UI junior Dan Tallon has experience in the combat zone.
In fact, he served his patriotic duties before he could legally purchase tobacco.
Now, Tallon is looking to further carry out the commitment he made as a soldier to serve and protect, but this time by running for a seat on the Iowa City City Council.
“I’ve served the community since before I was legally an adult and want to continue that my entire life,” he said.
Tallon was born in Merced, Calif., but grew up in Davenport.
At 17, he graduated from high school early to join the Iowa Army National Guard. He said that decision is what defines him and makes him the most qualified candidate for a seat on the City Council.
“It teaches you a lot about when you have to get something done,” he said. “There’s no choice, you can’t just hide things under the rug.”
Majoring in political science, Tallon has also served on the board of directors for his church in Davenport.
Tallon decided over the summer to enter the race but noted it has been something he’s thought about since he was a freshman.
“I was looking for a way to be more active in the community,” he said, and he hopes to be a representative for the entire community.
One of his main concerns is high rent prices, which particularly affects students from lower-income families or those who have a disabled parent. And Tallon can relate to those issues.
He is the first person in his immediate family to graduate from high school. He financially supports himself, and he has experienced the expenses of living in Iowa City as a student.
As a councilor, Tallon said he would suggest that a small amount of money be set aside to help those who are struggling so they aren’t forced to live in cheaper buildings that are often farther off-campus.
He would also like to see a change in the city’s public transportation system.
“I want to see something as effective as the Cambus reach all the neighborhoods in Iowa City,” he said.
His supporters acknowledge his drive to better the community for its residents.
“He really knows how to make a connection real fast with people,” campaign manager Joey Belk said.
“He’s very conscientious of others,” said UI senior Amanda Leppert, who works with Tallon. “He gives 100 percent at his job and is good with people.”
The primary election is scheduled for Oct. 6, when one at-large candidate will be voted out of the race, leaving four hopefuls running for the two available seats.
Early voting is available at the Auditor’s Office, 913 S. Dubuque St., 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays.
Satellite voting is available at the UI Hospitals and Clinics first-floor atrium lobby, Elevator I, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today and at the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and noon-5 p.m. Oct. 4.