CBJ Editorial
All elections matter, but perhaps the two of the Corridor’s most important elections this campaign cycle are the races for mayor in Marion and for city council in Iowa City, which will in turn choose Iowa City’s next mayor.
Both communities have been experiencing steady progress with regards to business climate and a willingness to embrace growth. Both communities continue to receive accolades for lifestyle and community amenities that should only make them better for residents and businesses.
But the pending election has the very real potential of putting both communities on a backwards slide.
Marion is experiencing such rapid growth as it nears 40,000 residents that it is important to continue to invest in infrastructure while diversifying its economic base with additional commercial and industrial development. It’s also important to elect someone who will not only embrace the community’s current growth opportunities, but also be a leader who reflects the youthfulness of this growing community and provides solutions, rather than just lamenting its challenges, as is too often the case.
Simply put, Marion needs the leadership that Nick AbouAssaly would bring to the mayor’s office. He would bring a fresh and energetic approach to city leadership, which is especially critical at this juncture in the growing community.
He and his family have lived in Marion for a long time, and have dedicated much of their volunteer efforts within the community and the Linn-Mar School District, where he graduated and his three children currently attend.
Mr. AbouAssaly’s resume of volunteerism within Marion is impressive. He’s a current city councilor, and has served on countless boards and commissions, including Uptown Marion, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Marion Economic Development Corporation. He is also a real estate attorney, which is another important asset as the city continues to grow.
But more than his vision for, and commitment to, his community is the integrity and ethical behavior that he embodies. Those are traits, unfortunately, not as common in people seeking elected office as we wish they were. In short, we need more people like Mr. AbouAssaly in elected positions in Marion and across the country. Marion should embrace Mr. AbouAssaly as much as he embraces it.
The Iowa City election for mayor isn’t as simple as it is in Marion, because council members select the mayor amongst themselves, rather than a vote by the public. Current Mayor Matt Hayek is unfortunately not running for re-election. He has been masterful in shepherding Iowa City forward in a traditionally precarious business climate.
To continue with Mr. Hayek’s and the city’s reasonable approach to development, we recommend the following candidates in the upcoming election: Scott McDonough in District C; Tim Conroy and Michelle Payne in the At-Large District; and Rick Dobyns in District A.
