Editorial: Iowa City Peddling Business in the Ped Mall

I attended last night's City Council meeting and it brought out a new understanding of how Iowa City's "diverse" downtown commercial interests are ruling the roost in Iowa City. In discussing the second reading of a more stringent ordinance to limit panhandling on the Ped Mall, the majority of city council members pooh-poohed 1st amendment concerns in supporting the ordinance, the current version of which has yielded zero citations or arrests by Iowa City's Police Department. An ordinance which has resulted in council member and Ped Mall business owner, Terry Dickens in saying "things have gotten much better".

However, in the effort to continue aesthetically purifying the Ped Mall, the city council continued to support this measure to save "fragile businesses" in Iowa City, in the words of Regenia Bailey from people who are scary to their customers. And yet, DTA members also tout how safe downtown is and kid-friendly, as they did on a recent community program. Apparently taking the tack, the business of city government is business, the council voted 4 to 1 with Dickens "abstaining," Connie Champion going home sick, and Mike Wright reconfirming his vote in the negative.

In my call to make a more data driven decision, the council elected to vote with the DTA, which will not release the vote they took of their membership to push for additional restrictive measures on the public space or "commons" as David Smithers referred to them in his call for the council to reject this measure. This type of blind obedience would be par for the course several years ago, but with at least three self-described progressives on the council, it defies logic.

This defies logic in that the Ped Mall itself is a public space that has been developed as a for-profit center by the city in cooperation with business owners. By continually allowing businesses to sprawl out into the walkway area and permitting food carts, the overall effect is to limit the walking area. In so doing, the city and the businesses have, in part, been responsible for the environment they are now convinced needs to be changed.

Despite the efforts of several people, including US Senatorial candidate Tom Fiegan, the city council, members of ICCI, student organization members from the University of Iowa, the council chose to ignore the unwashed masses to dance with the ones who brung 'em. Oddly they were able to ignore the charge that other downtown businesses are equally challenged and that a likely outcome of this ordinance is to send panhandlers to other areas of the city where they are less likely to be hassled.

However all is not lost, the third and final vote will take place at the next scheduled formal council meeting which is June 1. This allows those who have been sitting on the sidelines to jump into the fray and contact their city representatives with their comments and to show up at the final vote to stand and be counted. By creating a solution in search of a problem, the city will likely get what they are saying they want to avoid--a downtown devoid of vibrancy.

Dealing with Trouble: When Neighbors Organize

Yesterday morning I attended a meeting at Fairmeadows Park organized by neighbors of a group called "Bringing It Together" (BIT) headed by Brandi Mastain in the Grant Wood school area who are concerned by recent outbreaks in crime in their area. Also in attendance were four Iowa City Council members: Mike Wright, Regina Bailey, Ross Wilburn, and Connie Champion; Acting City Manager, Dale Helling; Police Chief, Sam Hargadine and several of his officers; Neighborhood Services Coordinator, Marcia Bollinger in addition to 125 to 150 people mostly from the area.

The group, made up almost entirely of homeowners, were concerned about lawlessness in their part of the community and their frustration with the city's efforts to curb it. About 1/2 when asked by a show of hands if they had witnessed young people "wandering" until after midnight in mass and being disruptive held up their hands. About a 1/10 had experienced "severe issues" such as property damage or other disturbances. What was of most concern were 6 reported cases of gunfire in the last year and 4 within the last month, as well as an increase in breaking and entering charges (43) this year and that crime generally was higher in their area than in all of others of the city.

According to Mastain, the seriousness of what is happening in their area of town is a "bigger issue than college kids binge drinking downtown." Many of the crowd expressed a frusttration that their area was not receiving more help because for the majority of Iowa Citians, it doesn't affect them.

They asked the Police Chief Hargadine if a curfew could be put in place. The chief explained that he recommended a delinquent behavior ordinance instead because of the enforcement issues of a curfew. When asked if the city council was considering this, Hargadine said it had not been formally brought to the council which elicited groans from the crowd.

Neighbors did commend the police department for having foot patrols in the community, but were concerned by the lack of coverage between 11 pm and 3 am due to policing calls from downtown bars. The Chief agreed that the force was spread thin, but did say if his office receives calls, his officers respond as quickly as they can. He did say that he was 15 officers short of the staff he felt he needed. A member of the audience asked the chief if residents in the area could assist the officers on patrol and Chief Hargadine encouraged the questioner to contact his office.

The neighbors commented on the amount of section 8 and public housing in their area. They mentioned the influx of out-of-state people showing up as unfair to Iowa City residents and Iowans who should receive top priority. They also mentioned the perception that people are being told to come here that there is a "billboard in Chicago advertising to come here." Mastain asked the person to bring proof of this. She said that property values are being devalued by the crime and presence of section 8 housing.

When pressed by Carol Kula, a high school teacher and resident in the area to give the crowd something concrete to take away from the meeting so they wouldn't feel like thy had "wasted their time being there," Mastain encouraged people to join their group and to go before city council on Tuesday night with their concerns. A neighbor mentioned that they should introduce themselves to their neighbors so that they would be able to know who was causing trouble in their neighborhood. Jarrod Gatlin said, "We need to know. Who are these kids?"

The organizers stressed that the meeting was about public safety, not the race of the kids involved in the crime problem, but stressed it was time for the neighbors to "make them uncomfortable; not allow them to make us uncomfortable."

As there were more than three members of the city council present, the members were not allowed to comment on the crowds concerns, but individually, the council members did stay after the meeting to listen and ask questions of those present.

As an observer, it was interesting to note the lack of renters at the meeting. I did speak to Royce Ann Porter briefly who heads a group called Iowa City Community School District Concerned Parents Committee who told me that her group represents low-income residents and has more to say. I'll follow up on this. I noted on the survey that was given to participants of the meeting that the questions were not specific to the type of respondent, but wonder if by the nature of it, only half the story is being told.

I hope that the BIT group will seek out input from the folks who were so clearly not present--I'd guess they would have a better outcome if they brought everyone together--more BITE, as it were.

Other accounts from the Press-Citizen and Gazette

Meet City and County Officials at FAIR! Budget Teach In 2/7/09

In my capacity of FAIR! Chair, I sometimes neglect to use my blog to remind people of events in Johnson County that they can take action and participate in. A week from today, Saturday Feb. 7th, FAIR! is sponsoring our 4th annual Budget Teach In: “Making the Hard Choices: Providing Services During an Economic Downturn” at the Coralville City Hall from 10 am to 12 pm.

Speakers will include Johnson County Board of Supervisor, Rod Sullivan; North Liberty City Administrator, Ryan Heiar; Iowa City Council Member, Michael Wright, Coralville City Council Member, Mitch Gross; and Coralville City Administrator, Kelly Hayworth.

With the economic downturn and effects of the flooding of last year FAIR! thought it would be educational to discuss how budget decisions are made in light of these uncertainties (e.g., will services be affected, are taxes likely to increase, etc.). Additionally, we thought it would be important for county residents to hear how you view the move at the state level to shift some additional taxing authority to local government. If time permits, we'd also like to hear how communities are cooperating with each other on plans or services.

As in the past, we like to give attendees ample opportunity to address these decision makers about their concerns. For those of you who need extra incentive, there will be a casual coffee hour from 9 am to the beginning of the forum (which, just in case you can't make it, will be recorded for later playback) where you will be able to chat with the speakers informally.

Wal-Mart Group to Hold Press Conference and Hope for the Best

Gary Sanders, leader of Iowa City Stop Wal-Mart is holding a press conference on Tuesday. Sanders has been a leading advocate against the labor and business practices of Wal-Mart since the 1980's.

The Iowa City Council has had two readings of the ordinance that would allow Wal-Mart to expand in its current location by purchasing other existing business properties and expanding their store to encompass 190,000 square feet. Planning and Zoning commissioners worked diligently within their limitations and caused Wal-Mart to upgrade their construction plans to meet community standards. Iowa City does not have a Big Box Ordinance that limits the size of stores, but does have design standards which the Planning and Zoning Commission enforced. However, now the City Council has to approve the plan and Planning and Zoning recommendations are just one criteria.

At issue for the Iowa City Council is whether allowing this plan to go through is in the "best interest" of the community. Wake Up Wal-Mart, a group that is backed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, claims it is not. For instance, Chinese products which make up 70% of Wal-Marts products have had so many safety issues that on several occasions, Wal-Mart and other chains have had to remove them from their shelves. Also, Wal-Mart's treatment of employees has led to many lawsuits, a prominent one was in Minnesota and involved Wal-Mart not paying workers for work breaks.

On Tuesday, Nancy Braun, a lead plaintiff in a $2 billion lawsuit against Wal-Mart for denying work breaks on a massive scale will hold a press conference at the Iowa City Rec Center in meeting room A at 1 pm. According to Sanders, "Ms. Braun will talk about her experiences in her 7 year struggle for justice since the lawsuit was filed".

Later that night the Iowa City city council will be voting for a 3d and final time on approval of Wal-Mart's request for a change in a conditional zoning agreement that would allow Wal-Mart to construct a SuperCenter where their present store is located on Highway 1 West.

In past votes, six of the council members have voted to approve the project, while only one, Mike Wright, opposed it saying he had doubts that Wal-Mart would be a good corporate citizen.

Changing of the Guard

Bob Elliott and Dee Vanderhoef's terms on the Iowa City Council are about to expire. Bob served for one term and Dee for three. Both of these councilors were dedicated to serving the citizen's of Iowa City and should be praised for their service.

Bob, perhaps the next council will build the 4th fire station that you tirelessly lobbied to achieve. I appreciated the respectful manner and energy that you put forth in serving on the council. We didn't agree on all things, but as you were apt to say, "we can disagree without being disagreeable."

Dee, the city council will miss your incredible mind for detail and the studious effort that you put into the tough decisions. Like Bob, I didn't always agree with your decisions, but I honor your service and your efforts for parks and trails. Your legacy is apparent.

Replacing them on the council are Matt Hayek and Mike Wright. With the changing of the guard is a change of ideology which should have a positive impact in selecting the next city manager and addressing affordable housing in a practicable way.

Good luck to Mike and Matt and the other members of the city council. It will an experience you will not forget, right Bob and Dee?

Wright, Hayek, Gross Win! Moody and 21-Only on the Short End

Mike Wright, with 35% of the vote, held his ground and won one of the two at-large seats on the Iowa City Council in a tough race over challenger Terry Smith and incumbent Dee Vanderhoef. Matt Hayek, as expected, won the other seat with 60% of the vote. Regenia Bailey and Ross Wilburn, who won the most votes of any candidate running unopposed, will both return to council for another term.

In an unusual turn of events story, the 21-only bar referendum failed as absentee ballots which had not been counted when all the polls had closed, were added up. The tipping point came after the last city precinct to report, City High, toppled the race to the "Yes" side by about 200 votes, after the "No" vote led all evening. At 9:50, the auditors office reported the margin had shifted dramatically back to the "no" side by a count of 8895 to 6,606.

The citizen's referendum to have a permanent Citizen Police Review Board passed handily with over 72% of the vote. The overall turnout was the highest since 2005 with 34% of voters turning out.

In Coralville, despite an underhanded whisper campaign aimed to sway and intimidate potential voters launched by a local Realtor within days of the election, Mitch Gross was elected to the city council there by a 39% margin replacing incumbent Jean Newlin Schnake. Mayor Jim Fausett was re-elected handily.

Finally, in North Liberty, incumbent council member James Moody was defeated for re-election by the triumvirate of Coleen Chipman, Jack Donahue, and Chris Hoffman. A hotel/motel tax referendum was also passed by a wide margin.

Wright Now!

If you are reading this blog on Election Day 11/6, live in Iowa City and are registered but haven't voted. Go to the poll nearest to you and vote for Mike Wright. You've got until 8 pm--don't be a guilty voter who just didn't make it to the polls--you'd disappoint me.

I'll be at the Sanctuary with Mike and Company at 8 pm--come by and brag on yourself!

In Case You Have Been in a Coma--Welcome Back, You're Just in Time to Vote!

Iowa City Election- Voting Locations Tuesday 11/6

All Precinct Poll locations open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(Your precinct number is located on your voter's registration card).

Precinct 1 — Roosevelt Elementary School, 611 Greenwood Dr.

Precinct 2 — Ernest Horn Elementary School, 600 Koser Ave.

Precinct 3 — Quadrangle Residence Hall, University of Iowa

Precinct 4 — Lincoln Elementary School, 300 Teeters Ct.

Precinct 5 — University of Iowa Main Library, 125 W. Washington St.

Precinct 6 — Mercer Park Recreation Center, 2701 Bradford Dr.

Precinct 7 — West High School, 2901 Melrose Ave.

Precinct 8 — Irving Weber Elementary School, 3850 Rohret Rd. SW

Precinct 9 — All Nations Baptist Church, 1715 Mormon Trek Blvd.

Precinct 10 — Goodwill Store, 985 Highway 6 East

Precinct 11 — Johnson County Courthouse, 417 S. Clinton St.

Precinct 12 — Grant Wood Elementary School, 1930 Lakeside Dr.

Precinct 13 — City Transit Building, 1200 S. Riverside Dr.

Precinct 14 — Mark Twain Elementary School, 1355 Deforest Ave.

Precinct 15 — Southeast Junior High School, 2501 Bradford Dr.

Precinct 16 — Robert Lucas Elementary School, 830 Southlawn Dr.

Precinct 17 — Hoover Elementary School, 2200 E. Court St.

Precinct 18 — Longfellow Elementary School, 1130 Seymour Ave.

Precinct 19 — Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center (lower level, east entrance), 220 S. Gilbert St.

Precinct 20 — Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center, 28 S. Linn St.

Precinct 21 — Horace Mann Elementary School, 521 N. Dodge St.

Precinct 22 — Shimek Elementary School, 1400 Grissel Pl.

Precinct 23 — Regina High School, 2150 Rochester Ave.

Precinct 24 — City High School, 1900 Morningside Dr.

Precinct 25 — Helen Lemme Elementary School, 3100 E. Washington St.

******Vote for Mike Wright and Matt Hayek*******

Wright and Hayek Gain Gazette Endorsement

Mike Wright and Matt Hayek scored a rare coup, dual endorsements from both commercial newspapers in the Iowa City area, as the Gazette also endorsed them today.

If endorsements add up to votes, both these candidates should be in like Flynn.

On the Homefront: Who Wins the Horserace?

As the Iowa City Council race winds down, the question is how will the 21 ordinance vote impact the outcome of the at-large race. If history is any indication, it may not have the impact that some think.

In 2005, Amy Correia who was a pro-public power supporter was elected. I was also a public power supporter, and was not. In fairness, Amy also received the second highest amount of votes in the primary, while I came in fourth. In the general election, Amy received the most votes, and I stayed in 4th place.

Fast forward to this race, Matt Hayek received the most votes in the primary (by far) and Mike Wright and Terry Smith were about 200 votes apart for second and third. Dee Vanderhoef, the incumbent came in 4th place.

Given that Brandon Ross was eliminated and had 660 votes, it is likely that his primary votes will most likely go to Wright, as the only true progressive left in the race. Vanderhoef, Smith, and Hayek will likely fight three ways for two votes, which leaves one of them the odd person out--and at this point, it looks like it may be Vanderhoef.

The big unknown is how many students who are voting against the 21 ordinance are also voting for council candidates. The footage I saw from KCRG last week indicated that it is equally likely that a student voted only for the 21 as a student who voted for the 21 and at least one candidate. If half of the students who voted early voted for only the 21 issue at a satellite, that would mean that 1500 or so had also voted for a candidate. If the students only voted for candidates who did not support the 21, that would mean that Smith and Hayek would have at least a 1500 vote lead before polling on Tuesday.

What nobody is talking about is how many "yes" to 21-only voters will turn out to vote before or on Tuesday. If the number of "yes" voters mirrors the "no" voters in terms of selecting candidates based on their support of the 21 ordinance, it is anybody's guess how the race will turnout because more "yes" voters are likely to vote for candidates and the referendum items.

Not that you asked, but my crystal ball predicts with high voter turnout (30% or more):

1) Matt Hayek--by a metric mile
2) Mike Wright--by a tip of an eyelash

over

3) Terry Smith
4) Dee Vanderhoef

In any case, the crystal ball, while cloudy today, will be, well "crystal" clear somewhere around 8:30 Tuesday night. Good luck to all the candidates and your campaign teams--the hard slog is now.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last forum?

John Deeth blogged Gary Sander's "No Baloney" City Council Forum

My as-it-happened take on the forum is here:http://jdeeth.blogspot.com/2007/10/no-baloney-4-candidates.html

Iowa City Primary Results : What Do They Mean?

Last night the tea leaves were read and Matt Hayek, Mike Wright, Terry Smith, and (barely) Dee Vanderhoef came through a voter-light Iowa City Council primary where an abysmal 7.7% of eligible voters (3,181 of 41,169 registered) turned out.

From the Press-Citizen
and Gazette

First the trends:

- Matt Hayek, with 70% of the vote is a force to be reckoned with. He was the hands down favorite in 22 of 25 precincts. With a centrist message, strong name recognition factor, and well-oiled campaign organization, it would be very surprising if he
wasn't elected next month.

- Mike Wright and Terry Smith's campaigns are going to have their work cut out. While it is clear that Hayek is "the force" -- Wright and Smith are on opposite ends of the spectrum, albeit both support more police officers and building and staffing a new firehouse. Past trends would favor Smith whose war chest (and potential "volunteer" corp) is likely to be higher than Wright's, but with the uncertainty of who will turn out to vote on November 6th and the Hayek Express moving fast and taking votes equally from the other candidates, Wright with focused effort could edge Smith out. Smith did well on the Southeast side of Iowa City, while Wright found his support among the more densely populated central district neighborhoods.

- Dee Vanderhoef is in serious trouble for her re-election bid. As the incumbent, Vanderhoef going into the primary had an edge over her challengers--she doesn't any more.

What Not to Conclude:

- The general election will yield the same conclusion: While it is very unlikely that the Hayek Express will be derailed, with two referendum items, one of which (the 21-only referendum) may highly impact the type of voter that turns out, it is anyone's guess who will be number two.

- Dee Vanderhoef is cooked: Mike O'Donnell in 2005 was in a similar situation and came in second. Vanderhoef, not known as a hard campaigner, will have to do more to earn the chance for another run on council.

- Brandon Ross is out of touch with voters. He got out of the gate later than the front-runners and almost made it through the primary with very limited campaign support and funds. He has a future, but will need to organize his efforts much better.

Press Citizen Makes Endorsements for City Council

The Press-Citizen's Editorial Board said "we don't think voters can go wrong by choosing from three of the five candidates Tuesday": Matt Hayek, Michael Wright and Terry Smith.

Actually, they chose Matt Hayek unanimously and offered a "tie" between one of my choices, Mike Wright, and Terry Smith. Support for incumbent Dee Vanderhoef and my other choice, Brandon Ross? Not so much. Fortunately for all the candidates, as I have learned first-hand, endorsements do not equal votes--so go out and vote. You can do so at Johnson County Administrative building today if you choose.

After the Safe Streets Forum

Myself and around 90 other people were at last evening's forum that was moderated by Johnson County District Attorney Janet Lyness at the majestic Englert Theater. Panel members included both ICPD Chief Sam Hargadine and UIPD Chief Chuck Green, Ashley Peterson, and Iowa City Councilor Amy Correia. Current city councilors Bob Elliott and Regenia Bailey were in the audience. Also, candidates Matt Hayek and Mike Wright were there, puzzling were the absences of the other candidates.

A good deal of time was spent addressing audience questions and clearing up some miscommunications about safety. The university is starting up a van shuttle to bring home women who want to avail themselves of the service on Fridays and Saturday nights.

Kudos to the organizers of the event and to Chiefs Green and Hargadine for attending. Also, it was great to see a cross-section of the community at the forum, not ust students. Neighborhood leaders like Tim Weitzel were there, as well as bloggers like John Deeth who was liveblogging.

If you witness suspicious acts, do call the police 358-TIPS (8477). It is up to the community to make Iowa City safe, the police are doing the best they can.

Great Turnout at Wright Kickoff

The campaign kickoff for Mike Wright started off with for Iowa Rep. Ed Fallon playing "Lady of Spain" on the accordian, but the highlight of the evening was the turnout by local politicos and interested others like Rod Sullivan, Karen Kubby, Mitch and Melanie Gross, Larry Baker, Jay Berry, Tom Carsner, Nick Johnson, and many, many others.

Fallon discussed I'M for Iowa, which is works at the local level to further develop a broad movement committed to progressive reform in state and local politics and the need for developing sustainable communities and economies. Specifically, they:

(1) Work with Iowans across the state to develop the tools they need to address problems confronting them and their communities, particularly issues involving land, justice and poverty;

(2) Advocate for progressive legislative changes, particularly Voter-Owned Iowa Clean Elections (VOICE), CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations) and universal health care;

(3) Continue to build the organizational base necessary to recruit and elect progressive candidates across the state, and mentor them on an ongoing basis once elected;

(4) Support local businesses and Iowa farmers and encourage personal examples of the many ways in which individuals can lead lives that are more sustainable and truly independent; and

(5) Build the infrastructure needed to create a grassroots, democratic force that can become An Independence Movement for Iowa, and work in coalition with groups committed to these goals and ideals.

Wright highlighted his support of affordable housing and historic preservation, a fully staffed northeast fire station, and increasing the number of patrol officers. When asked about the 21 ordinance, he said that he personally supports it. He also discussed using TIF in a more judicious way.

Wright and Hayek at Farmer's Market

Want to know who's working for your vote in the Fall for Iowa City Council? Matt Hayek and Mike Wright have set up shop in front of the Farmer's Market which is a great place to meet voters of all stripes.

Wright also has a campaign kickoff tomorrow night at his home at 225 N. Lucas with former State Representative and Gubernatorial candidate, Ed Fallon from 6:30 to 8 pm. Go check him out, if you don't know where he stands on your issues or if you like good old accordion music.

Fallon Says "Wright On!" to Headlining Mike Wright's Campaign

If Sunday night is looking like just another night for you, why not come to hear peppy, multi-talented former Iowa legislator, 2006 Democratic candidate for governor, and Iowa State Fair Accordion champion Ed Fallon who will be in Iowa City Sunday August 26 to support the campaign kickoff of Mike Wright for an at-large seat on the Iowa City City Council.

Fallon will speak and demonstrate his accordion skills at 6:30 pm at 225 N. Lucas St., Iowa City (call 358-9344 for information). Suggested donation $25 and everyone is welcome.

Mike Wright is a neighborhood activist, vice-chair of the Iowa City Board of Adjustment, and a University of Iowa librarian. Mike also serves on the board of the Iowa Library Association and as the head of the Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee. Wright is running to promote strong neighborhoods, provide equitable fire and police coverage in Iowa City (including support a northeast-side firehouse), and to help the Council meet the challenges of the next four years.

Mike's partner, Michael Knock, is the food writer for the Press-Citizen, so you know there will be some good food too!

Ed Fallon to Appear at Fundraiser for Mike Wright

Ed Fallon—Iowa State Fair champion accordionist, 2006 candidate for governor, and founder of the progressive group I’M for Iowa—will headline an August 26th fundraiser for Mike Wright, candidate for an at-large seat on the Iowa City Council. Ed will play his accordion, explain why he supports Mike, and introduce the candidate.

The event will take place at 6:30 pm on August 26th. Location to be announced later. Suggested donation is $25, but all are welcome.

Friday Quick Hits

Congressman Dave Loebsack has updated his website. It is much more useful and includes recent votes, help with constituent casework and other helpful features.







Come to the war protest today between 5:15 and 5:45 on the corner of Washington and Clinton Sts in Iowa City. One of these days we won't have to say "see you next week".

Saturday 6/16 is Iowa City Pride Festival in College Green Park and the Pride Picnic in Upper City Park. A parade, which I and other PFLAG members will be a part of, begins at 12 pm. It has been a really good year for GLBTQ rights in Iowa and elsewhere, so there is a lot to feel pride about. I'm sure you'll see politicians and wanna be ones (such as Mike Wright) there making speeches and hanging around. If you are around at 2:30 in Upper City Park, be sure to check out Katie Roche and the Awful Purdies.


And speaking of "awful purdies" (my apologies to Edwards supporter, Tom Carsner, but really can you blame me?) Saturday, Presidential Candidate John Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth will be at the Johnson County Fairgrounds at 12:30 in building 5. Edwards does have support in the GLBTQ community.


Finally, next Wednesday (6/20) a meeting with Randi Aho from the Center for Victims of Torture will be held at the County Administration Building which is intended to get Iowa Citians engaged to help stop global torture. If you want to attend or help, contact Tom Slockett at 356-6004.

Wright Gets Gazette's Minimal Attention

Mike Wright, who announced his intentions to run for an at-large seat on Iowa City's City Council wasn't shown love by the CR Gazette until today. And feeble love it was as they went with reportage 101 and basically repeated his press release with a few incidental facts--who knows, maybe they'll actually interview him...

Mike Wright Announces Bid for At-Large Seat

A fourth candidate for an at-large seat has announced his intentions to run in Iowa City.

Neighborhood activist Mike Wright (website) announced that he is running to fill a vacant at-large seat on the Iowa City City Council. Wright, 49, decided to run because he believes strong neighborhoods and a vital downtown are key to Iowa City’s future and quality of life. He notes, “This city has a great quality of life, and if we have vibrant neighborhoods throughout Iowa City, particularly those at the City’s core, it can really
help Iowa City to thrive and grow.”

Wright is committed to providing affordable and low-income housing throughout the city,
and is a dedicated advocate of historic preservation. “These goals should not and cannot be exclusive. I think Iowa City is ready to make significant progress in both these areas. In fact, we must do so,” he said.

An involved resident if Iowa City, Wright is a member of the Iowa City Board of Adjustment, where he helped find consensus in difficult decisions such as granting
Shelter House an exception to build their new facility. He is Chair of the Northside Neighborhood Association, where he recently spearheaded opposition to an expensive and unnecessary reworking of the Dubuque and Church St. intersection. Mike also serves on the Neighborhood Council of Iowa City. When living in the Longfellow neighborhood he
chaired the Longfellow Neighborhood Association, where he twice coordinated the popular
Longfellow Garden Walk. Wright has worked with the Stepping Up alcohol awareness program
as well as several student/neighborhood outreach campaigns. He is a member of Friends of
Historic Preservation, the Audubon Society, and the Human Rights Campaign.

Professionally, Mike heads a large department at the University of Iowa Library System
and is experienced in working with substantial budgets as well as in looking at
innovations which encourage efficient workflows. He was elected to the Executive Board
of the Iowa Library Association in 2006 and also chairs the Association’s Intellectual
Freedom Committee.

A native of Michigan, he is a graduate of Central Michigan University and the University
of Minnesota. Having chosen to live in Iowa City in 1999, Wright resides in the
near-Northside with his partner of seven years, Michael Knock, and a menagerie of cats
and dogs. A confirmed pedestrian and bicyclist, Mike also likes to jog, canoe, garden,
and work on the endless projects involved in rehabbing a 100+ year-old house.

Wright's team includes Duncan Stewart as his manager and Holly Hart as treasurer.

More from Press-Citizen