Cedar Rapids Gazette: Connie Champion has done her part to stand up and get involved to help make a change in her part of the world. She is believed to hold the title as the longest-serving member of the City Council in Iowa City. Having finished her fourth four-year term at the end of 2013, the city estimates Champion has attended 400 council meetings and voted on 800 ordinances and 7,000 resolutions over the past 16 years. She also previously served on the Iowa City school board for nine years, adding up to a quarter-century of service as an elected official. She recently spoke with the Cedar Rapids Gazette on women running for public office, and when it comes to women doing so, “they are foolish not to.” Champion also offered women considering a run for office three pieces of advice.