Hayek has experience
I have known Iowa City Mayor Matt Hayek since he was an intern for Rep. Dave Nagle for whom I worked when Iowa City was in the 3rd Congressional District of Iowa. I have watched and been very pleased with Matt’s progression from that less-than-affluent status to Iowa City mayor and city councilor.
He has taken on some very tough issues such as the 21-ordinance and banning Information tables on the Ped Mall, and he works with the University of Iowa to jointly commission a market study for downtown working-space options with the Iowa City Area Development Group. The city, university, and private sector are hoping to establish a public-private partnership to combine the music-school facilities with taxable projects such as commercial and residential condominiums.
He wisely chose Mary Kate Pilcher as his wife and partner in establishing another Hayek family, which includes three lovely young children to keep Iowa City growing and maintain strong family roots for the future. His leadership and strong support for high-quality education and safe schools is another area of Matt’s interest and commitment.
Iowa City is more than lucky to have Matt Hayek at the helm of our local government. We all need to work together to keep honest, superior individuals such as Matt in office. I am proud to endorse Matt and encourage individuals who do not know him to review his history and accomplishments and support him for re-election.
Virginia Stratton
Patel embodies American Dream
Last week, I had dinner with UI student and City Council candidate Raj Patel, and something he said to me has resonated since.
"Jacob," he said. "This campaign, everything — it’s not that I only want to do it — but it’s, as if, I feel I have to do it."
He then went on to explain how his parents immigrated to the United States for its hope of opportunity and — after working in a Snap-On tools factory upon their first entrepreneurial endeavor — couldn’t afford a home. Living in the 15-bedroom motel they ran for their sole source of income, they kept their spirits up and their work ethic strong, and they progressed. And, after all the setbacks and naïveté of coming to a new country, they were able to provide all three of their children with what every parent strives for: college educations and opportunities for success.
I’ll vote for Raj because, combined with a precocious wisdom of the area’s politics, he represents a visceral connection to what made this country what it is.
He’s not a local business owner looking to have a say in the politics affecting his financial investments; he’s a resident of Iowa City who has learned enough about Iowa City politics (serving as student liaison to the City Council this past year) to know what needs to be changed. He speaks with a voice that benefits the people of Iowa City, and not his own bank account. Raj fully realizes the blessing it is to be an American, and if elected, could become a source of opportunity and optimism for the city of Iowa City.
Jacob Lancaster
Hayek cares, has served
I support Matt Hayek for re-election to the Iowa City City Council.
Matt believes in the seemingly old-fashioned ideas of public service and volunteerism. I first met him 20 years ago in a UI classroom when he was learning Spanish to prepare for a two-year Peace Corps assignment in Bolivia. His public engagement continued upon his return to Iowa City. He was recognized by the state bar association for his pro bono legal work for less fortunate Iowans. He served on the board of the Englert Theatre for five years, including as president. He’s been active in and has led numerous city commissions and task forces. For the last four years, he has worked hard and served us well on the City Council.
Matt has the integrity, work ethic, and good judgment I look for in a civic leader. I ask you to join me in supporting his continued public service to our community.
Joan Burns
Hayek knows Iowa City
I am writing to endorse Matt Hayek for re-election to the City Council.
I view Matt as a consistent advocate for responsible city planning. He is genuinely committed to policies that respect and indeed encourage the many diverse neighborhoods and communities that make up our city. He has a deep knowledge and respect for the history of Iowa City that he combines with a worldly outlook and an enthusiasm for new ideas and perspectives.
I encourage voters to support Matt in the primary election on Oct. 11.
Eric Gidal
Patel reaches out
Raj Patel is a born leader.
I have watched him grow from "Just Another Student" candidate to a well-qualified, well-spoken candidate for City Council. He has taken the time to become extremely well-informed on the issues, as well as put in the work to make sure the community is aware of his efforts.
I have heard him tell me numerous times how he has spent time in the community, knocking on doors and listening to the people and their concerns. He has reached out to our low-income neighborhoods as well as the student populous. It’s this type of commitment and work ethic that we all desire in our elected officials, and Raj personifies that.
His qualities as a business person allow him to better understand the troubles Iowa City has in attracting new businesses, and his status as a current student allow him to better connect with a portion of our population that is typically underrepresented.
I encourage you to take the time to read his well thought out positions and interest in the community as posted on his website, PatelCityCouncil.com, to learn more about him and what he stands for.
He is not only a great person but also a great leader. I ask you to join me in supporting him for a City Council term and believe that he has the youth, vision, and dedication to lead Iowa City moving forward. Please vote for him Oct. 11 and again on Nov. 8. Thank you.
Luke Schneider
Hayek is a leader
We support Matt Hayek in his re-election campaign for City Council.
Matt is a demonstrated leader who has been a key contributor to many of the major milestones within the Iowa City community over the past several years, including economic development, health and safety initiatives, and productive partnerships with entities such as the University of Iowa.
Matt is deeply committed to Iowa City — to maintaining its stature as a vibrant city while also supporting the health and safety of its diverse residents. He is a collaborative partner, willing to consider problems from numerous perspectives before choosing a course of action. Matt has provided excellent leadership on the Council.
Join us in voting for Matt Hayek so that he can continue to bring his considerable experience, insight, and skill to the council’s important work.
Sarah and Scott Hansen
Hayek listens
There are many reasons to vote this Tuesday for the election of city officials. We are facing serious economic and social problems at local, national, and global levels that are tangible, particularly at the local level. The election of strong public officials is critically important at this time.
We encourage you to support Matt Hayek for the City Council. He is very effective in leading our City Council as mayor, having been elected and recognized for leadership to the post by fellow members of the council. Matt has the skills combined with personal integrity to lead us through difficult times.
As a small-business owner in downtown, Matt understands the fiscal operations and incentives for economic development. As a past president of the Englert Theatre and Peace Corps volunteer, he understands the value of the arts and social development. Matt Hayek continues to work through tough decisions for balancing our city budget. He listens carefully to students and long-term residents alike by hosting public hearings in creating bar-entry and other ordinances that improve our city.
We need intelligent, caring, and strong leadership now. Please vote this Tuesday for Matt Hayek, Iowa City City Council.
Kirk T. Phillips and Mary Jeanne Perino Phillips