Affordable Housing on Tallon's Agenda

Although 22-year-old Dan Tallon is currently serving in Afghanistan with the Iowa Army National Guard, the University of Iowa student plans to jump into the Iowa City Council race when he returns in July.

The Davenport native will be vying for the District C seat, currently held by Regenia Bailey, who does not plan to run this year. 

Mayor Matt Hayek is the only Iowa City Council incumbent who has announced he will run - for one of two at-large seats. A District A slot is also up for grabs in the Nov. 8 election.

Tallon, who unsuccessfully attempted a 2009 council bid, said he will sign a lease for a home near Lucas and Burlington streets. 

Patch sent all the city council candidates a list of eight questions. The following are Tallon's answers:

Iowa City Patch: Where are you from originally and what is your tie to Iowa City?

Dan Tallon: I have lived in Iowa since 1989 and I have lived in Iowa City since I joined the army almost 5 years ago.

Iowa City Patch: How old are you and how long have you lived in Iowa City?

Tallon: I am 22 years old and have lived in Iowa City for almost 5 years. 

Iowa City Patch: What is your profession?

Tallon: I am an infantry soldier with Iowa Army National Guard serving in Afghanistan until early next month.  I am also a student.

Iowa City Patch: What motivated you to run for city council? 

Tallon: I am motivated to run for City Council by a strong desire to serve my community and I think my work ethic would serve Iowa City well.

Iowa City Patch: What would your priorities be as a council member?

Tallon: My priorities as a member of the City Council would be to encourage voluntary inclusionary zoning which would offer incentives for builders to build affordable housing throughout the city and develop mixed income neighborhoods.  I also want to focus on expanding the tax base in the city by encouraging business to come to Iowa City. A larger tax base can offer lower property tax rates without reducing the services provided to the residents.  Those would be my first two priorities.

Iowa City Patch: Why do you think you are qualified to be on the city council? What voters in Iowa City do you think you will appeal to and why?

Tallon: I think I am the right person to be on the City Council because I offer a different set of experiences than a normal Council member. Growing up, I benefited from both public housing as a young child and then from affordable housing as teen. I think I appeal to voters of Iowa City because I am dedicated to working hard to see Iowa City grow and become a more sustainable city. 

Iowa City Patch: Which issues do you feel will be the most important in the upcoming election?

Tallon: I think the previous mentioned issues will be the most important this cycle.

Iowa City Patch: How would you rate the performance of the current council members? What would you change if you could?

Tallon: I think the outgoing members should be thanked for their years of combined service to the city.  Anyone who dedicates so much time and work to making our city a better place to live should have the respect of the community.