Endorsements, Iowa City

FOR I.C. AT LARGE CITY COUNCIL: MIMS AND BOTCHWAY

Iowa City voters are in an enviable position this election cycle, with several strong candidates vying for two at-large City Council seats. Of that pool, we endorse incumbent Susan Mims and first-time candidate Kingsley Botchway II.

Mims has a long history of public service in the area and has proved herself a thoughtful member of the Council over the past four years. Her pragmatism, leadership, reason and financial accumen are strong assets, as is her financial acumen.

Botchway, recent chairman of Iowa City's Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, would bring a new voice to council deliberations - he is young, yet in a short time has become deeply involved in community issues. He is passionate about Iowa City and its future, noting that it was community involvement that tied the University of Iowa Law School graduate to the town.

We like Botchway's commitment to helping more Iowa City community members understand and become involved with providing input to council decisions.

FOR I.C. DISTRICT B CITY COUNCIL: PORTER

Royceann Porter may be new to politics, but she's intimately familiar with the issues faced by Iowa City residents. She's worked for years to improve communications between traditionally underrepresented populations and institutions such as the school district, city and police.

She has lent her voice and perspective to issues as diverse as law enforcement, at-risk kids and affordable housing. As a case manager at Shelter House, she sees firsthand the complicated needs and challenges faced by people in poverty.

She also demonstrated to us a commitment to fiscal responsibility and a good working understanding of other issues, such as the flood-related Gateway Project, as well as a sincere willingness to listen and learn.

The council would benefit from Porter's willingness not only to speak her mind, but also to roll up her sleeves and tackle complex issues.

At-large council member Terry Dickens should be thanked for his service, especially in business issues, but we think Porter would bring much-needed perspectives that would contribute to a more robust consideration of community issues.