Iowa City’s Wilburn won’t seek re-election

The 2010 election season may have just ended, but Ross Wilburn has made a decision about his political future.

The longtime member of the City Council in Iowa City, and a former mayor, will not seek re-election in next fall's city election, he said. He was first elected to the council in 1999 and represents the city's District A, which covers most of Iowa City west of the Iowa River and a portion of southeast Iowa City, where he lives.

“I thought it was just time for someone else to step forward and get involved and have the opportunity I've had to serve,” said Wilburn, 46.

That is similar to the reason he first ran for council, an effort that began with failed bids in 1995 and 1997 before being elected in 1999. Wilburn, the equity director of the Iowa City school district, has a long professional history of working with youth and people in need, and he said he wanted to bring a new voice to the council.

He became the voice on the council when his fellow council members picked him to serve a two-year term as mayor in 2006. He was the first black mayor of Iowa City, and one of only a handful in the state's history.

Wilburn has mixed feelings about being identified as Iowa City's first black mayor – he said he is not a “self-appointed role model” – but he is proud of the accomplishment. He believes it led to more minorities and younger people becoming interested in and aware of how local government affects their lives.

“I think that over time that it has made a difference,” he said.

He tells of a black woman who, when he was named mayor, approached him with tears in her eyes saying she didn't think that would ever happen in Iowa City. Some kids on the southeast side still call him “mayor” as a sign of respect even though his term ended in early 2008.

Wilburn lists the relationship he had as mayor with former City Manager Steve Atkins as a highlight of his tenure, saying they made a good professional team, particularly in the aftermath of a destructive 2006 tornado.

Other accomplishments he's proud of are environmentally friendly efforts, like signing the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement; supporting economic development; and infrastructure work like a new city library and expanded trails.

He wishes the city had done more in his time on the council to encourage affordable housing for young professionals.

Wilburn, the father of two teenage daughters, said he'll continue to be involved in the community after his current term ends 13 months from now. He did not rule out a run for another office in the future but said he has no plans to do so at this time.

If he doesn't run again, his last election will have been a good one to end on. He received a record number of votes when he was elected to his third council term in 2007.

“Next year will be 12 years (on the City Council),” he said, “and it's been just thoroughly enjoyable representing the citizens and seeing Iowa City stay a strong community.”