Scott McDonough is gunning for the District C seat in the upcoming City Council election.
On Nov. 3, residents of Iowa City will cast their votes for the Council. McDonough, a businessman, announced he would be running in April against John Thomas. District C covers downtown Iowa City and areas just north of Iowa City.

“I want to focus on affordable housing, sustainability and a way to pay for all of that,” McDonough said. “Especially in response to [the University of Iowa], affordable housing is a big issue that needs to be addressed. There are some areas I am interested in looking at within a sustainable and wise way.”

Currently, Jim Throgmorton serves as the representative for District C, but he is now running for an at-large seat.

McDonough graduated from the UI College of Business in 1988, and since then, has lived in Johnson County. McDonough is also the owner of McDonough Structures Inc., located in Iowa City.

In the community, McDonough is involved with a number of local organizations, including the Iowa City Board of Appeals, the Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition, and the Englert Theater Board of Directors. He also serves as the board president for the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity organization.

McDonough said he has a range of ideas and topics he hopes to work on if elected to the council.

The UI has seen increased enrollment in recent years, and McDounough said there needs to be enough housing for primarily freshmen and other students as well. With approximately 32,000 students, the UI is integral to the issue of housing.

McDonough said he believes he would have a lot to contribute to the council if he wins the seat.
“I do a good job of dealing with controversial issues,” McDonough said. “I am able to find out where the passion comes from on both sides and mediating between the two of them.”

Nate Kaeding, Iowa City Downtown District retail development director and a friend of McDonough for years, described him as caring and well-respected throughout the community.

“Scott came to a phase in his life where he was ready to give back to the community. He is receptive to input and feedback and really knows how to listen to people,” Kaeding said. “He has a great reputation and would be the perfect candidate for City Council.”

Steve McGuire, an art professor at the UI, said he has known McDonough for roughly eight years.

“He’s an incredibly reliable and thoughtful person. I personally don’t know anyone who seeks as broad of an opinion as him — all around very balanced, reliable and compassionate person,” McGuire said.