Iowa City District 4: Rick Dobyns

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Steve Soboroff and Rick Dobyns present voters with some clear contrasts in Iowa City's District 4. We find ourselves agreeing with one or the other, depending on the issue.

In the end, we decided that Dobyns would be the most effective candidate overall to help further much of the recent progress forged by the city council. The family doctor and University of Iowa clinical professor brings a substantial background of volunteer leadership experience and community involvement. He touts downtown's value and potential, yet also stresses economic development citywide while limiting taxpayer risk.

Dobyns was a co-sponsor of the 21-only ordinance proposal in 2007. Eventually approved by the city council, it survived a referendum last year and prohibits underage drinkers in bars after 10 p.m. We appreciate Dobyns' stand and vision to bring long -term benefits.

Dobyns sees downtown Iowa City as unique among university cities and backs most of the revitalization efforts in the core and its edges, as well as the proposed self-tax on business owners to help enhance and promote that uniqueness.

The city's budget is being squeezed more than any time in recent history, but Dobyns says he doesn't want to raise property taxes. He prefers building the tax base, not only with retail business but efforts to expand the industrial park. And that includes erasing the city's negative reputation regarding the business permit process: “It's also about attitude,” he said.

Where Dobyns may fall short is where Soboroff, a well-known radio station owner and talk show host, makes his strongest impression. Soboroff, also a big community contributor, has a passion for representing people who often feel they don't have a voice. He argues that the city, despite some recent initiatives, still isn't providing adequate police presence and enforcement of serious crimes on the southeast side. Too many resources, he says, go to arresting underage drinkers.

Soboroff also stresses the city's need to be more business friendly and hold the line on property taxes, but takes a stand on TIF that is more aggressive than we think is prudent.

We also wonder about his strong criticism of the new city manager's performance - at odds with every other council candidate's stated assessment.

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