-Oraiz works closely with municipalities, stakeholders and community members.

Running for elected office, Fixmer-Oraiz said, feels like an extension of the work they are already doing.

“If I can have more of a positive impact, if I can help heal, if I can help create policies that are benefiting underestimated communities and we can strengthen these relationships and bonds, then I would love to do that at this level,” Fixmer-Oraiz said.

On their campaign website, Fixmer-Oraiz lists five main priorities: inclusive economic development; affordable housing; racial equity and LGBTQ+ inclusion; connectivity and mobility; and COVID-19 recovery.

Astig Planning is spearheading a survey to explore barriers to starting a business in Johnson County.

Fixmer-Oraiz said it will be important to think long-term, something they have experience with being a planner. There is much potential for this long-term planning with the $29.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars the county has been allocated.

Fixmer-Oraiz said the funds can be a way to continue collaborating with cities in the county and strengthening relationships.

Fixmer-Oraiz also highlighted the importance of getting community input, as well as creating relationships with organizations already doing the work. It’s important, Fixmer-Oraiz said, to have inclusive engagement process.

“It's meeting people where they're at and making sure that they're supported so that they can just fully be present,” Fixmer-Oraiz said.

Fixmer-Oraiz brought up how they want to highlight the importance of lived experiences, as well as representation in elected office.

They brought up how public service has always been an important part of their life growing up in a military household. Fixmer-Oraiz’s father was a Navy SEAL.

Fixmer-Oraiz grew up in a multicultural family. Fixmer-Oraiz’s mother moved to the United States from the Philippines.

Fixmer-Oraiz has also heard from residents with transgender kids thanking them for running.

"As a nonbinary trans person and then also as a queer person of color, I definitely have a different perspective and different lived experiences,“ Fixmer-Oraiz said. ”I do think it's important to have people in positions of leadership, so that our next generation can see themselves.“

June primary

There are two open seats for the board. Supervisor Pat Heiden is not seeking re-election.

Fixmer-Oraiz is one of three candidates in the Democratic primary. Supervisor Jon Green is running for re-election, and Seth Zimmermann of Solon is also vying for a seat. Mallory Hellman of Iowa City withdrew from the race.

Two Republican candidates — Jammie Bradshaw of Lone Tree and Phil Hemingway of rural Johnson County — are running.

Supervisors will make $89,129 in fiscal 2023, which begins July 1.

Comments: (319) 339-3155; izabela.zaluska@thegazette.com