Payne will seek second term on Iowa City Council

IOWA CITY - City Council member Michelle Payne plans to run for a second term.

Payne, who was first elected in 2012, announced this week her plans to run for an at-large seat.

In a news release, Payne touted several council actions she supported, including lowering property tax levies, adding one hour of free parking at downtown parking ramps, enhanced discussions on affordable housing and initiatives for neighborhood stabilization and economic development.

'Iowa City is such a wonderful place to live and raise a family,” Payne said in the release. 'I want to continue being directly involved in how our community, and our entire metro area, positions itself to address opportunities and challenges. It's my strong belief that we need to be increasingly pro-active in planning for our future.”

Payne has 32 years of experience in business and is a program manager with MidAmerican Energy Co. She earned an associate degree in arts degree from Blac Hawk College in Moline, Ill., and graduated from the University of Iowa in 2012, while working full time.

Payne joins lawyer Rockne Cole, who also has announced candidacy for the two at-large seats up for vote this fall. Mayor Matt Hayek's at-large term also is ending at the close of this year.

Seats for council members Rick Dobyns, District A, and Jim Throgmorton, District C, also will be up for re-election in November.

Iowa City's general election will be Nov. 3, with a primary held Oct. 6, if necessary.