Iowa student running for Iowa City Council

IOWA CITY – Raj Patel has more experience with city issues than the typical University of Iowa student, and he hopes to parlay that into a spot on the City Council.

The 20-year-old, who lives at 221 Iowa Ave., filed nomination papers Wednesday for an at-large seat on the City Council.

Patel, a junior studying political science, is the UI Student Government liaison to the City Council and a leader in last year's opposition to the city law that bans people younger than 21 from Iowa City bars after 10 p.m. He filed the paperwork that led to a public vote on the measure, which voters upheld last November, and co-founded a political action committee that advocated against the law.

Patel said he respects the community's decision and has moved on.

“I am not a one-issue candidate, and I have no plans on (seeking a) repeal,” he said.

He does want to see the city promote venues giving young people ways to be active downtown and to keep the area safe.

Other campaign issues for him are encouraging environmentally friendly initiatives, promoting a vibrant community that attracts new businesses to the city and ensuring Iowa City is an affordable place to live for working-class families and senior citizens.

As the student liaison to the council, Patel participates in council work sessions but does not have a vote.

Students, and young people in general, have had little luck in past runs for the City Council, but Patel sees his age as an asset. He said he has the energy and passion to be fully engaged, and said he's shown that in recent weeks by talking with a number of community groups and city employees to gauge what issues are important to them.

Patel, a Burlington native, also said he is committed to staying in Iowa City after he graduates by working in the family business, Hawkeye Hotels. They have plans to build and operate a Residence Inn south of Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville and a Hampton Inn by Hilton on Riverside Drive in Iowa City, he said.

Patel is one of seven people who have declared for the two open at-large seats as of Wednesday, and with more than five candidates a primary election is required Oct. 11. He is joined by Mayor Matt Hayek and challengers Richard Finley, Jarrett Mitchell, Mark McCallum, Josh Eklow and Michelle Payne.

Payne also filed Wednesday and is a new name in the race. She did not immediately return phone and email messages.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. Sept. 1 to file.