I have a plethora of reasons why I am running, but specifically a few that desperately need to be addressed for our Iowa City community.

First and foremost I desire to address financial mismanagement in our government.  The financial mismanagement of our Iowa City Community School District has been appalling. To date we have realized that at least $38 million in tax payer dollars were found in unapproved interfund loans, which after the board discovered these in January, 2026,  retroactively approved. The school board and former superintendent were negligent in their fiduciary responsibility to the tax payers.  Apparently, they were completely fine with this egregious mishandling of funds. Besides, four funds totaling $17 million were removed from the quarterly financial report in January and February of 2026. This was in part to hide the fact that that $10 million was added to those same funds previously. ICCSD failed to provide a financial report of fiscal year 2025, among the numerous other times its quarterly financial reports have been inaccurate or simply absent. What I have stated apparently only barely scratches the surface of the problems in the ICCSD.

The ICCSD has not only mishandled YOUR tax dollars, they have mishandled the education of YOUR children. This mishandling is putting those most vulnerable at risk of losing the great quality of education Iowa City has been known for. If I am elected, I will launch a full state audit of the Iowa City Community School District. And, if any criminal activity is found, I will seek their punishment for the violation of the community's trust.

Another issue facing Iowa City is homelessness. Iowa City has a massive homeless crisis. Part of the reason why this is the case is the city council’s lack of foresight by allowing the grouping of all of  the shelters in one geographical region (The Southside.) This action has created a culture of homelessness that has overwhelmed local business owners, EMS services, and seen a sharp increase in crime. The city council has also allowed a sizable  encampment near the Iowa River and the Terry Trueblood Recreational Center run rampant. Crime is increasing in this area. Fewer people are using the once beautiful Sand Lake facility. If elected, I will propose care facilities that encourage medical, psychological, and vocational rehabilitation.

The third major issue that needs to be addressed within Iowa City lies with the three Regent Universities. The University of Iowa's tuition rates are out of control. This year, in-state tuition costs are projected to be $11,971, and only 5 years ago it was $9,942. Just 15 years ago it was $4,606. This is almost triple in 15 years! The number of administrators receiving huge salaries have skyrocketed. These administrators receive egregious salaries from hard working tax payers, and the students sink deeper into debt. This debt often pushes graduates out to state for better paying jobs in higher paying markets. I would propose legislation that resident students who remain and are employed in Iowa upon graduation, would be eligible for a percentage of loan forgiveness based on their years working in the state. 

The fourth major issue I see facing our state that I would like to address is the need for Judicial reform.  The sixth Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees the right to a fast and public trial. Sadly, this is not the case in Iowa today! The dockets of our courts and county attorneys are staggering! It is not uncommon for these public servants to see up to 200 cases per week! Both civil and criminal litigation drags on for years. I believe I am the ONLY candidate state wide that is calling for a funding increase by the State House so as to increase by 20% the hiring of new District Judges. . 

If elected, I will fight for the property rights of all Iowa landowners. I abhor eminent domain rights for companies seeking to make a profit off of the private property of Iowa Farmers.

I seek to represent the PEOPLE of Iowa, not a party. I hope you will help vote me into office on November 3, 2026. Remember "Arch for Iowa State House 89"! 

Thank you,

Daniel Arch