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At-Large
Rockne Cole
Yes. I support that minimum wage increase set forth by the Johnson
County Board of Supervisors. I have long been a proponent of hard work as
a way to increase the standard of living, and if elected, I will support work
friendly policies in addition to the minimum wage. For example, I would
support a living wage ordinance, which would require contractors, or their
subcontractors, who do business with the city to pay a living wage, and to
certify that they are not misclassifying employees as independent
contractors. Finally, I will support project labor agreements, and a lowest
responsible bidder ordinance, which will require contractors to meet a
certain set of minimum labor standards to bid for city contracts.
At-Large
Tim Conroy
At-Large
Michelle Payne
At-Large
Jim Throgmorton
District A
Scott
McDonough
Yes, In general I will support the $10.10 / hour minimum wage increase
because its genuinely trying to help people in need. But the ordinance
needs county wide support (or more) to work.
District A
John Thomas
District A
John Thomas
contd
District C
Rick Dobyns
District C
Pauline Taylor
I would support the City of Iowa City accepting the increase in the
minimum wage as proposed by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. I
would also support incremental increases in that wage, in order to keep up
with increases in the cost of living. No one should have to struggle to make
ends meet. A number of people will benefit from this increase, which will in
turn benefit our community.
2) Many cities and counties across the country have taken steps to combat
wage theft in their communities by passing ordinances that use municipal
powers to ensure that employers who steal their workers' wages face
consequences, like enforcing monetary penalties or even revoking
businesses licenses from employers guilty of wage theft. Just recently a
report published by the Iowa Policy Project that surveyed more than 300
workers in the Iowa City area that showed more than 25% of them had
experienced wage-theft in the last year. How would you work with
community groups to ensure that employers in Iowa City are paying their
workers their legally-owed wages, and that those who do not face serious
consequences for theft?
At-Large
Rockne Cole
Wage theft is not only morally wrong, it is a crime. Iowa law currently
prohibits obtaining labor, or services of another without paying for it
immediately. I would certainly encourage our police department to
investigate it as it would any other criminal offense. If convicted of this
offense in particular, that would bear on their good moral character for
purposes of a range of city permits, and I certainly would expect that we
would not contract with persons convicted of wage theft. I would support
a range of sanctions, including revocation of existing city permits, for
persons convicted of wage theft. The ultimate sanctions would likely
depend on the severity of the conduct.
Collaboration with local social justice organizations will be essential to stop
this practice. For example, I would utilize the strategy that the Johnson
County Board of Supervised used in passing the Community ID. They
formed an effective partnership with local social justice organizations,
unions, and the UI law school. Working together, they removed a barrier
to accessing a host of city and private services. I do not think the outcome
would have been as successful without that strong public/private
partnership.
At-Large
Tim Conroy
Wage theft is unacceptable, and those who violate the law should be held
responsible. I am not an expert in this area so I would want to consult with
legal counsel for the city to better understand what options are available at
the local level and how they fit within the existing state and federal legal
framework. I will welcome and encourage input from all persons interested
in this issue. I believe the city council recently examined the issue and
instructed staff to work on an appropriate approach and I look forward to
seeing their suggestions.
At-Large
Michelle Payne
At-Large
Jim Throgmorton
I would work with community groups such as the Center for Worker Justice
in precisely the way I have worked with them over the past few years: by
attending their meetings, listening to what their leaders and members say,
connecting them with relevant City staff members, letting them know how
to participate in City decision making in the context of our CouncilManager form of government, seeking their advice, articulating ways in
which their proposals could be improved or made more successful, and
expressing my disagreements wherever I think it is necessary and
appropriate. With specific regard to wage theft ordinances, it is important
to recognize that the Council as a whole pays considerable attention to
legal opinions that come from the City Attorneys office. If the City
Attorney tells us a proposed course of action is illegal, we dont follow that
course. If she simply articulates a legal opinion, Council members respond
in terms of their own underlying political values. I hope I have already
clearly stated my own political values.
District A
Scott
McDonough
District A
John Thomas
The Iowa Policy Projects report on wage theft is a wakeup call on the
challenges faced by workers, as well as businesses that pay their
employees fairly. In addition to undercutting ethical employers and hurting
vulnerable workers, wage theft also results in unpaid sales tax, income, and
payroll taxes.
I would work with community groups to:
1) Strengthen the enforcement of any wage payment legislation that may
exist and explore/support adoption of language that would allow the
revocation of a business license or the imposition of a sizeable fine or fee.
As the threat of revoking a rental permit is an important way to address
District A
John Thomas
contd
District C
Rick Dobyns
District C
Pauline Taylor
I applaud the Center for Worker Justice for all the work they have done to
help workers collect what is rightfully owed to them. I have to admit that I
was naive to the fact that this much wage theft was going on in our
community. As a delegate from my Union (SEIU) to the Iowa City
Federation of Labor, and (hopefully) as a Council member, I would continue
to be supportive of the CWJ, and would participate whenever possible in
any events/actions that they might have. I'm not necessarily a fan of of
fines for offenders. It seems that for such things as sale of liquor and
tobacco to minors, the businesses pay the fine and move on with business
as usual. Revoking licenses might not be the answer either, since one
company was a temp agency providing workers to do cleaning. These
employers could certainly be required to appear before the City Council to
explain their actions. The best case scenario is that the entire community is
made aware when this happens. At this time, I believe that the CWJ is the
best advocate these workers have.
3) According to the City of Iowa City Equity Report (2013), Black and Hispanic
people are arrested at disproportional rates by ICPD and all people of color
are under-represented in all City of Iowa City staffing position categories.
What in your opinion are the responsibilities, if any, of City Council to
confront these disparities? How do you plan to make Iowa City a
welcoming community for all diverse populations, and encourage retention
of minority staff members?
At-Large
Rockne Cole
At-Large
Tim Conroy
There can be no doubt that the City Council has a responsibility to confront
and assess these disparities within our community. One powerful tool we
can use to see if policy changes in the Iowa City Police Department are
effective is continuing to collect traffic stop data. I also support body
cameras on police officers to help monitor policing practices and
interactions with the public. The willingness of the ICPD to utilize the body
cameras and continue to participate in the study of disproportionate
minority contact is a good sign that the ICPD leadership wants to work on
this problem and learn more about serving our whole community. We
depend on these professionals to protect the entire community.
To address the continuing under-representation of people of color in City
positions, I will work to ensure that our entire community is engaged
directly, and that the City alerts the public to vacancies on commissions,
boards, and staff positions in ways that will help increase the diversity of
applicants and in turn City staff. I also support continuing roundtable
discussions with the city manager and community leaders, having council
listening posts, and promoting activities between city staff and the
community. These elements help more people get to know City
At-Large
Tim Conroy
contd
At-Large
Michelle Payne
At-Large
Jim Throgmorton
District A
Scott
McDonough
District A
John Thomas
The disproportional ICPD arrest rates of Black and Hispanic people are
deeply troubling. If elected to Iowa City Council, I will advocate for this
being a top City Council priority.
The 2013 report by the Coalition for Racial Justice, Racial Equity in Iowa
City and Johnson County, divided racial justice into two categories: Juvenile
Justice and Adult Criminal Justice. I support their recommendations for
How we Can Move Forward Together under both categories.
For juvenile justice, the reports recommendations include 1) conducting
factfinding to ascertain community approaches to juvenile justice issues,
and 2) ensuring robust community input into law enforcement practices,
policies and programs through community policing and effective and
accessible complaint procedures related to officer behavior and
departmental practices.
For adult criminal justice, the reports recommendations include 1)
establishing uniform data collection and reporting for all of Johnson
countys law enforcement agencies, 2) ensuring easy public access to law
enforcement data, and 3) conducting factfinding on issues regarding
criminal justice and the perception of criminal justice in our community.
With respect to recent actions by City Council, I support Iowa Citys use of
body worn cameras, the juvenile justice prearrest diversion program, and
the likely expansion of that program to include lesser offences such as
shoplifting.
Based on the outcomes of the fact-finding efforts recommended in the
2013 Coalition for Racial Justice report, I would set measurable goals for
reducing the disproportionate rates of arrest, traffic stops and juvenile
court referrals by a certain calendar year. This approachmeasurable goals
to be achieved with measurable time frameshas been taken by the Iowa
City Community School District (ICCSD) for its diversity hiring goals. I
believe this approach is an excellent way for law enforcement agencies and
the community to reach agreement and move forward together toward an
accountable outcome.
With regard to the hiring and retention of Iowa City staff, I would approach
it in the same manner that the ICCSD has just initiated: based on existing
percentages of minority staff members, establishing measurable
hiring/retention goals within measurable time frames. I would also
advocate for City Council to direct staff to inquire into the diversity hiring
policies of other major Johnson County employers, with the goal of
establishing similar hiring policies if such policies are not already in place.
District C
Rick Dobyns
District C
Pauline Taylor
There is no doubt that there is racial and economic disparity in Iowa City.
Part of the district seat that I am running for (District A), includes the
Broadway and Taylor Drive neighborhoods. I met some very wonderful
folks when I was knocking doors in the area, and began to foster what I
hope can be a positive relationship. I plan to try to keep in touch with the
residents of this neighborhood, and listen to their thoughts and concerns,
perhaps holding regular "office hours" in the area. I believe that we should
strive to be seen as more of an inclusive and welcoming community. There
is a Police Review Board in place. The Council should ensure that Black and
Hispanic citizens have positions on this Board. The Council should take the
role of this Board very seriously. As far as other Boards, Commissions, and
staff positions the Council should seek input from people seen as leaders in
the under- represented groups, to ask for recommendations of names of
folks that would be good for these positions.
4) Do you believe that the police are too aggressive in their interactions with youth
of color? Do you believe that our public spaces, such as the library and
recreation centers, are welcoming to youth of color? Please explain your
answers using examples or potential solutions.
At-Large
Rockne Cole
Do you believe that the police are too aggressive in their interactions
with youth of color?
Yes, I do. The tragic circumstances at the Robert A Lee Rec. Center
dramatically illustrates overly aggressive law enforcement. Use of force
against children is rarely justified, and the force used was clearly excessive.
As a defense lawyer, I have worked with juveniles in delinquency
proceedings. Once they enter, it can be very difficult to get out, and they
end up tracked outside of the mainstream. It was disheartening to see a
young man enter our juvenile justice system after playing around with
friends.
Do you believe that our public spaces, such as the library and
recreation centers, are welcoming to youth of color?
Yes, I do generally, but I must reveal a bias. My wife works at the Iowa City
Public Library, and I have gotten to know many of the hard working
employees there, and their management. I do believe they sincerely try to
serve persons from all walks of life, and try to be fair; however, that does
not mean that there is room for improvement.
At-Large
Tim Conroy
At-Large
Michelle Payne
At-Large
Jim Throgmorton
We need to make sure both ICPD and the staff of our recreation centers,
the library, and other public spaces are trained in de-escalation techniques
as well as in continuing diversity programs. Continuing to build up
communication between all members of our community and City staff will
help ensure better interactions between youth of color and police.
District A
Scott
McDonough
I think we have good, well trained, caring police, that truly want to do the
right thing, but there is always room for improvement. I do think their
have been instances when the police have been too aggressive. The
Robert E. Lee Rec Center incident would be an example of too aggressive. I
think the entire City's staff agrees that could have been handled in a
friendlier way.
I see a lot of kids of color hanging out in public places, so from what I can
tell it must feel welcoming? Again, there is always room for improvement.
As with all issues it's impossible to have too much communication. If youth
of color are upset, then the city needs to listen to them and feel why they
are upset (empathy.) Then the city needs to work with the youth of color
(collaborate) to earn their trust.
District A
John Thomas
District A
John Thomas
contd
believe Iowa City youth should be an integral part of any discussion aimed
at improving their lives. This discussion could include the programming of
public spaces such as parks, recreation centers, schools (buildings and
grounds), and libraries so that they provide for a wide range of recreational
and social uses, including just hanging out among friends, sometimes
away from direct supervision.
District C
Rick Dobyns
I do not think the police are too aggressive in their interactions with all
ciitzends including youth of color. There are known rare instances were our
poiice and recreation center staff struggle with de-escalation technicques
when confronted. Our public spaces are welcoming to all young people
when they exhibit civil behavior. I think the requests in the Black Kids Play
petition represent well the concerns of relevant stakeholders regarding this
issue. My personal policy is to show respect to all stakeholders including
our police as well as aggrieved minority groups. Recent examples
elsewhere of egregious interactions between police and members of the
African-American community require a local response. I believe Iowa Citys
response has been respectful to all parties which might engender a sense
of unfairness in each group. Potential solutions to helping city staff (police,
library, parks and recreation, etc.) include participating in several
workshops schedule this fall designed to enhance cultural competency and
de-esclation skills. In addition to internal standards of police conduct being
addressed and changed several times over the last year I am comfortable
that scheduled diversity reports from the city, support of research on
disproportionate minority contact from St. Ambrose University and, in
particular, the work of City of Iowa City staff Stephanie Bowers, Officer
Doug Hart and Chief Sam Hargadine have responded appropriately. City
Manager Tom Markus, representing the entire city staff, has acknowledged
that we could have done better regarding the June incident at the Robert
A. Lee Recreation Center. Members of Iowa Citys African-American
community were quickly convened to discuss the issue and appropriate
and measured changes were instituted.
District C
Pauline Taylor
The recent incident at the IC Rec Center was unfortunate and disturbing to
me. It certainly looked as though the officer was aggressive in his actions.
In the many times that I have been to the Rec Center, there have been
youth of all races and cultural background at the Center. The ICPL seems to
be a very warm and welcoming area for all people. But, it might be difficult
for people of limited income, which could include youth of color, to have
transportation To the library or even the Rec Center. It would be great if
members of the ICPD could "drop in" on the Rec Center and play some
rounds of pool or basketball with the kids that are "hanging out" there.
At-Large
Rockne Cole
At-Large
Tim Conroy
At-Large
Michelle Payne
At-Large
Jim Throgmorton
Yes. The Council has already authorized the staff to develop an ordinance,
which would require that a specified percentage of residential units be
affordable for any project that would receive public financial assistance
(e.g., through Tax Increment Financing) or request rezoning to a Riverfront
Crossings zoning designation. I have already stated publicly that I think
more attention should be paid to the interaction of TIF and the
requirement to include affordable housing. My concern is that the
mandate for inclusion could be used to justify applying for a TIF and that, in
some instances, a developer might request a TIF that would enable the
devloper to make a payment in lieu of actually including affordable units in
the developers project. This is complicated stuff. Id be happy to elaborate
in the forthcoming public forum.
District A
Scott
McDonough
Yes I will support this ordinance. I am very proud to say I served on the
committee that came up with the framework for this ordinance. Yes, Yes,
Yes!
District A
John Thomas
District C
Rick Dobyns
District C
Pauline Taylor
At-Large
Rockne Cole
The most important factor relates to vision. How does our council view
affordable housing? Too often, our city leaders seem to view affordable
housing as a shared burden that must be effectively spread it out
throughout the region. I have heard several leaders say, We strongly
support affordable housing, BUT, we cannot expand affordable housing
unless North Liberty and Coralville do too. I reject that view. We need to
provide leadership, and of course, we want North Liberty and Coralville to
embrace affordable housing too, but we should not wait for them to act to
address this urgent issue.
I view affordable housing an asset, and a cornerstone of strong healthy
neighborhoods. Diverse communities are healthy ones. Many of my good
friends have moved to some of our most vibrant neighborhoods with
assistance of city programs. I would like to collaborate with our local nonprofit partners like Housing Fellowship and Habitat for Humanity. They are
trusted partners in effective administration of affordable housing projects.
At-Large
Tim Conroy
While serving on Council I will work hard with the various entities
promoting and building affordable housing. As a Realtor, and as a resident
of Iowa City, I believe blending housing types (single-family, condos, town
homes) within an area/neighborhood is a healthy way to develop levels of
affordability. When possible it is important to add various models of
subsidized housing to such a blend. In my opinion this mix helps transcend
the misguided stereotypes placed on affordable and subsided housing.
Mixing the affordable housing stock within the community will avoid
concentrating poverty and furthering urban myths of stigmatized areas.
The Housing Fellowship has done remarkable work in our area. They, along
with Habitat for Humanity, have shown the success of mixing affordable
housing into our neighborhoods/areas. We also need to explore furthering
rental options for lower income families and individuals within or
community/region.
It is important to remember that we need to evaluate each future
development closely. What works in one area or development may not
necessarily fit every time. This is why communication between city staff,
At-Large
Tim Conroy
contd
At-Large
Michelle Payne
At-Large
Jim Throgmorton
District A
Scott
McDonough
District A
John Thomas
As a member of City Council, I would advocate for Iowa City to take the
initiative in identifying ways to create more affordable housing in our
region. In so far as affordable housing is related to household income, I
support raising the minimum wage in Johnson County. Increasing
household income is an important way to bring more affordable housing
within reach. If a person working 40 hours/week sees a wage increase from
$7.25/hour to $10.10/hour, that persons income (before taxes) could
increase by close to $500/month.
The other way to bring more affordable housing within reach is to reduce
household expenses. The first and most obvious way to reduce household
expenses is to reduce housing costs, especially for renters (2/3 of all
renters are costburdened, i.e., spend more than 30% of their adjusted
income on housing rent). The Update to the 2007 Affordable Housing
Market Analysis for the Iowa City Urbanized Area, prepared in September
2014 by MPOJC and the Housing Trust fund of Johnson County, identified
the four following strategies for increasing affordable housing
opportunities. I would support these strategies if elected to serve on City
Council.
1) Change Public Perception. I have familiarity with this issue, which is
fundamental to the success of any effort to increase the supply of
affordable housing.
2) Public Policies. The public policies identified in the update include
increasing the amount of land allowing multi family housing, preserving
existing affordable housing, and inclusionary zoning. As a former member
of Iowa Citys Planning and Zoning Commission (20122015), I have an
excellent grasp of the Citys Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. In fact, I
have for some time been advocating for changes to the Zoning Code that
would help increase affordable housing opportunities and address the
need to change the publics perception of it. These include adopting new
zoning standards for pocket neighborhoods or cottage clusters, and
District A
John Thomas
contd
District C
Rick Dobyns
District C
Pauline Taylor