RUNNING FIRST FOR THE ISSUES, NOT THE OFFICE

When local activists asked Brandon Ross to run for the Iowa City City
Council last August, he said no.

"The job pays too little, I have an infant, and I am not a politician," the
38-year-old Boston native said.

But Ross, who supports himself by buying old books for resale, decided to
run against incumbent Connie Champifor a District B seat when he realized
none of the district's candidates supported student, senior-citizen,
low-income resident, or environmental issues.

"I was not ambitious for the office -- I was ambitious for the issues," he
said of his bid for council. "I consider myself a long-shot running against
an incumbent in an area of wealth and suburban sprawl."

Ross said he doesn't support the "unenforceable" alcohol ordinance in
effect since Aug. 1, is not in favor of raising the age requirement for all
bars to 21, and supports a smoking ban in establishments earning a majority
of their profits from food sales -- an issue currently on the council's plate.

He also said he wants to eliminate "knock-and-talks," when Iowa City police
approach homes in search of illicit drugs to earn federal funding.

Ross' ideas have earned both praise and criticism.

"I think he's a pretty bright guy," said Mayor Ernie Lehman, an at-large
candidate up for re-election. Lehman added, however, that Ross has failed
to study all the issues. He pointed to Ross' statements on the campaign
trail to build more neighborhood grocery stores -- something not feasible
for Iowa City, Lehman said.

Ross' father's sudden heart attack and death Oct. 24 may have strengthened
the District B candidate's resolve to achieve victory in Tuesday's race.

"I didn't really consider quitting," Ross said. "We all suffer loss. I
think if we all keep in mind that our loved ones and ourselves are
impermanent, then we can have the type of compassion that it takes to
understand and treat people well."

Ross was adopted by a working-class family and grew up an only child in the
Alston-Brighton area of Boston. He graduated from Boston University with a
secondary-level teaching degree and taught high school for six years before
becoming a reporter for the East Boston News and the Alston-Brighton Tab.

The UI Writers' Workshop drew Ross to Iowa City in 1988; he soon noticed
the city's rapid rate of urban development. He said additions to downtown
such as the kiosks and the number of parking garages under construction
concern him. Last year, he joined the fight to stop the First Avenue
extension, which was eventually approved.

"When you build parking amenities, you destroy your city," he said. "We
must protect small businesses and neighborhoods. That's where the strength
of the city lies." Ross said he isn't letting his lack of experience as a
politician stop his bid for the council.

"It's good to have diversity on the council. I ride a bicycle. I'm a
renter. I represent people who are underrepresented," the former disc
jockey said. "I'm resourceful and creative, and I'm not afraid of
confrontation."

His potential has not gone unnoticed.

"I think he will be fine," said Councilor Irvin Pfab of Ross' possible
council position. "I think he's an informed member of the public."