Politics & Government

Iowa City City Council Candidate Profiles: Rick Dobyns

Patch.com is doing profiles on all of the candidates for City Council before the elections so you can be informed before you make your vote.

Here's a profile on District A candidate Rick Dobyns.

Dobyns, a practicing family physician, is competeting against Stephen Soboroff for Iowa City District A in today's Iowa City City Council election. 

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

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Rick Dobyns: I'm an Air Force brat who moved with my family from base to base until my father retired from the military and we settled in Minnesota where I graduated from high school, college and medical school. 

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

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Dobyns: I'm 55 years old and have lived in Iowa City for 23 years.

Iowa City Patch: What is your profession?

Dobyns: I am a family physician who teaches at the University medical school. I also see patients as part of my own practice. My focus is on caring for older patients and end-of-life care but I see patients of all ages with all kinds of concerns. 

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

Dobyns: I initially got involved because of the health issues regarding excessive alcohol use but became interested in the all the other issues that involve Iowa City.

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

Dobyns: Encouraging a sense of inclusion through participation in neighborhood associations and invigorating the commercial tax base of Iowa City through promoting a more pro-business philosophy. 

Iowa City Patch: Why do you think you are qualified to be on the city council? 

Dobyns: My experience working in team oriented leadership roles on various governmental and not-for-profit boards. What voters in Iowa City do you think you will appeal to and why? I'll appeal to voters who look for an established and relevant record of working with others in leadership positions within the community. 

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

Dobyns: Business, regional cooperation between cities, downtown development and scattered affordable housing. 

Background of the profile series:

Iowa City Patch sent the current Iowa City Council candidates a list of the same seven questions to provide people with a greater understanding of the individuals who are running in the Nov. 8 election for the Iowa City Council.

The seven council members serve four year terms, with four seats up in November (effective 2012) for one District A, one District C and two At-large slots on the council. The remaining three slots are up in 2013 (effective 2014).  City elections are held every two years.


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