Letters to the Editor
McCallum for City Council
I am supporting Mark McCallum for the City Council’s District B seat because of his position on the following issues:
Mark is for reducing subsidized, low-income public-housing programs. Iowa City has become the mecca of the Midwest for free or subsidized housing. The city needs to get out of public housing. It does not work.
Mark is for enforcing the residency requirements of all Section 8 participants. As a landlord, I know firsthand that investigations are not always being conducted.
Mark is for redirecting the money from public housing into recruiting new businesses. For far too long, Iowa City has been stagnant in recruiting new businesses. Council Bluffs gets a new Microsoft facility, Dubuque gets a new IBM facility, and Iowa City gets more low-income housing.
Mark is against the back-door tax of utility franchise fees. This tax will be a detriment to any new industry that is seriously looking at Iowa City as a place to locate.
Mark is for eliminating discretionary spending, such as the $80,000 for art at the city water plant.
Mark has made his positions on the above issues commendably clear. I strongly support him because he is one of those rare individuals who is willing to aggressively address these issues. Many of us believe his election is of vital importance to the future of Iowa City. We need councilors who support our point of view.
A vote for Mark McCallum is a vote for good, common-sense government.
Don Sanders
Iowa City resident
Mims for City Council
I am supporting Susan Mims for a City Council at-large seat. Susan has lived in Iowa City for 30 years, and I have been her neighbor for much of that time. The opportunities and challenges that Iowa City will face in the upcoming years are large and complex. One of the most important characteristics that a representative will need is the ability to look at a complex problem, seek out expert advice, and translate that information into reasonable, effective solutions. Susan’s training in engineering and her experience as a financial planner amply illustrate this characteristic.
Our representatives will also need a vision of Iowa City that protects what is good, while keeping pace with a rapidly changing world. Susan has demonstrated a commitment to public service, a vision for Iowa City, and a particular recognition of the importance of education in our community.
Susan Mims will have my vote for City Council on Nov. 3.
Gerene Denning
Iowa City resident
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