Public Policy from Cid

School Board Elections in Cedar Rapids and throughout State of Iowa on Tuesday, September 13

2011-09-12T21:22:00.005-05:00

Received the following e-mail on the Cedar Rapids Community Schools School Board Election:

http://creaonline.org/CREA.html

This has been under wraps by local media, but lots of folks are talking about it. Flyers with all 4 union-backed candidates are being distributed. Ring-leader, and conveniently not running, is Gary Anhalt, former CREA president and current CR school board member (elected unopposed in 2009 for a four year term).

ALL VOTERS VOTE FOR ALL RACES, but candidates running in districts must live in those districts.

5 people are running At-Large for 2 spots; 2 are running in District 1 and 2 running in District 4.

FUNDING of the union backed candidates:

At-Large CREA Kathy Ulrich: https://webapp.iecdb.iowa.gov/PublicView/county/Linn/School_Board/Ulrich_Kathleen/2011-09-08__DR2_Summary.pdf

At-Large CREA Karen Hartlep: https://webapp.iecdb.iowa.gov/PublicView/county/Linn/School_Board/Hartlep_Karen/2011-09-08__DR2_Summary.pdf

District 1 Iron Workers Dustin Weiland: https://webapp.iecdb.iowa.gov/PublicView/county/Linn/School_Board/Weiland_Dustin/2011-09-08__DR2_Summary.pdf

District 4 CREA Sunny Story: https://webapp.iecdb.iowa.gov/PublicView/county/Linn/School_Board/Story_Sunny/2011-09-08__DR2_Summary.pdf

Interesting recent links of 3 of these union candidates:

At-Large CREA Kathy Ulrich and District 4 CREA Sunny Story KCRG March 8 2011: http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Labor-Supporters-Speak-Out-at-Collective-Bargaining-Hearing-in-Des-Moines-117565038.html ; (at :56 for about 20 seconds on the video)

Also, halfway down the homepage of the CREA (http://creaonline.org/CREA.html) has a picture supposedly in Madison on March 12 2011 with what looks like At-Large CREA candidate Karen Hartlep (in black at left) and Gary Anhalt (in red on the right).

Our recommendations in Cedar Rapids on September 13:

Please vote to retain or elect these candidates...

Mary Meisterling (incumbent District 1)
John Laverty (incumbent at-large and current President of the School Board)
Ann Rosenthal (incumbent at-large)
Allen Witt (seeking to fill vacancy by Melissa Kiliper-Ernst, who is not seeking re-election)

Polls in Linn County are open Noon to 8 p.m.

P.S. - We support the Kirkwood Community College bond extension for facility upgrades and three new buildings around the Kirkwood CC district, including a new center to serve Cedar Rapids/Marion.

Is it Time to Connect the Dots America?

2011-06-20T20:26:00.004-05:00

UN Agenda 21 - Coming to a Neighborhood near You - American Thinker

Most Americans are unaware that one of the greatest threats to their freedom may be a United Nations program known as Agenda 21. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Sustainable Development created Agenda 21 as a sustainability agenda which is arguably an amalgamation of socialism and extreme environmentalism brushed with anti-American, anti-capitalist overtones. - American Thinker

So, are we seeing it with the decision in Cedar Falls this month? - YouTube

City Ordinance Demands Keys From Citizens for Lock Boxes ... - healthfreedoms.org
Jun 13, 2011 ... For citizens of Cedar Falls, Iowa, ordinance 2740 (unfunded city-wide ... based on footage from the May 23 City Council meeting and posted it to YouTube. ... “If it does pass, we are going to file a lawsuit,” Saul said. ...

The City of Cedar Rapids passed a revised Chapter 29 in 2010.

In Cedar Falls, Iowa, the government is attempting to nullify the Fourth Amendment. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the third and final reading of an ordinance adopting a 2009 International Fire Code that specifies the fire chief can require lock boxes for emergency access to keys to buildings. - Kurt Nimmo

By the way, the 2009 International Fire Code was approved in Cedar Rapids with the adoption of the revised Chapter 29.

One World Government Quotes By World Leaders
One World Government Quotes By World Leaders: Henry Kissinger, David Rockefeller ... Al Gore, Barack Hussein Obama, French President Chirac, Strobe Talbott, ...

We had an interesting conversation today in Cedar Rapids. Tonight, after that conversation, we googled the following on Governor Rick Perry of Texas.

Bilderberg-Approved Perry Set to Become Presidential Frontrunner ...
Jun 20, 2011 ... Look beyond the rhetoric and study what Perry has actually done in his role as Governor – he's the ultimate globalist – his every action ...www.infowars.com/bilderberg-approved-perry-set-to-become-presidential-frontrunner/

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness ...

Don't take your future for granted, as you watch reality TV or follow your favorite sporting event in the United States of America.

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May 3, 2011: How should we pay for Infrastructure Needs in Linn County, Iowa?

2011-04-30T13:10:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's the last day of the month, the 30Th of April 2011.

On Tuesday, May 3Rd, voters in Linn County, Iowa, except for people in three small townships, will vote to extend the local option sales tax for twenty years through 2034. Those other three cities have already done that. The sales tax will remain seven percent, which it is currently.

In Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha and Robins, each City is planning to use the 20 year extension of the L.O.S.S.T or local option sales tax as an Infrastructure Tax [PDF of ballot]. The fifth city in the voting block of five (Hiawatha) is not.

The infrastructure in Linn County and our communities is getting older. Like with our pools in Cedar Rapids, they reached the age where they needed to be replaced. Much of the infrastructure in Linn County has reached an age, where replacement is needed. In Cedar Rapids, four tenths of every cent (40 percent) will be used for existing street infrastructure.

The City of Cedar Rapids choose to not allocate funds, since 1967 to ward off the historical flood that occurred in 2008. The 1967 Flood Study predicted the Flood of 2008. It is time to have a funding source for flood protection systems. Several plans are being discussed. The City of Cedar Rapids needs a funding source for the final plans.

Sales tax is a natural option for local communities for infrastructure projects. The State of Iowa limits municipal and county governments to one percent. In many cases, like with roads, people who use our roads, can help in funding them. A sales tax over a property tax provides us with that opportunity for those who work and visit our community to help in maintaining that infrastructure.

We are voting "Yes" on May 3Rd. We support a local Infrastructure Tax.

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Happy Easter weekend to everyone; May 3Rd L.O.S.S.T vote moves closer in Cedar Rapids, Marion and Linn County, Iowa

2011-04-23T12:42:00.003-05:00

Thursday night was a big night, when both sides on the local option sales/service tax vote came together for a community forum sponsored by ImpactCR, among others.

The March 2009 local option tax approved by the voters of Cedar Rapids has come with a price. The ballot language was very broad and it has ruffled feathers, since 2010, when Mayor Ron Corbett and the current City Council began utilizing the tax. Sadly, it is in place through 2014 and can't be replaced immediately by the improved language in the May 3Rd ballot language.

On May 3Rd, the voters of Cedar Rapids will have the opportunity to approve a 20 year tax for the following:

Property Tax Relief (10%),

Flood Protection Systems for the East and West sides of the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids (50%) and

Existing Road Improvements (40%).

We support the L.O.S.T.T. for the City of Cedar Rapids, along with the other infrastructure tax votes in Marion, Hiawatha and Robins. Fairfax is the fifth community voting as a metro block on May 3Rd with the City of Cedar Rapids. We believe a sales tax, as opposed to higher property taxes, is a more prudent approach to resolving the deferred road issues impacting the Cedar Rapids community. Further, in 1967, a flood report recommended flood protection needs for the City of Cedar Rapids. If flood protection is going to become a reality in Cedar Rapids, sales tax is a fair approach to paying for our flood protection needs in our community.

Most communities the size of Cedar Rapids have a sales tax. One percent is very fair tax rate. Take a look at local taxes throughout the Midwest. Currently, five percent of the sales tax collected moves to the State of Iowa in Linn County. An additional one percent of the sales tax collected moves to the State of Iowa for school districts. The final one percent can be used for local municipal purposes. The State of Iowa doesn't allow a higher rate for local communities.

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Thirty days and counting until May 3 Tax Extention Vote in Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa

2011-04-03T16:09:00.006-05:00

Happy April to everyone ...

March Madness has ended, with the Final Four this weekend and the NCAA Championship Game on Monday night, which will feature UConn vs. Butler.

Major League Baseball has opened for 2011. How long will Chicago Cubs fans carry there hope in 2011?

On May 3Rd, the City of Cedar Rapids voters, along with voters throughout Linn County will consider a twenty year extension of the Local Option Sales Tax. The Pro-Tax folks in Cedar Rapids have started to place blue yard signs supporting the Tax. The group called, Protect Cedar Rapids Committee, is going to be campaigning throughout the month of April holding daily neighborhood meetings during the work week.

In February, the City Council approved the ballot language for the May 3, 2011 vote.

On Friday, April 1, the first Pro-Tax neighborhood meeting was held at Harrison E.S. in NW Cedar Rapids. A neighborhood hit hard from the Flood of 2008.

Cedar Rapids Holds First Public Meeting on LOST Extension‎ - Eastern Iowa Government Option sales tax in Cedar Rapids draws a crowd at a local elementary school. ... Corbett has planned until the LOST vote happens May 3 of this year. ...

Prior to starting the neighborhood meeting circuit, the Pro-Tax supporters meet with The Gazette Editorial Board.

Baird, Corbett test sales-tax pitch before neighborhood meetings - The Gazette

Top Stories - New L.O.S.T Campaign Ad Featuring CR ... - KGAN CBS 2 Mar 24, 2011 ... The Push is on Ahead of May 3rd L.O.S.T. Vote · Iowans Get First Glimpse at New Iowa ... Your 2 Cents with Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett ...

There are groups opposing the Local Option Sales Tax extension in Cedar Rapids. One of the leaders of the local Tea Party group suggested orally they would have an alternative for how Flood Protection for the east and west sides of the river should be funded, but we haven't heard formally how it should be handled differently?

Sales Taxes

Property Taxes

Do nothing - Flood Insurance?

new local Income Tax

Another group is very vocal against our current Mayor, City Council and the proposed extension of the local sales tax. This group prides itself with the following slogan: "We commit to the citizens of Cedar Rapids that we will work to protect the citizens from the antics of the CR City Council." There web site has the following statement: "Vote No on the Local Option Sales Tax Extension on May 3, 2011." The group has said it is not a political organization.

The another part of the $375 million proposal to build flood protection on the east and west sides of the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids will come from the State of Iowa.

Cedar Rapids flood protection funding begins to take shape in Iowa Legislature - The Gazette DES MOINES – A plan that could provide up to $30 million a year for Cedar Rapids area flood recovery is beginning to take shape in the Iowa Legislature. Although the plan is in draft form, meaning no bill has been filed or assigned to a committee, representatives of Cedar Rapids reminded a 12-member legislative ...

City Manager Pomeranz: “We can never let Cedar Rapids flood again” - The Gazette CEDAR RAPIDS — Invite the public for a visit with high-profile, hotel-buying, Second Avenue-closing Mayor Ron Corbett, and you’re apt to get a crowd. Last night, though, City Manager Jeff Pomeranz held the first of three, Thursday-evening “meet-and-greets” as a way to introduce himself to the community and had only about 15 residents come out to ...

The final step will come from the Federal Government. Sadly, the U.S. Corp. of Engineers recommendation to the Feds does not include funding any protection for the west side of the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids.

Flood Report for Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Calls for Better Protection ... - Insurance Journal Sep 7, 2010 ... The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released a draft report that calls for a better, if limited, flood-protection system in Cedar Rapids, ...

Cedar River, Cedar Rapids, IowaFlood Risk Management - US Army Corp of Engineers

City of Cedar Rapids flood information

City's Flood Recovery Plan

The upcoming ballot item is extremely important for the Citizens of Cedar Rapids and throughout Linn County. Hopefully, the community dialogue will be a productive one that gets out the facts and truth about the issue coming before the public.

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We welcome March: Two months away from L.O.S.T. vote in Linn County, Iowa

2011-03-01T18:40:00.005-06:00

On February 22, 2011, the Cedar Rapids City Council during a regular council meeting passed the following for a May 3Rd public measure ...

Discussion and Resolution requesting a special election be held on May 3, 2011 on the extension of a local option sales and services tax to establish and maintain a flood protection
system for both the east and west side of the Cedar River, existing street improvements and
property tax relief. (Angie Charipar) CIP/DID#654114

Exhibit A

(Insert letter to be assigned by the Commissioner of Elections)

SHALL THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC MEASURE BE ADOPTED? YES □ NO □

Summary: To authorize extension of a local sales and services tax in the city of Cedar Rapids at
the rate of one percent (1 %) to be effective from July 1, 2014, until June 30, 2034.

A local sales and services tax shall be imposed in the city of Cedar Rapids at the rate of one
percent (1 %) to be effective from July 1, 2014, until June 30, 2034.

Revenues from the sales and services tax shall be allocated as follows:
Fifty percent (50%) to establish and maintain a flood protection system on both the east and west side of the Cedar River; and Forty percent (40%) for existing street improvements; and
Ten percent (10%) for property tax relief.

*** *** ***

This year's State of the City address is a little late per the City Charter ...

Mayor Corbett to Present State of the City Address Tomorrow ... - The Gazette
Mar 1, 2011 ... Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett will present his “State of the City” address

tomorrow, March 2, 2011 at noon at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center, ...

Here's a look back at his first State of the City address in 2010.

Corbett On State of the City Speech: "I Just Want To Be Realistic ... - KCRG-TV9
Feb 24, 2010 ... CEDAR RAPIDS - Mayor Ron Corbett said flood victims in Cedar Rapids feel it ... of about 350 people for his first State of the City address.

In June 2011, the City of Cedar Rapids will celebrate the third anniversary of the sixth worse natural disaster in U.S. history. The gulf oil leak surpassed the disaster in Cedar Rapids in 2010.

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Happy New Year: 2011 will be an important year for Cedar Rapids, Iowa USA

2011-01-02T15:30:00.007-06:00

Happy New Year to all ...

The past three years have been like no other for many in the City of Cedar Rapids

Flood of 2008

Recession of 2009

Change over in the City Manager position of 2010

What will come in the New Year? 2011 has arrived and there will be many questions ahead.

How will the City of Cedar Rapids handle the review of the Home Rule Charter in 2011? Will applications be taken and will they expand the number of people who serve on the Home Rule Charter Review Commission?

Right now, the City plans nine members to review the Home Rule Charter. Early thoughts were for each member of the City Council, including the Mayor, suggesting a name, with the five districts representatives picking a person from their district. In the past, applications, like other boards and commissions, were requested and names were selected from the applications received. The past two charter commissions for the City of Cedar Rapids each had 15 members.

Wow, is this what we expected, when 69% of the voters selected the Council-Manager form of government in 2005?

In February 2011, we will see the Five Seasons Hotel close. Work will formally begin on the Convention Center and U.S. Cellular Center project. The City Council has purchased the hotel, so they can include it in the redevelopment project. When the Five Seasons Center (U.S. Cellular Center) was built, the hotel was built together. Infrastructure was shared. The land has always been the City's, but the hotel and air rights have been private.

What will happen with Flood Mitigation in 2011? Will Cedar Rapids get construction started to protect Downtown, as reinvestment continues there? Will the West Side be protected as well?

In November 2011, our City will have an election of one at-large council member and the district representatives for District 2 (non-downtown/east side district) and District 4 (mainly NW side district).

Some stories to follow in the City of Cedar Rapids as we head into 2011 ...

Branstad sets focus on jobs, economy - The Gazette

VIDEO: Greene Square Park building demolished - The Gazette
Demolition on the Cedar Rapids' park building in Greene Square Park is wrapping up this morning (Dec. 31). The building was used by the Green Square ...

Commission to review Cedar Rapids’ charter, form of government - The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS — Is nine the best number of members for the City Council? Should the mayor be a full-timer? Can you imagine a return to five, full-time council members who also manage city departments? Those are apt to be some of the topics discussed by the Charter Review Commission, which the City Council Tuesday ...

Cedar Rapids mayor reflects on his first year in office - The Gazette
One of the great City Hall dust-ups in the decade before the Flood of 2008 centered on a city handout to help replace a tiny, aged grocery with a shiny, specially designed, neighborhood store in a highly visible spot in the 1500 block of busy First Avenue NE. It took years of back and forth ...

Council hires second lobbying firm to secure funding for flood-protection - The Gazette

Council takes steps toward flood-protection system - The Gazette

Branstad says taxes, regulations blocking Iowa job creation - The Gazette
Commercial property tax and regulatory relief are needed for the state’s private sector to create more jobs, according to Governor-elect Terry Branstad. Speaking to a capacity crowd at the Marion Public Library Tuesday, Branstad said commercial property taxes need to be lowered to encourage business expansion and attract new enterprises to Iowa, but not at ...

Hall-Perrine Foundation gives $3 million for new Cedar Rapids library - The Gazette
The Hall-Perrine Foundation of Cedar Rapids has announced yet another award for a city building project. This time, the foundation is giving $3 million to the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation, an amount which equals about half of the foundation’s fundraising goal for the city’s $45-million library project. The library foundation already has about $1 ...

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Closing Streets vs. Buying Hotels or doing neither in the City of Cedar Rapids

2010-11-21T12:15:00.005-06:00

The Gazette is reporting in the Sunday edition of the newspaper in the story titled Cedar Rapids will announce purchase of Crowne Plaza that the City will acquire the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel as part of the U.S. Cellular Center/Events Center redevelopment plan.

Other recent news for Cedar Rapids:

Privatizing parking in C.R. no simple matter - The Gazette

Payments to renters complicated for Cedar Rapids - The Gazette

Closing streets for the benefit of a private entity is very unusual, though it has been done once already for PCI, with the closing of Seven Street SE between Eighth and Seventh Avenue nearly twenty years ago. PCI has been awarded the 1000-1200 blocks of Second Avenue SE for their medical mall development.

Other local government news for Cedar Rapids:

Local-option revenue could help buy land for key projects - The Gazette

Corps endorses flood-protection for east side - The Gazette

First major wave of flood demolitions nearly finished - The Gazette

Area flooded in 2008 targeted for new Cedar Rapids housing - The Gazette

Unemployment rate, Linn County, IA - Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
6.3% of the labor force - Not seasonally adjusted - Sep 2010

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Branstad addresses questions at Rotary and to The Gazette Editorial Board on Monday

2010-10-04T15:55:00.004-05:00

Click to Submit ?

Terry Branstad was the program this Noon at the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids, then visited with The Gazette's editorial board at 1:30 p.m. Some of the topics discussed at both venues ...

Commercial Property Tax reform

Reducing the size of state government

Flood Mitigation for the City of Cedar Rapids

Education

Improving Iowa's business climate

Environmental concerns

Local concerns and past Economic Development

It was a good program and Branstad was very open to a Q&A with Rotarians today, who asked a variety of questions.

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Wow, August is about to wrap up... Where did our Summer go?

2010-08-27T18:04:00.003-05:00

It's been a busy month. Students headed back to schools and colleges. The final weekend in many ways seems like the final weekend of Summer, before we head into Labor Day weekend and September shortly.

In Cedar Rapids, Mt. Mercy College has become a local university, as of this past week.

Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids becomes a university ‎- Radio Iowa
An eastern Iowa school is the second in the state this month to change from a college to a university. Mount Mercy ...

Mount Mercy Change to University Began Years Ago‎ - KCRG
Mass Celebrates Mount Mercy Name Change‎ - KCRG

This past Tuesday, August 24Th, we learned that the City of Cedar Rapids is taking the first step towards the closing of two blocks of Second Avenue SE for a medical mall.

Council Votes 6-3 to Close a Piece of Second Avenue SE‎ - KCRG
By Tracey McCullough CEDAR RAPIDS — After lengthy comment this evening from ... the council voted 6-3 to close a two-block stretch of Second Avenue SE to ...

BBC finds connections between Katrina, Cedar Rapids disasters‎ - Iowa Independent
“The government says 'because you initially helped yourself we won't help you'”, says Nancy Kasparek, president of US Bank in Cedar Rapids. ...

July unemployment rate remains flat in Corridor‎ - TMCnet
Area jobless rate holds steady at 6.3 percent‎ - Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier

Lake Delhi damage could top $150 million, dam repair may cost $5 million - The Gazette
Damage from late July flooding that breached the Lake Delhi dam could top $150 million and repairs to the dam itself could ...

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PCI says that Skywalks "won't work" and closure of Second Avenue is necessary for Cedar Rapids

2010-08-04T16:43:00.005-05:00

The Medical District will have a new skywalk over 8Th Street SE near Mercy Hospital, but the citizens and taxpayers of Cedar Rapids are being told it "won't work" for the proposed Medical Mall along Second Avenue SE, between 10Th and 12Th streets. The popular public street needs to be closed and given to a private organization.

Open Houses are being conducted this week in Downtown Cedar Rapids and The Gazette is reporting ...

Skywalks as an alternative to closing Second Avenue won’t work for PCI - The Gazette
Skywalks an Alternative to Closing Second Avenue Won’t Work for PCI - KCRG-TV
Closing a stretch of Second Avenue SE is necessary to facilitate patient flow through the Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa’s proposed new medical “mall” at 10th Street SE and Second Avenue SE, the physicians group has said ...

The group and other representatives of the new Cedar Rapids Medical District are holding open houses:

Wednesday, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The open houses will be held in The Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel

The two groups will discuss the Medical District as well as PCI’s plans to build the mall inside the district.

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More Public Spending on the way for the City of Cedar Rapids

2010-08-02T21:25:00.003-05:00

Talked to a newer Cedar Rapids resident who was concerned about his rising property taxes today at work. He estimated his taxes were going to rise as much as $2,200. He found out about the changing tax climate in our community, when he and his wife went to refinance his house of two years and property taxes came up.

City seeks $12.2 million in I-JOBS funds for amphitheater, fire stations - The Gazette
The City Council is seeking to secure $12.2 million more in state I-JOBS disaster-related funds in a statewide competition for a remaining pot of about $30 million in such funds ...
Council members look at sprucing up gateways into city - The Gazette

While the City of Cedar Rapids needs to rebuild, the questions regarding the designs and costs of flood mitigation infrastructure leads one to pause. The State and Local community typically has to come up with a 35% match with the Federal government.

The Corp of Engineers is still working on the recommendations for our community. Right now, there are significant differences between what our community wants to see vs. what the Corp has been suggesting.

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It's a Party at the University of Iowa ...

2010-08-02T21:11:00.002-05:00

It's not just football fun at the University of Iowa ...

Iowa makes Princeton Review’s Top 10 party school list - The Gazette
The University of Iowa has made the Princeton Review’s list of Top 10 party schools in the United States ...

Look at this photo from the Gazette story above ...

The Iowa City community and the University of Iowa are trying to change things though ...

Impact of 21-only starting to be seen - Iowa City Press Citizen
For supporters of the city's 21-only ordinance, the early returns look promising. ... be an indicator that Iowa City is no longer becoming a drinking destination for out-of-town ... Gang activity not new to Iowa City...
Ferentz to campaign for 21-only ordinance - Iowa City Press Citizen
“The city of Iowa City has already gone through this process before where ... was the top strategy to deal with underage and excessive drinking. ... passed the new ordinance through this spring in a series of 6-1 votes. ...

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New Political Party being formed in the State of Iowa

2010-08-01T13:07:00.004-05:00

In order to form an official political party in the State of Iowa, the supporters of a new political party must run a candidate for either the office of President or the office of Governor. If the candidate receives 2% of the vote, the State of Iowa will officially recognize the political party.

Local Cedar Rapids residents and citizens from outside the City of Cedar Rapids have decided to form a new political party. Here's a link to the The Citizen Action Party.

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City of Cedar Rapids continues push to close Second Avenue for Medical Mall

2010-07-31T08:30:00.005-05:00

The headline on the Saturday morning newspaper's front page of The Gazette is entitled "Study: C.R. can handle closed Second Avenue." PCI wants to have the City of Cedar Rapids close Second Avenue SE from Tenth to Twelve streets, so PCI can construct a Medical Mall.

The City of Cedar Rapids now has a "draft report" that is a "work in progress" ~ the current "report does not include any cost figures related to the considerable changes to the city's street infrastructure that are premised in the report."

The article reports about the recently completed traffic study by Anderson-Bogert Engineers and Surveryors, Inc. of Cedar Rapids. Reporter Rick Smith wrote that the traffic report: "says the city street system also appears to have sufficient capacity to handle other development that might come nearby and a 'fairly generous' growth in traffic."

What about the cost?

What about the need for taxpayers, citizens and guests to our community needing to "find their way for a few years," if Second Avenue SE between 10Th and 12Th streets is closed and Second and Third avenues remain one-way in certain locations and revert back to two-way in other locations? Between the river and 5Th Street SE, will all our current one-way avenues remain one-way?

This past week we heard there is some people in our community that want to close a portion of Third Avenue SE near the Museum of Art. Did the study include that future recommendation, as well?

How far will this suggestion go with the current City Council?

Mayor Ron Corbett reported again on Monday that the study to close Third Street SE for the Event Center expansion will soon begin. Currently, you can take Third Street SE west to get onto I-380. The City of Cedar Rapids has already closed First Street SE at Eighth Avenue for the new Federal Courthouse.

The City of Cedar Rapids has closed a street in the past for PCI. Seventh Street SE between Eighth and Seventh avenues was closed for one of PCI's current properties in Cedar Rapids. PCI plans to consolidate facilities currently located in SE Cedar Rapids into one Medical Mall.

What will happen to PCI's current facilities?

If Second Avenue isn't closed for PCI's planned Medical Mall, will they exit Cedar Rapids for Hiawatha? A local resident in Cedar Rapids suggested what is wrong with that?

Another local resident commented this week about Verizon's tunnel on Fifth Street beneath the street to connect two buildings that Verizon used for a time. Wouldn't a tunnel be an option as well?

Didn't the original Downtown Framework Plan discourage closing streets?

Typically, functional cities want traffic to flow throughout the community. Streets, trails, sidewalks and other types of paths connect neighborhoods and offer walkers, runners, bikers and vehicle traffic to enter and exit one neighborhood, one after another. They connect communities together. Another viewpoint on issue of closing streets, link.

Earlier this week:

Cedar Rapids man pickets; opposed to Second Avenue closure - The Gazette
Jul 26, 2010 ... GIVE ME A BREAK… when PCI starts offering health care for everyone in Cedar Rapids that uses 2nd Ave then they can close any street they ...

While The Gazette says "can handle closed Second Avenue" note the KCRG headline ...

Street System Could Cope with Closed Second Avenue ‎ - KCRG
CEDAR RAPIDS - A draft of a traffic study on the proposed closing of a section of Second Avenue SE to allow ...

Could we cope with a Closed Second Avenue SE between 10Th and 12Th Avenue?

How many more streets in Cedar Rapids will be closed for private use?

How many more streets in Cedar Rapids will be closed for public use?

How will citizens be allowed to participate in the community dialogue and process?

Meetings set for August on Cedar Rapids Medical Mall proposal ... - The Gazette
Meetings set for August on Cedar Rapids Medical Mall proposal. Posted on Jul 13, 2010 by admin. An artist's rendition of the new Cedar ...

The City Charter promotes the important role of "citizen participation" for our community. In the Long-Term planning for our community, how do these projects measure up? Is the Medical Mall concept in conflict with other reports and plans formulated by the community or government?

Are the Mayor and remaining eight members of the City Council embracing our City Charter?

It appears a group of Landlords are upset with the City Council in regards to Chapter 29. Again, another group in our community has been asked to "find their way for a few years?"

Earlier in the month of July, the City Council on back to back 2Nd and 3Rd readings replaced the existing Chapter 29 with a complete new Chapter 29, drafted by professional staff in the Code Enforcement department and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.

While citizens of our community have to live under our community standards in Chapter 29, a citizen board or commission was not used in this case. The same people who will enforce and implement Chapter 29, also wrote it.

What will be the impact be on affordable housing, economic development and the preservation and use of our current housing stock?

Landlord Group Sues City Following New Ordinance - KCRG
Jul 30, 2010 ... CEDAR RAPIDS - The Landlords of Linn County, a group that represents most landlords in ... Landlord Group Sues City Following New Ordinance ...

Why not utilize a Citizen Board or Commission in the legislative process in our community? Isn't that government 101? Isn't that more in keeping with our City Charter?

Why did our City Council rely on professional staff to develop and write public policy?

Does Iowa Home Rule law permit the City to intervene and govern civil relationships?

Equal Protection under the 14Th Amendment

Are mandates into civil relationships appropriate by the City of Cedar Rapids?

Is this good public policy to fix it later?

Yes, certain City Council members have supported the new municipal code, even though they have publicly stated, they don't have it all worked out yet. After all, it is a "work in progress" ~ like other public issues in Cedar Rapids.

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Wouldn't our Country be better off with an expansion of the use of The Four Way Test?

2010-07-28T21:21:00.003-05:00

We need to improve our public policy in our country today: Locally, within each State and at the Federal Level ...

Our public leaders, elected officials, community and business leaders would be wise to remember the following when promoting policy at the local, State and Federal levels.

Four Way Test - Rotary International
During a business crisis in 1932, he wrote the "Four Way Test," shown below. It was adopted as part of Rotary International in January of 1943. ...

The future of our great Republic has a lot at stake with the growing size of government. Our founding fathers were strong proponents of a limited government.

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Wishing all a belated Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-05T10:59:00.004-05:00

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that
they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among
these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - The Declaration of
Independence

The Fourth of July celebrates our Independence Day as a Republic. May we always preserve our Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness that our founding fathers embraced in the Declaration of Independence. We hope everyone had a very nice 4Th of July, 2010!

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Don't forget to Vote today in Cedar Rapids or around the State of Iowa

2010-06-08T16:32:00.003-05:00

Click the link below to find your polling location in Iowa, so you can vote in either the Democrat or Republican primary. http://sos.state.ia.us/elections/VoterReg/PollingPlace/search.aspx

Further, if you are not registered, you can still vote, by registering at your polling place. You will need proof of identity and show proof of residence, but you can vote.

There are contested races that will be determined in today's statewide primary. The polls are open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Our favorites are http://millermeeks.com/ in the 2Nd Congressional District race. We believe Branstad will likely defeat Roberts and Vander Plaats in the Republican Governor's Race.

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City Council in Cedar Rapids leaning to appoint interim City Manger

2010-05-24T18:30:00.005-05:00

The transition from the Commission to the Council-Manager form of government has not been smooth for the City of Cedar Rapids. Especially, with the first two city councils and with the hiring of the first city manager for the City of Cedar Rapids. The City Manger resigned this spring. Now, news out of City Hall has a new development coming forward, within our community.

City Council May Hire Interim City Manager on Tuesday, May 25Th

Possible Interim City Manager - City of Cedar Rapids
The City Council will consider hiring an interim city manager during tomorrow night's meeting ...

Various News agencies are reporting ...

Cedar Rapids to hire Thoms as interim city manager - The Gazette
City set to hire Allan Thoms, who held key posts in state government, as interim city manager ...
Cedar Rapids to Hire Interim City Manager‎ - KCRG
Former Dubuque mayor to be hired as interim city manager in Cedar Rapids - Dubuque Telegraph Herald
AP Cedar Rapids is planning to hire former Dubuque mayor Alan Thoms as the city's interim city manager. Mayor Ron Corbett said Monday that Allan Thoms ...

The City of Marion hired a former mayor of Cedar Rapids to serve as City Manager in the past. Now, the former mayor of Dubuque is likely in line to serve the City of Cedar Rapids as interim City Manager.

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Local cameras - Big Brother is watching and ticketing in Cedar Rapids

2010-05-20T17:59:00.003-05:00

This group was created to inform others of the location of the Cedar Rapids
Police Departments mobile speed cam. The vehicle is a red Jeep license plate
#216 BSG. If you come across this vehicle, please note the location and time you
saw the vehicle. ~ Facebook group

Cedar Rapids Mobile Speed Cam -Facebook

A number of the cameras were recently installed behind an exit sign on I-380
near Diagonal Drive S.W. Those cameras will monitor northbound traffic entering
the downtown portion of the interstate. The speed limit in that area is 55 miles
per hour. - Dave Franzman

Big Brother takes on I-380 with new speed cameras - The Gazette
Cedar Rapids Police will soon kick it up a notch when it comes to those automated cameras for traffic violations ...

Red Light Camera's Go Live - City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa ... - City of Cedar Rapids
Feb 11, 2010 ... CEDAR RAPIDS, IA -February 11, 2010 - The Cedar Rapids Police Department is giving the green light to the Red Light/Speed Camera project ...

In other news on the highway in the State of Iowa ...

State Trooper driving Governor Culver during his re-election ...‎ - Examiner.com
This weekend, while an Iowa State Trooper was driving Governor Culver and his son in an un-marked SUV, another driver nearly ran them off the road. ...

West Des Moines says charges in Governor's stop up to state patrol‎ - Radio Iowa

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Education: High School Graduation, College Planning and Expanding Taxes ...

2010-04-26T23:08:00.005-05:00

High Schools around Iowa are holding Senior Recognitions, Proms and are heading into Graduation in the coming weeks ...

Today's article is from the Monday, April 26, 2010 edition of The Des Moines Register featuring a. The column is titled, "College offer many options for Adults back in class." For more on college offerings read, “Iowa Higher-Education’s Third Way: Community Colleges’ 2+2 Programs.”

The Cedar Rapids Community Schools are moving to increase facilities with a new administrative building. All this despite the more than challenging economy right now, with Flood Recovery on top of that.

TONIGHT: Cedar Rapids school board to discuss new administrative building - The Gazette

“The need for a $45 million dollar administration building at this time is
totally without merit and will be an irresponsible act by the board.” - Dick
Fredericks of Palo

Slow Economy Could Help Cedar Rapids School District - KCRG
“The need for a $45 million dollar administration building at this time is totally without merit and will be an irresponsible act by the board,” Dick ...
Cedar Rapids School District Names New Executive Director of Special Services - KCRG

Choice of Schools in Cedar Rapids-Iowa City area tightening up ...

Many Corridor schools restricting open enrollment - The Gazette

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Miller-Meeks rocks 2Nd Congressional District Convention in Iowa

2010-04-25T20:28:00.005-05:00

Republicans in the 2Nd Congressional District in the State of Iowa meet in Fairfield on Saturday, April 24, 2010 for the District Convention. There was a good turnout from the 15 counties in the 2Nd District, but not all 128 delegates from Linn County were in attendance. Linn County will send 128 delegates to the State Convention in June.

The morning began with Senator Chuck Grassley addressing the GOP audiance. All three governor candidates spoke during the day. Governor Terry Branstad and State Representative Rod Roberts addressed the audiance early in the day. After Terry Branstad spoke, the first of four 2Nd Congressional candidates spoke, starting with Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who is seeking the Republican nomination to face Democrat David Loebsack in the November general election.

The primary in the State of Iowa will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 for both the Republican and Democrat parties in Iowa. Incumbant Governor Chet Culver and 2Nd District Representative Loebsack, both Democrats, will each face an interesting race with Branstad and Miller-Meeks, the likely opponents.

Miller-Meeks had the strongest address of the afternoon. After the address, newly elected State Central Committee representative passed on his postitive impressions of Miller-Meeks strong speech to her campaign manager, Tracie Gibner. It rocked the audiance in Fairfield.

The three other 2Nd Congressional candidates, each from Linn County, addressed the audiance as well. Most of the speeches were similar to most speeches they have each given in the past. Miller-Meeks distinguished herself with a fresh and spiritied address to the activists in attendance at this year's district event.

Most of the GOP state candidates came to Fairfield to address the 2Nd District. Secretary of State candidate Matt Schultz of Council Bluffs spoke early in the day. Later in the day, State Auditor David Vaudt, Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and Attorney General candidate Brenna Findley each addressed the audiance one after the other. All three were traveling the State together today.

Later in the day, State Treasurer candidate Dave Jamison and finally the third and last governor candidate Bob Vander Plaats addressed the audiance. By that time, most of the audiance was tired, after the long day of elections, especially with the State Cental Committee, which took multiple ballots, after David Chung of Linn County was elected on the first ballot.

Nine candidates seeked election to the State Central Committee from the 2Nd Congressional District. They elected three new members to the State Central Committee. Two of three incumbants seeked re-election, but each was voted out, including the longest member of the State Central Committee, Lisa Smith of Ottumwa.

The Republicans voted not to debate the platform this year in the 2Nd district, due to time constraints. This was a frustration for some in attendance, but the election of State Central Committee members and other elections took time. Further, there were a lot of candidate speeches, including House Minority Leader Kraig Paulsen of Linn County and GOP Iowa State Chairman Matt Strawn.

As mentioned, the June 8, 2010 primary in Iowa will determine the Republican and Democrat candidates for the general election on November 2, 2010.

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With tomorrow being April Fool's Day: American Taxpayers should tell Congress "We are not being fooled"

2010-03-31T17:03:00.004-05:00

American Taxpayers To Congress:

"You Are Not Fooling Me!!"

Call Congress on April 1st!

Dear American Taxpayer,

On this Thursday, April 1st we are asking you and everyone who supports the FairTax to call their two United States Senators and Member of the House of Representatives to tell them you are not fooled!

Just think, hundreds of thousands call their Senators and Member of Congress, all on one day: do you think that will get their attention?

You bet it will!

Tell them you and hundreds of thousands of FairTax supporters are not being fooled, and are not fooling around anymore!

Call and tell them:

Taxes are out of control, and you know it.

Deficits are out of control, and you know it.

Gifts of taxpayer money to banks and special interests are out of control, and you know it.

The economy and the future of country are out of control, and you know it.

Your Senators and their phone numbers:

Charles 'Chuck' E. Grassley - (202) 224-3744

Tom Harkin - (202) 224-3254

Your Member of the House of Representatives:

David 'Dave' Loebsack - (202) 225-6576

Make three calls, all on April Fool’s Day. Tell your Senators and Member of Congress you are not fooled, you know what is happening to our nation.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans calling every Senator and Member of Congress on one very appropriate day, April Fool’s Day! They will never forget it!

Make your three calls this Thursday, April 1st!

We received the above e-mail from http://FairTax.org.

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Obama headed to Iowa after The House passes Health Care bill

2010-03-22T15:53:00.005-05:00

You may find the following Monday, March 22, 2010 article was published in The Washington Post. titled, "A look at the health care overhaul bill" of interest.

The Public Interest Institute suggests the following on the ideology of reform, read: "Let the Market Work, Government Won't."

President Obama heading to Iowa City to promote Health Care Reform.

Obama To Speak About Health Care In Iowa City‎ - WCCO - Mike Glover
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) ― President Barack Obama will speak about health care Thursday in Iowa City, marking passage of the historic legislation by returning ...

As National Write Your Congressman Reports on Monday, March 22, 2010 ...

Health Care Overhaul Bill: Democratic leaders in the House have promoted legislation designed to remake the nation's health care system. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) posted a preliminary $940 billion cost estimate for the bill. President Obama canceled a planned trip to Asia to help push through the legislation. The House voted and passed the health care package on Sunday, March 21, with floor action to follow in the Senate as early as this week.Republicans were thwarted in a bid to bar Democrats from using a rule that allowed them to clear the Senate-passed health care overhaul and to pass a reconciliation bill after making changes to that measure. (H.R.4872)

Budget Math Hinders Health Care Bill: House Democrats had difficulties crafting a final health care bill that would achieve a five-year deficit reduction of more than $100 billion. The problem delayed what party leaders hope will be a final vote on the measure to Sunday.Under the little-known rules for budget reconciliation, a bill passed through the expedited parliamentary process must produce a greater deficit reduction than the legislation it amends. Since the Senate health care bill would produce $104 billion in deficit savings in its first five years, according to the CBO, the final bill — which will include changes to the Senate bill — must provide more savings. (H.R.3590) (H.R.2847)

Hammering home reform - The Economist
Barack Obama’s health reforms cross the most important threshold

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State and Federal Candidate papers have been filed in the State of Iowa

2010-03-20T11:22:00.006-05:00

The article mentions the Federal and State wide races in the State of Iowa as well as local legislative races for State Senate and State Representative in Eastern Iowa ...

Highlights of June 2010 primaries in the State of Iowa:

Governor Terry Branstad is seeking his party nomination for the opportunity to face Governor Chet Culver in November 2010

Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is seeking her party nomination again to face 2Nd Congressional Representative David Loebsack in November 2010

Council Bluffs attorney and city council member Matt Schultz is seeking his party nomination to run against current Secretary of State Michael A. Mauro in November 2010

Who’s running for election - The Gazette
These candidates filed nomination petitions by 5 p.m. Friday with the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office and will be on the June 8 primary election ballot. Note that (i) indicates incumbent, D indicates Democrat, and R indicates Republican. Incumbents, regardless of party, are listed first ...

The primaries will be very interesting for both Republican and Democrat party races in June 2010. Do you need to register to vote in Iowa? Link

Interesting billboard in Cedar Rapids on 3rd Avenue SW near the Sled Shed highlighted by Facebook user Doug Wagner. The billboard asks "How's that 'Hope and Change' working for You?"

We the People are the voice of America.

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P.S. - Linn County and other county races will be determined on March 31, 2010 and primaries and the general election for county races in Iowa will be in June and November as well.

Welcome to Cedar Rapids: Where some our local leadership since the '05 City Election want it both ways?

2010-02-20T04:24:00.010-06:00

Folks, we want our cake and eat it too ...

Cedar Rapids is a vibrant urban hometown - a beacon for people and businesses invested in building a greater community for the next generation. - City of Cedar Rapids

The key word of concern is "urban" ...

By the way, the Federal Government classifies "urban" as

populations of 500,000 people or more.

A good resource to discuss some of our current and future challenges is the League of Cities and Counties in the State of Iowa. Prior to the change in the Form of Government vote in June 2005, The Gazette held a good forum with the League of Cities and Counties in 2005.

How many U.S. House members does our "urban" community have in Washington D.C. representing us today? How many does the City of Chicago have? Are we really "urban" folks?

But, go no further than our most recent "Conflict of Interest" story unfolding in the City of Cedar Rapids right now ...

"It’s a small town. It’s no different from all the other people that come before
the council that I know or have some relationship with.” - Council member Pat
Shey

Say, what? Could this be part of our branding problem that the City of Cedar Rapids has right now? Maybe, we need to rethink our "urban" thing we are trying to force down our public. Maybe we need to look at our hometown culture and determine what really exists today in our community?

"It's a small town." No, we would say Algona is a small town. While, Cedar Rapids isn't "urban" in the true sense. Suggesting Cedar Rapids is a "rural" community like Algona isn't the direction we should turn to either. But, the words of one of our council members says a lot of the disjointed messages we hear in our community often these days.

Actually, the banking model (Urban, Community or Rural) would seem most appropriate for Cedar Rapids. Cedar Rapids is in the middle.

We should stop branding Cedar Rapids as an "urban" community; when in fact, we are more like that "small town" of Algona, Anamosa or Marion, than clearly Kansas City, Charlotte, Memphis or whatever "urban" community one of City Council or City Consultants want to think up next?

Council’s $540,000 yard-cart fix raises appearances of conflict - The Gazette
It’s a small world. It didn’t seem so much so Thursday evening when only one of eight City Council members at a budget hearing ...

The Parlor City needs to get back on track. The "City of Five Seasons" went through some outstanding times with Urban Renewal in the 1960s and 1970s, but the Farm Crisis of the 1980s created a chic in the armour of our fine community.

We lost some of our industrial base in the 1980s, with losses in heavy manufacturing. We didn't lose our step immediately, but a variety of factors have slowly arisen over the past 15 years. Now, the Flood of 2008 and the recent economic and financial crisis have seen another round of losses in our manufacturing sector.

As a neighbor often says: Pay Taxes! Our economic engine in Cedar Rapids is hammered hard with the burden placed on industrial and commercial property taxes right now in the State of Iowa. There is current pressure to increase property taxes again for new infrastructure and the cost of government services ...

Rising salaries of city and county employees

A proposed new $45 million downtown library

The new Cedar Rapids Community School District board building

Expansion and recovery of Linn County infrastructure - post Flood

Expansion and recovery of City of Cedar Rapids infrastructure - post Flood

When, we formed our new Council-Manager form of government in 2004-05, we identified the need for an Ethics component. Sadly, the original members of the City Council, stalled in the creation of Article VI of our City Charter.

Both the transition from the Commission form of government and now the Flood of 2008, has our City Government at times stuck in the mud. Could more mud be in the forecast? Let's hope not.

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P.S. - How much does our local government plan to get into commercial operations, such as yard-cart devise? The City of Cedar Rapids has expanded into housing and development over the past four years. Now, we hear this from the "Council’s $540,000 yard-cart fix raises appearances of conflict" story ...

"Gulick said he has an interest in Brokaw’s invention if it holds out the
potential of making the city some money, adding that the council has not cast a
final vote on the purchase." - The Gazette

Primary Candidate Forum on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for U.S. House 2Nd District

2010-02-06T08:58:00.005-06:00

From the Linn County Republican Central Committee by e-mail ...

One can only regret to notice that the local GOP official web site at the time of this post on this blog has this Forum and this weekend's gun show missing as events for February 2010. Here's the e-mail on today's forum from the LCRCC. Both events are scheduled ...

It's Election Year Already! Yes it's true. Come and hear the candidates for the Second Congressional District Primary in June.

Our Candidates include:
Steve Rathje, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Chris Reed.

Saturday, February 6,
Time: 1:30-3:30
Betty Cherry Heritage Hall - Mount Mercy College

Brought to you by Linn Area Pro Life United and the Mount Mercy Political Science Club.

The Republican and Democrat primaries in the State of Iowa will be conducted on June 8, 2010. The map at the top shows the county layout for the 2Nd Congressional District of Iowa.

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It's February in the Cedar Rapids and Linn County and some concerns are in the air

2010-02-02T22:48:00.005-06:00

How does the City of Cedar Rapids clip a $2.2 million dollar budget deficit?

Corbett looks for ways to cut city budget - The Gazette
Does your employer pay you in cash for unused vacation?The city of Cedar Rapids does for some of its employees, and Mayor Ron ...

The ability to access public information online concerns rural property owners in Linn County.

Some Linn County property owners worry too much public info poses security threat - The Gazette

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Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett to meet with Flood Victims at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2010

2010-01-14T17:33:00.003-06:00

Breaking News January 14, 2010- The Gazette

LIVE VIDEO: Cedar Rapids Mayor meets with flood victims - The Gazette
Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett will hold a town hall meeting with flood victims from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight at the IBEW Hall located on Wiley Boulevard SW.

The Gazette will provide live video of the meeting at 6 p.m on January 14, 2010 by following link above.

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State of Iowa Legislature begins 2010 Legislative Session

2010-01-11T14:36:00.003-06:00

The challenges facing the State of Iowa will fall on the shoulders of the Iowa Legislature and Governor Chet Culver as they began the 2010 Legislative Session on Monday, January 11, 2010 at 10 a.m. The Iowa Legislature plans to cut off business two weeks early in 2010.

Iowa Legislature opens 2010 session facing budget challenges - The Gazette

Iowa Legislature Opens Shortened Session on Budget - ABC News
AP The Iowa Legislature convened Monday for a shortened session with legislative leaders promising to make deep cuts needed to ...

Iowa Legislature set to start brief session focusing on big budget problems - WQAD
Culver stands to gain from shortened legislative session - DesMoinesRegister.com
LAWMAKERS RETURN: Legislators are getting back to work Monday and their focus ... -WHO-TV

Iowa Legislature: New session, old tactics - DesMoinesRegister.com (blog)
Iowa could get as much as $175 million, which looks mighty appealing in such a tight budget year. But there are significant strings attached, ...

In Cedar Rapids, Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) meets with the Chamber of Commerce, speaks at the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids at a Noon luncheon, then heads to Anamosa for a Town Meeting.

Businesses tell Grassley that failures will accelerate - The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS — Business failures from the June 2008 flood in Cedar Rapids will be higher than necessary because of the slow and ...

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The Federal Government through the IRS is looking to require Registering and CEUs

2010-01-07T18:42:00.006-06:00

By the way, if you received your paycheck today: You will see that the Federal Government is asking Employers to collect more tax from your paycheck.

Licensing at the State Level already occurs for various occupations: CPAs, real estate, insurance, appraisers, engineers, lawyers, doctors, etal.

Here comes the Federal Arm for Licensing ...

Under the plan, which would begin with the 2011 tax season, anyone who takes
money to help people with their taxes will have to register with the IRS, and
eventually pass competency tests and sign up for continuing education. So having
made tax filing so complicated that most Americans need help with their forms,
Washington now wants to raise the price of such counsel by regulating advisers
in a way that may reduce their supply. - Wall Street Journal

Today's article is from the Thursday, January 7, 2010 edition of The Wall Street Journal is titled, H&R Blockheads. For more on this issue, read: LIMITS: Increasing Income Tax Complexity Takes up More and More of our Time and Money.

So, what is the Role of the State and the Tenth Amendment? Remember, there was a time when a Federal Income Tax was not lawful. Is this another attack on the Tenth Amendment?

We noticed a comment from a social network friend that posted the following ...

"Tax code complexity violates right to due process, yet see WSJ.com - IRS to Boost Oversight of Paid Tax Preparers

http://bit.ly/5HvGqV"

The same link as above.

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New Cedar Rapids City Council begins work under leadership of new Mayor Ron Corbett

2010-01-06T18:09:00.002-06:00

We want to wish the new City Council of the City of Cedar Rapids the very best as they get started in 2010 ...

LIVE COVERAGE: Mayor Corbett holds first council meeting, 5:30 p.m. - The Gazette
Ron Corbett will hold his first city council meeting as mayor tonight. Rick Smith will provide live coverage beginning at 5:30 p.m.

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The University of Iowa wins their first BCS bowl game with a Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech

2010-01-06T16:35:00.004-06:00

Iowa 24, Georgia Tech 14

After the game, Ricky Stanzi was asked a strange question from the Fox Network's Chris Meyers that aired the game between the Yellow Jackets and Hawkeyes ...

The answer has been picked up by several blogs, tweets and other social networks.

"Gotta love America! If you don't love it, leave it!" -Iowa Hawkeye QB Ricky Stanzi (YouTube link)

Chris Myers' Ricky Stanzi Question Leads To USA Rallying Cry (VIDEO)‎ - Huffington Post (blog)
Fox's Chris Myers asked Hawkeyes quarterback Ricky Stanzi if he "feels like ... by the same token GA Tech lost for all America... it truly is "a beautiful ...
Ricky Stanzi Is America And You Can Too - Buster Sports
Jan 6, 2010 ... Fox Sports' Chris Myers asks Iowa quarterback a stupid question about America. Ricky Stanzi gives Myers a stupid answer.www.bustersports.com/.../ricky-stanzi-is-america-and-you-can-too/ - 9 hours ago -
Iowa, Ricky Stanzi, And The Speech That Healed America - SB Nation
Jan 6, 2010 ... SB Nation is a collection of over 200 individual communities, each offering high quality year-round coverage and conversation led by fans ...www.sbnation.com/2010/1/6/.../iowaricky-stanzi-and-the-speech - 8 hours ago -
Video: Ricky Stanzi's Orange Bowl tribute to America - Dr ...
Jan 6, 2010 ... Complete College Football news, scores, standings.rivals.yahoo.com/.../Video-Ricky-Stanzi-s-Orange-Bowl-tribute-to-Ame?... - 7 hours ago -
Ricky Stanzi, American Hero - Andy Hutchins - The Sporting Blog ...
Jan 6, 2010 ... After Iowa stifled Georgia Tech to win the Orange Bowl last night, Chris Myers asked Ricky Stanzi this "question": ...

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On Iowa beat Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl; but let's not forget our government's love for size and fat budgets today

2010-01-05T16:28:00.006-06:00

We may be getting excited for the 2010 Orange Bowl tonight on FOX from Miami, Florida between #10 Iowa vs. #9 Georgia Tech, but what good stories are out there regarding our Local, State or Federal public policy ...

Time for Iowans to tell regents 'enough is enough' press-citizen.com Iowa City Press Citizen - http://www.press-citizen.com/
Guest opinion by Jeff Kaufmann and Pat Grassley.
We would go further and suggest the Board of Regents should cut lobbyists for the Regents and high education as well to save money.

Today's article from the Tuesday, January 5, 2010 edition of USA Today titled States braced to tighten 2010 belts amid $14.8B in shortfalls is worthy of your time. For more on this issue, read: Institute Brief: Iowa's State Budget: Spending Our Way to a Crisis Again.

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It's Time to Push Back on the Expansion of the Federal Government in America

2010-01-04T17:11:00.005-06:00

We believe in Limited Government and Limited Spending in our country! We believe that our country needs to focus again on Liberty! That Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness is important to Americans. Equality and Property Rights cannot be forgotten, but Liberty and Personal Responsibility are crucial for our Republic. Our President and Elected Officials need to get the financial house in order for our Country.

Today's article is from the Monday, January 4, 2010 edition of The Wall Street Journal is titled, Deficit, Budget Woes Need Solutions as U.S. Nears the Precipice. For more on this issue, read: Institute Brief: Cutting Federal Spending Must Be a Top Priority.

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The Run Away Train that is our Government in America

2010-01-03T20:39:00.006-06:00

Our governments at the Local, State and Fedaral levels have certainly lost their way.

An interesting article in 2009 was the article titled Earning, Saving and Giving: Have We Lost Our Way? by Ken Washer, DBA, CFA Associate Professor of Finance at Creighton University.

Further, the Wall Street Journal on Saturday, January 2, 2010 published an article The States and the Stimulus. The story points out how a supposed boon has become a fiscal burden for states. The State of Iowa is certainly a part of that mess, when in 2007-2009 the majority party in both houses, the Democrats, and Governor Chet Culver rode the supposed boon.

Local articles on the local concerns in the State of Iowa ...

12 questions that will shape Siouxland - Sioux City Journal
Facing a likely reduction in funding from the state, district officials will have to get creative. Last year, federal stimulus funds came to the rescue. ...
More budget woes ahead - TheReporter.com - Judy Lin
The stimulus funding and temporary taxes will begin to end at the end of 2010, leaving less revenue for the second half of the fiscal year that will begin ...

The challenges in Sioux City will not be much different for communities like Cedar Rapids and others throughout the State of Iowa. The second article is about the State of California and while the State of Iowa doesn't face the same woes as California, we face the same problem as Wall Street Journal article pointed out.

Unlike Nebraska and the promises given to Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), how will the State of Iowa fare in Health Care Reform? As a 100% rural state, whether we want to admit it or not, Cedar Rapids by Federal Standards is rural, and would be urban, if over 500,000 people. The impact in the past on Federal programs, including Flood Recovery, has been challenging for rural states.

An article worth a look was supplied by a friend this weekend. It's on Heath Care Reform ...

“VIP” Treatment Under Nationalized Health Care - Hot Air (blog)

Really, the discussion in Washington D.C. is really a topic of National Heath Care Insurance Reform. Is it really Health Care Reform that will push toward encouraging and implementing programs to make all Americans healthier ... nope!

Health care reform – one physician's view - San Diego Union Tribune - Eileen Natuzzi
When the Senate voted for the third time to pass what it calls “sweeping health care reform,” the media splashed it out. ...

Mines dot health bills: Public option among concerns for business - Crain's Detroit Business - Jay Greene
Health care and business leaders in Southeast Michigan have mixed reactions to a 2700-page health care reform bill approved Christmas Eve by ...

"The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has said the $871 billion cost of the bill would reduce the future federal budget deficits by $132 billion between 2010 and 2019." Of course, look at government's expectations in the past with Medicare when it was unveiled and the costs that came about. Further, look at our State Budgets today, when everything was a supposed boon, but it turned about to be a bust.

Prudence is needed today more than ever ...

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City of Cedar Rapids will swear in second Mayor, Ron Corbett, to serve under Community's Local Home Rule Charter

2010-01-02T10:28:00.004-06:00

"It's been a long path for me to get here, but it has been an even longer path
for all those who were so dramatically affected by the flood. I plan to hit the
ground running just as soon as I get sworn in." - Ron Corbett

Corbett Campaign: Corbett set to be sworn in Saturday - IowaPolictics.com (press release)
Cedar Rapids- Mayor-elect, Ron Corbett is set to be sworn in along with other new city council members this Saturday, January 2nd, at the Veterans Memorial ...

The voters in June 2005 in Cedar Rapids adopted the Council-Manager form of government when they over whelming approved the City's Local Home Rule Charter with over 69% support. The transition to the new form of government has been extremely rocky.

The leadership style of the outgoing mayor contributed greatly to the rocky transition. Further, the hiring of a proponent to the Carver Governance Model may have contributed greatly, especially, with the City Council's inaction establishing the board's pre-stated standards of prudence and ethics and implementing policy to assist in the transition from the Commission form of government to the Council-Manager form of government. The Council dropped the ball on the Ethics section of the City Charter.

The first two and half years were extremely rocky and the expected building blocks were lacking in the transition. Then, the worse natural disaster in the State of Iowa's history occurs in June 2008, with the Flood of 2008.

It will be a challenge for the new Mayor, the third City Council and the community to move forward. Embracing our City Charter and the culture, governance and leadership styles that make the City of Cedar Rapids who we are will be extremely important.

Best wishes to our new Mayor and our other leaders in our community in the New Year. There will be plenty of work ahead for all in our community.

Further, in 2010, we will see Republicans and Democrats conduct a Caucus statewide in each county for each precinct on January 23Rd at 1 p.m. Our State will have a primary in June and a general election in November, as well.

We encourage everyone to get involved and engage in the political process of caucusing, voting and discussing the public policy that our elected leaders will engage in at the local, state and Federal levels.

peace

A New Decade Begins: Happy New Year 2010 Everyone!

2010-01-01T10:03:00.004-06:00

Our thoughts and resolutions from cidsports to kick off the new decade and New Year!

We want to wish everyone the very best in the coming New Year.

H is for Hugs!

A is for Accountability in government at all levels!

P is for Passion!

P is for Prudence and ethics in our society and our government!

Y is for Y that is found in Liberty!

N is for New opportunities that a New decade and New year bring!

E is for Energy!

W is for Work and the good works that come from Service!

Y is for Yesterdays and the lessons that history can bring!

E is for Eradicating!

A is for Attitudes, positive rather than negative!

R is for Rotary and the motto: Service Above Self!

E is for Economics: Earning, Saving and Giving!

V is for Virtue and Values over vice or violence!

E is for Enjoying: Life!

R is for Responsibility: we must support Liberty and personal responsibility!

Y is for the Y in Victory in 2010!

O is for Orange and the January 5Th bowl game and the Iowa Hawkeyes!

N is for Neighbor and The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)!

E is for the E that is found in LOVE!

This first post for the New Year is dedicated to my mother and the many gifts she passes on through her love, support and encouragement from birth through youth through adulthood through our times now in 2010!

Happy New Year Everyone!

peace

Happy New Year and Peace to all ...

2009-12-31T18:16:00.004-06:00

Have a safe and enjoyable New Year's Eve in Cedar Rapids or wherever you may be ...

Thank you for visiting our blog throughout the year and we look forward to a better 2010!

Today's article from Thursday, December 31, 2009 edition of The Washington Times is an article titled, Dems tout year of wins but wait for more Obama priorities. For more on political philosophy of the Obama administration, read: The fourth wave of progressivism.

Let's make 2010 a year of:

Limited Government
Limited Spending
Life
Liberty
Pursuit of Happiness

peace

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for 2009 ...

2009-12-30T18:15:00.006-06:00

Where do we start as we close out the Year 2009?

There is always more good in the world, than bad. But, things are getting ugly in many respects.

The Good ...

Christmas - we hope everyone had a very nice Christmas 2009
Family - the love of family is always special
Community - 'Who is my neighbor' - if willing, you will often find good people to break bread and get to know ...
New leadership in Cedar Rapids in 2010, as Ron Corbett is elected Mayor in 2009
Private flood recovery and small business flood recovery

The Bad ...

Well, the loss of life isn't always a bad thing. Many people simply live a long life and time reaches a point, where they gently pass on. But, it is tough to lose friends, family and loved ones to age, cancer, accident, H1N1 and/or tragedy. Two more die of H1N1 flu
The Economy
The time consumed by social networking, blogging and other demands of time at work and otherwise ...
Not always keeping up with our blogs ...
The next recession, which appears around the corner, due to our public policies ...
Our Federal Government and State Government's expansion throughout 2009
The transition in Cedar Rapids to the Council-Manager Form of Government over the past four years ...
Tax Climate

The Ugly ...

More terrorism on the horizon in the USA - Fort Hood and Christmas Flight to Detroit
Health Care Reform and tactics
Congressional Earmarks
We could add to the list, but we would suggest the following needs to be promoted in 2010 and that there is more good in life, than bad ...

Needed in 2010 ...

Limited Spending
Limited Government
Life
Liberty
Pursuit of Happiness

Governments and individuals need to uphold established standards of ethics and prudence at all levels. Whether it be a political organization, a local, state or federal government, we have a lot of work to do to build a better tomorrow and to rebuild the trust of the American taxpayer.

The past year, we ran across a person who at the end of many conversations or e-mails, would simply say in his salutation or his departure ... "Pay Taxes"

While government has an important role at all levels, there is more to life than taxes ...

Let's work to build a better tomorrow, with getting involved in our local communities and working to better know our neighbors.

peace

Wow! Is it actually December already? Where did the year go?

2009-12-01T18:49:00.004-06:00

We hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving wherever your travels took you.

By the way, hopefully, you didn't forget to Vote on December 1 in Cedar Rapids for the municipal runoff election ...

Election turnout hottest in four District 3 precincts - The Gazette

Cedar Rapids City Council runoff election is today - The Gazette

How can we get more participation in Local, State and Federal elections in Cedar Rapids and throughout our State?

On Monday, November 30Th, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks announced that she will be a candidate for the Republican nomination for the 2nd U.S. Congressional District of Iowa to face current incumbant Dave Loebsack (D-IA).

Miller-Meeks returns to challenge Loebsack - Muscatine Journal
Mariannette Miller-Meeks, center, announced Monday at the Quality Cobbler at Muscatine Mall that she plans to run for Iowa's 2nd ...
Miller-Meeks jumps right back in - Burlington Hawk Eye
Miller-Meeks to seek 2nd District seat again - UI The Daily Iowan
Miller-Meeks stresses 2008 lessons learned - Ottumwa Courier

IowaPolitics.com (press release) - Quad City Times

Mayor-elect Ron Corbett in Cedar Rapids wants feedback from Flood victims.

Mayor-elect Corbett to meet with flood victims on Thursday evening - The Gazette
Mayor-elect Ron Corbett will hold what he’s billing as a “listening session for flood victims” on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 at IBEW Local 405, 1211 Wiley Blvd. SW.In a news release announcing the event, Corbett says he promised during his recent election campaign that he would make helping flood victims a first priority.He calls the listening session “the first step toward fulfilling that campaign promise.”He wants to hear about gaps and needs and how the city can improve ...

It's not all Flood recovery business in the City of Cedar Rapids.

City open house on trails set for Monday evening - The Gazette
City Hall is holding an open house on Monday evening to give the public a chance to weigh in on a Comprehensive Trails Master Plan.The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Ballroom #2 at the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel.Residents also can provide feedback at www.cedar-rapids.org/publicworks or www.shive-hattery.com/CRTrails/index.htmlThe comments will help the City Council prioritize trail construction in the next 10 years ...

Local candidate for Governor suspends campaign in Iowa.

Fong suspends camapign, but promises a second act - The Gazette
The first act didn’t end well, “but the play is still being written and I’m looking forward to taking the stage again,” Cedar Rapids gubernatorial hopeful Christian Fong said Tuesday.
Fong suspended his campaign for the Republican nomination for governor, but promised he’ll be back.Fong, 32, who was making his first run ...

The State of Iowa has a Budget Gap to clean up come January 2010.

Iowa lawmakers will return in January to a billion dollar budget gap - The Gazette
State lawmakers will be required to close a billion-dollar funding gap when they return to the Capitol next January to fashion a fiscal 2011 budget, according to an analysis issued Wednesday.The nonpartisan Legislative Service Agency released projections for the upcoming budget cycle that estimated built-in spending commitments of $6.466 billion and available revenue under the 99 percent spending limitation law at $5.396 billion – leaving a projected budget gap of $1.07 billion.“It’s about what we expected,” said Senate Majority Leader ...

Closing thoughts on Government:

Limited Government

Limited Spending

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

peace

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend everyone!

2009-11-27T12:37:00.004-06:00

Wishing you, your family and your friends a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving where ever your travels may take you ...

Enjoyed the Creighton fight vs. Michigan in basketball on Thanksgiving on ESPN2

Will celebrate Thanksgiving with family today!

Will likely take a peak on TV of the Nebraska-Colorado football game

Plenty of joy and conversation on the road during our visit in Nebraska

peace

As we approach Thanksgiving, what's news around our community in Cedar Rapids and otherwise?

2009-11-24T21:56:00.006-06:00

Congratulations to Ms. Running-Marquardt in her victory tonight ...

In the special election held on November 24Th in State House District 33, first time candidate Kirsten Running-Marquardt has filled the opening left by Dick Taylor retirement in precincts 1-11 in Cedar Rapids. Running-Marquardt beat first time candidate Josh Thurston 78% to 22% in the largely Democrat district.

The City of Cedar Rapids is looking to establish a neighborhood center that will be used by all neighborhood associations? Doesn't that seem a little odd? Why would one location be used by multiple neighborhood assocations in a City the size of 126K?

City Council awards CR Neighborhoods a $100k grant - The Gazette

... the $100,000 grant to establish a neighborhood center to be used by all the neighborhood associations. Half of the grant money will be used for a grant researcher and writer who will work to find funding for the neighborhood center on an ongoing basis.

Will it work to expand mass transit use in the City of Cedar Rapids?

Proposed changes to city bus system could attract more riders - The Gazette

Proposed changes to the Cedar Rapids transit system would streamline the city’s bus routes and make it easier to reach more parts of town directly...

Preferential treatment in City parking ramps for those who drive Green vehicles ...

Efficient cars will get best parking in C.R. parking ramps - The Gazette

Drivers of hybrid, alternative-fuel or zero-emission vehicles will get the best parking spots in the city’s Fourth Avenue and Third Avenue parking ramps.The preferential treatment to encourage the use of energy-efficient vehicles likely will be adopted for other downtown parking ramps as well, said Sandy Pumphrey, a civil engineer in the city’s Public Works Department. Pumphrey said the special parking designation might be just the thing to persuade a family to drive the hybrid car downtown for dinner ...

Time to turn to national issues ...

Is the Federal Government really getting it right on the subject of Health Care Reform?

Morning Bell: The Obamacare Rationing Threat To Your Mammograms - Heritage Foundation

Last week, the United States Preventive Services Task Force issued new
guidelines recommending that women in their 40s no longer have annual
mammograms and that women ages 50 to 74 have them only every other year, instead of annually. The recommendations were highly controversial, and by week’s end most health insurers and the federal Medicare program said they would ignore the panel’s recommendation and continue covering annual mammograms. This is as it should be: the federal government collects information and makes recommendations, and Americans are then free to consult their health care providers, ignoring the government if they so choose. The problem is that Obamacare would forever change this...
relationship...

Critics See Health Care Rationing Behind New Mammography ... ‎ - Fox News
"Is this just a way to start cutting costs for government-run health care?" she asked. Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said the new guidelines may discourage a ...

GOP decries 'rationing' on eve of health vote ‎ - Washington Times
Obamacare: 60 Minutes Propaganda Piece Paving the Way for Health ... ‎ - First Things

The Senate returns the week of Nov. 30Th, after Thanksgiving to hit the Health Care discussion hard. If you are concerned about Health Care Reform, this is the time to let your Senators know your feelings.

peace

As we approach the week of Thanksgiving: what's worth mentioning?

2009-11-22T22:57:00.003-06:00

First, we want wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving week!

The Iowa football program finishes 10-2 overall, 6-2 in the Big Ten, and is 11Th in the current BCS rankings as we enter the week of Thanksgiving!

On Tuesday, House District 33 in Cedar Rapids will host a special election for an open position ...

Linn County GOP selects Thurston for HD 33 - Iowa Independent - Lynda Waddington
The special election in Iowa House District 33 was called by Gov. Chet Culver after former Rep. Dick Taylor, a Democrat who had represented the District ...

Sec. Mauro: Reminds voters to participate in HD 33 special election on Tuesday -
IowaPolitics.com (press release)
Additional information regarding the HD 33 special election can be found by visiting the Secretary of State's website at http://www.sos.state.ia.us, .

“We don’t need to raise taxes to build a new Taj Mahal. Let the citizens
vote on a new building if they want one." - Don Karr, At-Large candidate

Restore Cedar Rapids city hall, at-large council candidates agree - The Gazette

peace

Tough Saturday for Iowans: The Hawkeyes lose first game of season, while later HR 3200 passes U.S. House, ouch!

2009-11-08T12:11:00.005-06:00

Iowa 10

Northwestern 17

Final

The Hawkeyes lose four turnovers in the second quarter and QB Ricky Stanzi to injury to eventually fall to the Wildcats 10-17 at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. The beginning looked good, as Iowa opened up with a 10-0 lead. But, instead of taking what the defense would give, short passes, the Hawkeyes were forced to punt, then turned the ball over, and eventually allowed Northwestern to take full control of the game with ball control, field position and mistakes by the Hawkeyes.

‘Cost us a TD and a QB’ - The Gazette

IOWA CITY — On Ricky Stanzi’s right, Iowa had a tackle, tight end and an H-back. Then, the ball was snapped...

Cidsports: Sadly, the tight end and H-Back may have gave away the play with the
pre-snap conversation!

Northwestern 17, Iowa 10: The Fifth Quarter - DesMoinesRegister.com
Iowa players said after Saturday's 17-10 loss that the redshirt freshman from Keokuk had few to no game reps with the No. 1 offense. On the bright side, ...
Final: Northwestern 17, Iowa 10 - ESPN
Big Ten: Iowa's perfect season ruined by Northwestern - Los Angeles Times
Northwestern topples No. 8 Iowa 17-10 - Chicago Tribune

Later on Saturday, the U.S. House passed a revised H.R. 3200 by a vote of "220 to 215 vote on HR 3962, Affordable Health Care for America Act, was taken late Saturday evening, and fell largely along party lines, although 39 Democrats voted no and one Republican – Rep. Joseph Cao of Louisiana – voted yes, according to C-SPAN."

The country has been hit by a “difficult economic shock” over the last year.
He said huge government spending efforts like the stimulus bill haven't helped,
and said the government was on an “unsustainable” course - Rep. John
Boehner (R-Ohio), the House minority leader

House passes health care reform bill Saturday - Lake County News - Elizabeth Larson
A summary of HR 3962 provided by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce states that HR 3962 would include sliding scale affordability credits, ...

When the smoke cleared last night in the House of Representatives, the score
was Speaker Pelosi 220 and the American People 215 - The Examiner

President lies and Pelosi swears to it. Illegal aliens get benefits in ... - The Examiner
It is also worth noting that in its preliminary score of HR 3200, CBO found that in 2019 there would be “about 17 million nonelderly residents uninsured ...

In its preliminary score of H.R. 3962, the Congressional Budget Office noted
that, in 2019 there would be “about 18 million nonelderly residents uninsured
(nearly one third of whom would be unauthorized immigrants).” Thus, unless the
number of illegal immigrants is projected to be fewer than 6 million individuals
in 2019—nearly half the illegal immigrants currently estimated to be in the
U.S.—the CBO score presumes illegals would have health coverage, raising further
questions as to whether or not said coverage would be taxpayer-funded - The
Examiner

Iowans in the Second District re-elected Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) in November 2008. He was among the 220 House members who vote for the bill. His opponent in November 2008, Dr. Marrianette Miller-Meeks does not support this type of Health Care Reform. Dr. Miller-Meeks has been busy at Tea Parties and at Health Care Forums discussing how health care reform should be shaped.

Loebsack pleased with vote on health care bill - Burlington Hawk Eye
"A lot of things, we've actually improved since it was (the earlier) HR 3200." Among the improvements are the provisions Loebsack and his fellow Iowa ...

Tough Saturday for Hawkeye fans and those concerned about the direction Health Care Reform is taking in Washington D.C. QB Ricky Stanzi joins RB Adam Robinson and OL Dace Richardson with ankle injuries and likely the rehab room for the rest of the regular season.

The Hawkeyes will face a tough road in Columbus next Saturday for the Big Ten title and the right to represent the Big Ten Conference in the Rose Bowl.

On the Health Care Reform front, taxpayers and Americans will face a tough battle as the Health Care debate moves the U.S. Senate, where hopefully long-term impact and fallout from the House plan will be thoughtfully debated and overturned.

peace

Received the following Election Day e-mail from Ron Corbett's campaign

2009-11-03T17:42:00.002-06:00

Please vote! and a big THANK YOU.

Today is the day. Please make the effort to vote.

I look back over the last eight months and think how fast the time has gone. Many people have worked hard on this campaign. It was a team effort that we all hope will end in success at 8:00 p.m. tonight. Thanks to everyone who helped along the way.

The polls close at 8:00 p.m. You are invited to an election party starting at 7:30. We will meet at the IBEW 405 Hall at 1211 Wiley Blvd., SW. They will have a big screen to watch the results as the precincts report. You are welcome to send this email around and invite others. We have received many endorsements, but the biggest endorsement is the endorsement of the people. Please take the time to vote.

Paid for by Corbett for Mayor

Happy All Saints' Day: It's November 1, 2009

2009-11-01T19:15:00.006-06:00

Per the Gazette, 23% of the public 'Don't know/no answer' who they would vote for on the November 3, 2009 Municipal Election in the City of Cedar Rapids. More on the story titled:
Poll: Corbett leads Fagan in Cedar Rapids mayoral race - The Gazette

The City of Cedar Rapids has an interesting election on Tuesday. Will the voters support candidate Brian Fagan, who is lock, stock and barrel with City Manger Jim Prosser or will they go with a new direction, candidate Ron Corbett? Mr. Prosser is a proponent of the Carver Governance Model, which Fagan has taken too, as well. James Prosser - Lyle, IL - KCRG-TV
Mr. Prosser came from a consultants position to become our City's first city manager and he has been a strong proponent in the use of consultants in the roughly 3-1/3 years he has been in Cedar Rapids.

In the District 3 council race, The Gazette has an article titled Opponents decry McGrane’s District 3 campaign flier. It's certainly interesting to see an incumbent who is At-Large step down and face an incumbent in a District race. That is exactly what is happening as incumbent District 3 council member faces current At-Large council member Pat Shey.

The Shey campaign dropped literature off to District 2 voters on Sunday in Cedar Rapids. Two other candidates are on the ballot in District 3, including Kathy Potts.

Voters in Cedar Rapids and else where in the State of Iowa will conduct municipal elections on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Polls in Cedar Rapids are open from 7 am to 8 pm.

If elected, he will ask the City Council to put City Manager Jim Prosser under a
90-day assessment “to see how he performs.” - Ron Corbett

Cedar Rapids mayoral candidates debate city manager’s merits - The Gazette

Common ground: Mayoral candidates excelled as young football players - The Gazette

One candidate was a Division III all-American running back (Ron Corbett)
One candidate was a third-team all-State defensive lineman (P.T. Larson)
One candidate was a first-time all-metro selection (Brian Fagan)

Big disparity in mayoral campaign contributions - The Gazette

McGrane leads in council campaign contributions - The Gazette

Hawkeye Labor Council endorses Corbett for mayor - The Gazette

Labor council endorses Corbett for Cedar Rapids mayor - The Gazette

In State of Iowa government news, a special election will be held on November 24, 2009 for House District 33 in Cedar Rapids, which includes SE and SW Cedar Rapids voting precincts.

Running-Marquardt (Dem.) vs. Thurston (Rep.)

Democrats nominate Running-Marquardt in House 33 - The Gazette

Iowa GOP: Chairman Strawn congratulates Republican candidate in House District 33 -IowaPolitics.com (press release) - Danielle Plogmann
... like Josh getting involved to try and change the direction of his community and our state.” Thurston, 27, works at Cargill West in Cedar Rapids and is a ...

Finally, what about Health Care reform and a public option?

Harkin predicts public option will be law - The Gazette

Does the public really want the Federal Government to move more and more into the operations of 1/6Th of the United States economy?

peace

Final Weekend before Tuesday's Municipal Election in Cedar Rapids

2009-10-30T22:55:00.005-05:00

Cedar Rapids mayoral candidates debate city manager’s merits - The Gazette
Posted on Oct 30, 2009 by Rick Smith.

We would suggest that Mr. Jim Prosser's being named the state’s “City Manager of the Year” a year ago was due to his lobbying efforts on behalf of Cedar Rapids and all municipal governments throughout the State.

BizPac Endorses Cedar Rapids City Council Candidates - KCRG-TV
By Rick Smith, Reporter

Don't forget to Vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in Cedar Rapids
A run-off election will be held on December 1, 2009, if necessary

peace

District 1 Debate between three candidates for Cedar Rapids City Council

2009-10-22T23:36:00.004-05:00

Incumbant Kris Gullick
Tim Pugh
Ryan Russell

"Pugh called revenue diversification “a slippery slope,” and he said property
taxes have continued to increase even with a new franchise fee on heating bills
and a new local-option sales tax. Gulick said the property-tax increase for the
most part was needed to fix the streets." - Rick Smith of The Gazette

District 1 City Council candidates talk taxes, streets - The Gazette

District 1’s Gulick faces challengers Pugh, Russell; says city can’t afford new City Hall on its own - Rick Smith, The Gazette

REPLAY LIVE COVERAGE: Cedar Rapids District 1 Candidate Forum - The Gazette
The Gazette’s Todd Dorman will provide live coverage of tonight’s Cedar Rapids City Council District 1 candidate forum. The forum, which starts at 7 p.m., is being held at Pierce Elementary School, 4343 Marilyn Dr. NE.Cedar Rapids District 1 Candidate Forum

Polling the Candidates - The Gazette
Last night, during a forum for five candidates running for two at-large seats on the Cedar Rapids City Council, the hopefuls were asked who they support in the hotly contested race for mayor.Three candidates, Chuck Swore, Donald Karr and Nick Duffy said they support Ron Corbett.Swore said he’d love to have Corbett’s top rival, council [...]

Are New Taxes and Revenues coming to Cedar Rapids? Yes, if a couple of current City Council members have their way. The two in question (Chuck Wieneke and Tom Podzimek) are not up for re-election on November 3, 2009, but do they carry the same views as the current members who are up for re-election?

The following article highlighted the following:

"Podzimek also asked City Manager Jim Prosser about
establishing a system of payment, in lieu of taxes, that would attempt to raise
revenue from hospitals, churches, colleges, non-profits and others "not
contributing to this system" because they are exempt from paying property
taxes."
"Prosser emphasized that the meeting was intended only to offer
a forecast of budget challenges ahead. Among those: a 3 percent drop in property
value because of flood damage, an expected 6 percent increase in personnel costs
and increased contributions to employee pension plans."

peace

Mayor Candidate Corbett says not going to let Massive Yard Sign Thefts "Slow Campaign"

2009-10-19T18:23:00.004-05:00

The following is an e-mail received from Corbett Campaign today.

For immediate release.

October 19, 2009

Contact: Ron Corbett, 319-573-5050

Corbett Says Massive Yard Sign Theft Won't Slow Campaign

Cedar Rapids - Responding to the theft of hundreds of his campaign yard signs over the weekend, Cedar Rapids mayoral candidate, Ron Corbett, said today that his campaign will not be slowed or intimidated by this deliberate effort to hurt his candidacy.

"Yard signs use a lot of time and money in a campaign, that's why it's so
disappointing to see that hundreds of our signs have been stolen from yards
during the dark of night," said Corbett. "We don't know who did this, but
our message is simple: this campaign will not be slowed by those who think they
can prevent the voice of the people from being heard."

After dark Friday, vandals took to the streets to remove Corbett for Mayor signs from yards all over town. The campaign estimates that between 200 and 300 signs were taken, about 1/3 of the posted signs. "

We are asking for people to keep an eye out for the signs so that we can recover
them if possible. We are hoping that a business or homeowner will find
them disposed of somewhere and if so, we may be able to salvage some of them,"
said Corbett.

Anyone who finds the signs are asked to call 319-573-5050 or visit the campaign Web site at

www.RonCorbett.com

to send a message.

"The most disappointing part of this is that for many citizens, hosting a yard
sign or putting up yard signs is one of the ways people participate in the
election process. It's too bad that vandals would want to take away this
small part of democracy," concluded Corbett.

Paid for by Corbett for Mayor

Forward email

peace

We received the following e-mail from a friend recently

2009-10-11T17:28:00.005-05:00

Ain't this the truth?

If a *conservative* doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one.
If a *liberal *doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.

If a *conservative* is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat.
If a *liberal* is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

If a *conservative* sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat his enemy.
If a *liberal *wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good.

If a *conservative *is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.
If a *liberal* is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.

If a person of color is *conservative*, they see themselves as independently successful.
Their *liberal *counterparts see themselves as victims in need of government protection.

If a *conservative* is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
A *liberal* wonders who is going to take care of him.

If a *conservative* doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.
*Liberals* demand that those they don't like be shut down.

If a *conservative* is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church.
A *liberal *non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. (Unless it’s a foreign religion, of course!)

If a *conservative *decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it.
A *liberal* demands that the rest of us pay for his.

If a *conservative *slips and falls in a store, he gets up, laughs and is embarrassed.
If a *liberal *slips and falls, he grabs his neck, moans like he's in labor and then sues.

If a *conservative* reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh.
A *liberal *will delete it because he's "offended".

Of course, the use of labels has become far too common for Americans. At times it may have a place to a limited degree, but we are far better as individuals to get to know one another than define one another through use of a label.

Conservative vs. Liberal Beliefs - Student News Daily.
Conservative vs. Liberal Beliefs - We all want the same things in life. We want freedom; we want the chance for prosperity; we want to be the best we can be ...

Conservative Liberal - Eric-Odessit
But if you are a Humanitarian and a Liberal — in the real, not the prostituted sense of these words — you will say with us that Man, each single, solitary, ...

Conservative Democrats, Liberal Republicans Hard to Find - Gallup.com
Sep 2, 2009 ... Six percent of Americans are white conservative Democrats; 11% are white moderate/liberal Republicans. Nearly half of Americans (48%) fit ...

peace

Did you catch the Heritage Foundation update on Senate Finance Committee Health Care Bill?

2009-10-01T19:33:00.006-05:00

This was a note on October 1, 2009 on Facebook from the Heritage Foundation on Obamacare: Day Six In The Senate Finance Committee

The Senate Finance Committee continued its mark-up of the America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009 on Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

President Barack Obama made a couple of very high-profile promises concerning key issues that have emerged during the August recess and in contentious congressional town hall meetings. In his September 9, 2009 address to Congress and the nation in a special session of Congress, the President said that Americans could be assured that in his version of health care reform, there would be no federal funding of abortion nor the use of taxpayer funds to cover illegal immigrants.

In the key policy decisions of the Senate Finance Committee, those promises counted for little.

Protection of the Rights of Conscience (Hatch Amendment C13)

As noted, President Obama told Congress and the nation that, “no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions, and federal conscience laws will remain in place”. In that spirit, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) presented two amendments to remove any uncertainty and reinforce the President’s very public commitment. Sen. Hatch’s first amendment would have protected federal conscience laws; it would have prohibited discrimination against medical professionals who did not want to practice or participate in abortion and protect the right of conscience of physicians and other health care professionals, as well as officials of health care facilities, organizations, and insurance plans. Countering Senate Democrats who declared the amendment unnecessary, Sen. Hatch said the bill’s language was ambiguous, and he sought to erase all doubt in the Committee’s intentions regarding the issue. The Committee voted against Sen. Hatch’s amendment 10-13. Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) voted with Senate Democrats against the amendment, while Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) voted with Hatch and Senate Republicans for the amendment.

Federal Funding for Abortion (c-14)

Sen. Hatch’s second amendment would have prohibited federal funds from being used for elective abortions or to subsidize insurance plans that cover abortions. Hatch provided that nothing would stop insurers from offering supplemental policies for abortion—but plans funded or subsidized by the federal government could not provide abortion. Sen. Hatch’s amendment also provided exceptions to this law in the cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother. Hatch’s rationale was to codify official promises made on both sides of the aisle that taxpayer dollars would not fund abortions. Though the Hyde Amendment already provides for such a restriction on the use of taxpayers’ money, it must be passed every year. Sen. Hatch’s amendment would have also written the President’s promise into law. The Hatch amendment failed in the Senate Finance Committee 10-13. Senators Snowe and Conrad also crossed party lines again in their votes.

Using Taxpayers Dollars to Cover Illegal Immigrants (Grassley Amendment C8 )

In his address on health care, President Obama also stated that, “…there are those who claim that our reform efforts would insure illegal immigrants. This, too, is false. The reforms…I’m proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally.” This statement ignited South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson’s controversial outburst.

To secure the President’s commitment, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced an amendment that would require proof of citizenship in order to access federal health programs. Sen. Grassley’s amendment would have required proper identification in applying for Medicaid benefits: Medicaid applicants, or the guardian of an applicant under the age of 18, would present government-issued identification at the time of application for Medicaid or CHIP benefits. Sen. Grassley’s amendment failed by a vote of 10-13. It was a party line vote, with Senate Democrats voting against the Grassley amendment.

Increased Consumer Costs. (Enzi Amendment C4, Grassley Amendment F1, and Hatch Amendment F17)

The President has said repeatedly that he would oppose middle class tax increases, and that, as a result of health reform, the typical American family would see a $2500 annual reduction in their health premium costs. Nonetheless, the Senate Finance Committee “mark” contains various taxes, which would be tantamount to middle class tax increases. These include taxes on insurance companies based on their market shares, taxes on drug manufacturers, taxes on medical device manufacturers, and taxes on clinical laboratories. Economists know, of course, that such additional taxes are passed on to consumers through higher insurance premiums and higher costs for drugs and medical devices. Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) proposed amendments to protect Americans against these proposed tax increases.

Sen. Enzi’s amendment would have required that- before implementing the bill’s new insurance rating rules, each state’s State Insurance Commissioner would have to certify that insurance premiums would not rise for a majority of residents. This amendment failed by a vote of 10-13 along a party line.

Sen. Grassley’s offered an amendment to strike the bill’s additional fees on health insurance plans. Title VI of the Chairman’s mark imposes a fee of $60 billion on insurance providers, which would be apportioned among all health insurance providers based on their market shares. The Grassley amendment was also defeated on a party line vote.

Finally, Sen. Hatch offered up an amendment that would have required the Government Accountability Office to certify that consumers would not pay the higher taxes imposed on health insurers, manufacturers of drugs and medical devices, and clinical laboratories. During the debate , Chairman Baucus expressed the novel belief that such annual fees would be borne by companies, and that they would not be passed onto the consumers. In that spirit, Sen. Hatch’s amendment would have codified the Chairman’s good intentions. The Committee nonetheless voted, along party lines, against the Hatch Amendment by a 10 to 13 vote.

The Senate Finance Committee, once again, has given ordinary Americans another insight into the gap between official Washington’s promises and the reality of the health care legislation being developed in Congress. Based on the President’s clearly stated intentions, on such matters as illegal immigration and taxpayer funding of abortion, it is obvious that the White House Office of Congressional Relations needs to do a better job communicating them to the Senate.

Other links on the Senate Finance Health Care discussion:

A look at the Senate Finance health care bill -The Associated Press
The Senate Finance Committee pushed ahead Wednesday on a comprehensive health care bill. The panel hopes to finish the legislation by week's end. ...
Senate Panel Expects to Finish Thursday on Health-Care Bill - Washington Post
America Wants to See Health Care Bill - FOXNews
US Sen Panel Approves State Health Insurance Plan Measure - Wall Street Journal

Point of Information: Two Paths to a Public Option in Health-Care ... - Washington Post
Two amendments considered, and defeated, Tuesday by the Senate Finance Committee both aimed to get to the same place -- creating a government-sponsored ...
Senate Dems will push public option - Politico
Rockefeller: Time for Insurance Companies to Spend Money on Actual ... - Daily Kos (blog)
An Attempt to Force Insurance Companies to Dedicate More Cash to Care - The Washington Independent

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Is Inflation in our future after Economic Crisis and Election of Mr.Obama?

2009-09-21T23:50:00.002-05:00

The Monday, September 21, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features an article titled, Fed faces test on inflation. For more on the Federal Reserve, please read Public Interest Institute's brief titled The mythology of Fed control of the economy.

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So, we have 17 candidates for 6 Council positions in Cedar Rapids for November?

2009-09-18T19:24:00.005-05:00

Three for Mayor, five for two At-Large positions, choices in District 1 and 3, but District 5 incumbent stands unopposed as Cedar Rapids prepares for 11/3/09 City Election.

17 hopefuls file for 6 C.R. Council seats - The Gazette

http://www.neighborhoodnetworknews.com/ doesn't list all candidates, but interviews are found on Robin Kash's web site. As of today, web site only lists 15 of 17 candidates for City Council.

Cedar Rapids mayoral candidates’ first impression - The Gazette

Who's on the Ballot in Cedar Rapids? - KCRG ‎
Incumbent Kay Halloran is not running for re-election due to health concerns. City Council district 1 is between incumbent Kris Gulick, Ryan Russell, ...
Cedar Rapids Mayoral Candidates' First Impression - KCRG

Other News of Interest ...

Grassley believes Obama distorted his comments on health care - The Gazette

Sen. Chuck Grassley said Thursday President Obama distorted his comments this summer about the Democrats’ health care reform proposals and that he resents it. Grassley, R-Iowa, recalled that he was asked at a town hall meeting in August about the draft bill, including whether it would insert a bureaucrat in place of a physician in advising a patient about end-of-life planning. Grassley said he merely commented that the draft bill should not “determine whether you’re going to pull the plug on grandma.” Then-Gov. ...

Iowa Department of Economic Development Director resigns - The Gazette

The surprise resignation the state’s economic development director apparently stemmed from questions about the use of tax incentives lawmakers approved to stimulate the film industry in Iowa. The resignation of Mike Tramontina as director of the Department of Economic Development (DED) was announced by Gov. Chet Culver’s office late Friday afternoon ...

Republican Party of Iowa: Governor misleads Iowans about state ... - IowaPolitics.com (press release) - Danielle Plogmann
Governor Culver's statement is deceptive and misleading. Due to the receipt and expenditure of one-time federal stimulus money to backfill shortfalls in ...

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Remembering the Constitution on Constitutional Day: September 17Th

2009-09-17T18:23:00.003-05:00

The Thursday, September 17, 2009 online edition of The Mason City Globe Gazette features an article titled, Free Constitution Day forum Thursday at NIACC. To commemorate Constitution Day today, please read Public Interest Institutes's briefs titled We Have Free Speech, For Today and Three Cheers for Washington: Remembering the Nation’s First Chief on Constitution Day.

September 17 is Constitution Day - Examiner.com
September 17 is Constitution Day, The day we commemorate the establishment of the United States Constitution. The document that created the government that ...
More than 200 years later, Constitution remains current - SDSU Collegian
Constitution Day - Monroe Evening News
It's Constitution Day - Scottsboro Daily Sentinel
Duluth Weekly - Mount Vernon News

First Lady Rendell Leads Virtual Lesson on Constitution Day -Reuters
First Lady Judge Marjorie O. Rendell today helped celebrate Constitution Day by teaching a civics lesson via the Internet with ...
State officials honor 222-year-old document in an educational event - Altoona Mirror

How the poll on the Constitution was conducted - The Associated Press The Associated Press-National Constitution Center Poll on views of the Constitution was conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media from Sept. 3-8. ...
Constitution Center Poll Finds Americans Adhering to Basic Values - KYW1060.com
Poll Shows Most Americans Oppose Bailouts - NPR
POLL: Most Americans opposed gov't stake in private companies - The Associated Press

On Constitution Day, the document lives on in political debates -Christian Science Monitor
In many ways, views about the Constitution are reflected in the debate over how President Obama is handling the issues of the day. By Patrik Jonsson Staff ...

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One local Senator says Public Option is coming to America

2009-09-14T22:00:00.004-05:00

The Monday, September 14, 2009 edition of The Des Moines Register features an article titled, Harkin says Congress will pass health bill with public option. For more on the issue of health-care reform, read the Public Interest Institutes's brief titled Let the Market Work, Government Won't.

*** ***

Locally, who will step forward and run in Cedar Rapids? The City Council isn't attracting candidates as the Thursday, 5 p.m. deadline nears.
Where are all the candidates for Cedar Rapids council? - The Gazette

Update on Tax Abatement due to Flood of 2008

Tax abatements not going gangbusters yet - The Gazette

Pro-family group launches effort to undo Iowa same-sex marriage ruling - The Gazette

At-large City Council candidate Nick Duffy endorses project labor agreements for big city building projects; says council majority sided with developers over the public in a home development by Ellis Golf Course - Rick Smith's Gazette Blog

The City of Cedar Rapids will conduct a General Election for six seats on the City Council, including the Mayor, on November 3, 2009. A run-off election will be held, if a majority is not obtained in the General.

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RIP - Walter Cronkite: America's Most Trusted Man in America

2009-09-10T18:22:00.003-05:00

The Thursday, September 10, 2009 edition of The Washington Post features an article titled, "Cronkite, Icon of Truth and Trust, Hailed at Memorial." For additional information on the topic read, the Public Interest Institutes's brief titled "The Most Trusted Man in America."

It's hard to trust anything these days with the expansion of government at all levels.

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The Path to Recovery is Limited Spending and sticking to the Constitution

2009-09-02T23:50:00.003-05:00

The Wednesday, September 2, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features a story titled, U.S. economy gets lift from stimulus. For more on economic policy ideas read the Public Interest Institutes's brief titled, Follow the Constitution rather than Keynes.

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As we close out the month of August in Eastern Iowa

2009-08-31T19:30:00.003-05:00

The right decision ... cut your loses as Roy Marble is terminated ...

Former Hawkeye Roy Marble loses youth post after arrest - The Gazette
Former University of Iowa Basketball star Roy Marble has been terminated from his ...

We need help in Cedar Rapids post-Flood Gov. Chet ...

Fong wants Culver to make some noise - The Gazette

A New York Times progress report on flood recovery in Cedar Rapids caused a ripple in the 2010 race for governor. After reading the Times’ story -- “After Iowa flood, feeling just a bit ignored,” Cedar Rapids Republican Christian Fong criticized Gov. Chet Culver’s comment that Iowa was “not making a lot of noise” about the flood that caused an estimated $8 billion damage across the state and as much as $6 million damage in Cedar Rapids-Linn ...

Federal Stimulus funds are not hitting the local market as well as elsewhere ...

Linn County coming up short in federal stimulus funds - The Gazette
Just like in real estate, location appears to be key to cashing in on the federal stimulus program. Take Monona County in western Iowa, for example. It’s home to 8,966 people who own 16,383 vehicles — cars, trucks, trailers, buses and mo-peds. Of the $47,035,324 Monona County is getting from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, $46,333,400 is from the federal Department of Transportation for road projects. Linn County, where 208,574 people live and own 254,000 vehicles, already has spent its $962,000 ...

Yes, even Firefighters will have to get off the streets for MDA ...

Cedar Rapids panhandling ordinance passes first reading - The Gazette
Beggars on Blairs Ferry Road will soon be a thing of the past. A new ordinance, approved unanimously by the City Council Wednesday night, would outlaw panhandling on the city’s right of way, or soliciting money from anyone in a motor vehicle. The new ordinance will apply even to firefighters raising money with boots in the street for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Aggressive panhandling would also be forbidden. Beggars who won’t take no for an answer, touch the people they ask for money, ...

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State Spending outpaces State Revenues in most States

2009-08-31T19:13:00.003-05:00

No sooner had state lawmakers around the country gone home after spending
months plugging ...

The Monday, August 31, 2009 edition of The Washington Times features a story titled, State, local services hit as revenues fall. For more on the importance of cutting taxes to raise revenue, read Public Interest Institutes's brief titled, Historical success of tax cuts.

Other reviews of state spending vs. state revenues across the USA.

Conn. and Pa. state budgets still in limbo -The Associated Press
Erik Arneson, a spokesman for the Senate Republicans in Pennsylvania, frames the debate as a choice between cutting spending to match revenues, ...
What Now for State Budget? - Industrial Laser Solutions
Pennsylvania lawmakers begin to make concessions to pass budget ... - The Patriot-News

Mo. cuts $7 million from tourism budget -Bizjournals.com

Missouri has had to cut spending and lay off workers as tax revenue dropped and shoppers pulled back on spending. The state expects nearly $7.4 billion in ...
Your letters, Aug. 30, 2009 - St. Joseph News-Press

It's time to bring back the virtue of limited spending.

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Do you agree with the following suggesting from a friend?

2009-08-31T11:46:00.004-05:00

A friend passed on the following quote recently ...

My friend commented: "This is probably the five best sentences you'll ever read. This is one paragraph that should be in every book, in every school room, in every city, in every state, in our great Union. Our educators should make a lesson plan on this one statement and beat these words into every head, in every class, in every state, in these United States of America."

Profound short paragraph:

“You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy
out of prosperity. What one person receives without working for, another
person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to
anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because
the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets
the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get
what they work for, that my dear friend, is the beginning of the end of
any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it." - Adrian
Rogers

Another famous quote from Adrian Rogers is

"You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

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Choice is important, whether it be Health Care or our K-12 systems of Edcuation in the USA

2009-08-28T17:27:00.004-05:00

Choice is important in both Health Care and in Education in the USA.

The consumer is often best protected when there is competition in the marketplace and options for the consumer to select.

The Friday, August 28, 2009 edition of USA Today features a story titled, L.A. school board OKs school choice plan with private operators. For more on the issue of school choice, read the Public Interest Institutes's brief titled School Choice in America and Iowa: The Time for Change is Now.

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Is Limited Spending a concept that has been forgotten?

2009-08-26T22:12:00.004-05:00

A good read is from By Ken Washer, DBA, CFA, Associate Professor of Finance at Creighton University.

Earning, Saving and Giving: Have We Lost Our Way? - Creighton University Magazine

The Christian theologian and founder of the Methodist Church, John Wesley, preached: “Earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.” He encouraged hard work in “honest industry,” along with limited spending. Wesley argued that to not use your money to support a good cause is to simply “throw it away.” ...

The Wednesday, August 26, 2009 edition of The Washington Post features a story titled, "Deficit Projected To Soar With New Programs." For more on the issue read, "Cutting Federal Spending Must Be a Top Priority."

Limited Government is a formula for success. It starts with limiting government spending.

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What's up on the Health Care discussion: VA pamblet and Budget Strains

2009-08-24T23:01:00.006-05:00

Page 21 is a bit creepy. I'm not defending or complaining at this point. I'm
just saying why are enough people concerned that the VA book was pulled from the .gov website and we're hearing that section is being removed from HR3200? ...I finally found the book online (thanks Deb) - and I kept a copy. - A person on Facebook wrote

Your Life, Your Choices -www.docstoc.com
Your Life Your Choices Planning for Future Medical Decisions: How to Prepare a Personalized Living Will Your Life Your Choices Planning for Future Medical Decisions: How to Prepare a Personalized Living Will Authored ...

The Monday, August 24, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features a story titled, Budget pain spreads to energy-rich states. For more on economic recovery policy ideas, read Institute Brief: The American Option.

In the State of Iowa, newcomer Christian Fong, the Western Iowa native, who is a businessman here in Cedar Rapids, released his first radio advertisement that was critical towards the use of bonds by the current governor. In speaking engagements, Fong often speaks about the dangers of generational debt.

“As governor I would end the use of taxpayer money to fund lobbyists and
veto any budget that is not balanced.” - Christian Fong

Fong begins statewide radio ad campaign; Dems cry ‘foul’ - The Gazette CEDAR RAPIDS – Republican gubernatorial hopeful Christian Fong is on the airwaves with a statewide radio campaign. ...

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What's local in Cedar Rapids: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

2009-08-24T22:35:00.004-05:00

Cedar Rapids airport commissioners go green with netbook computers - The Gazette
The Eastern Iowa Airport is using technology to replace reams of paper, the latest in a series of green moves. ...

Sorry, but how are accrued property tax calculations considered quirky? The system hasn't changed over, forever ...

Cedar Rapids leaders: We were wrong on tax abatement period - The Gazette
We got it wrong.
That was the message out of City Hall on Thursday after city officials acknowledged that a council decision this week to recommend a partial abatement of property taxes for flood victims was premised on a faulty understanding of a quirky basic of local government — property taxes. ...

A look back at August 2006, when our first City Manager arrived in Cedar Rapids.

"I'm not coming in here to run the show. I play a role. My role isn't more
important than anyone else in this organization." - City Manager Jim Prosser

Jim Prosser's Plan for Cedar Rapids KCRG-TV9 Cedar Rapids, Iowa ... - KCRG
CEDAR RAPIDS -- Jim Prosser is now Cedar Rapids first City Manager. ...

It would be interesting to poll how people look at the City Manager's role in the City of Cedar Rapids today or even before the Flood of 2008.

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Display the American Flag on September 11, 2009 in honor of 9/11

2009-08-24T11:30:00.005-05:00

Received the following e-mail this morning and thought we would pass it on to our readers ...
We have a little less than one month and counting to get the word out
all across this great land and into every community in the United States of
America .

If you forward this email to least 11 people
and each of
those people do the same ... you get the idea.

THE PROGRAM:

On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American flag should be displayed
outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every
individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth
anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor
those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who
continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad
to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in
American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood
shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but
disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't
take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the
fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all
kinds.

So, here's what we need you to do .

(1) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Take
a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide
you.

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans
should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a
priority on this day.

Thank you for your participation. God Bless You and God Bless America!

We have a lot of challenges today. In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, our community is trying to rebound from the worst natural disaster in the City's history. Some have called it the 5Th worst natural disaster in U.S. history. The Economy has been very weak locally, nationally and worldwide.

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The U.S. Federal Government needs to promote limited spending

2009-08-20T22:52:00.005-05:00

"The large deficit and the grim longer-term fiscal outlook also will
continue to play a big role in the debate over domestic priorities, such as
health-care overhaul." - The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal features a story titled, U.S. deficit projection trimmed for 2009. For a historical example of the importance of following constitutional government, read Institute Brief: Governing by the Founder's Constitution: The Presidency of Warren G. Harding.

Attempts are being made to stimulate demand by channeling resources into areas
that government planners consider socially beneficial. For example, a bonus is
given to individuals who trade in their “clunkers” for sub-compact fuel
efficient cars. In the end, such programs will prove futile and result in a
misallocation of resources. - Fred Buzzeo

An Analysis of Production and Consumption Based Economic Stimulants - The Market Oracle
The answer is clear: The government should return money to its rightful owner, the taxpayer; eliminate excessive spending and budget deficits; and encourage ...

I believe in letting the free market correct itself and letting competition
rather than the government decide "winners" and "losers." I’m doing everything I
can to prevent the Washington, D.C., mindset of government growth and spending
sprees from infecting our state. - State Sen. Luann Ridgeway (Mo.)

Stopping excessive spending not easy - Sun Tribune
The 2010 budget amounts to a 3 percent increase in spending — yet our income (tax revenue) is down 4 percent. Your federal tax dollars came back to us via ...

Of course, the spending spree by the Federal Government can cause difficult challanges to state and local budgets. Federal stimulus money is only short-term.

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Pass the Ketchup and Mustard, but can we please hold and stop the Rationing of Health Care path

2009-08-19T22:32:00.006-05:00

"Although administration officials are eager to deny it, rationing health care
is central to President Barack Obama’s health plan. The Obama strategy is to
reduce health costs by rationing the services that we and future generations of
patients will receive." - Martin Feldstein

The Wednesday, August 19, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features a story titled, ObamaCare Is All About Rationing. For more on health care reform, read Institute Brief: A Healthcare Prescription for Iowa.

Ketchup / Catsup History
Original ketchup contained no tomatoes

"But do Americans really want government bureaucrats
dictating access to care based on their perception of one's worth to society?
This question goes to the heart of the problem with rationing: A stranger far
from the scene decides who gets care and who doesn't. The person making these
decisions knows neither the patient nor the health care provider, yet he or she
is charged with the responsibility of allocating scarce resources among a
demanding population rather than providing the best possible care." - Ken
Connor

Ken Connor: Elderly should keep a close eye on health debate - Tallahassee Democrat

A Washington Times editorial on Aug. 18 criticized the claim that private
insurers “ration” care: “There
is no more rationing by private insurance companies than there is rationing at
the grocery store. In a private system, consumers can buy more
expensive health insurance plans if they want better benefits. Similarly, in a
grocery store, if you want more food, you pay more money. There is no rationing
in either case.”

CNN Devotes Six Minutes to Health Care 'Rationing' Proponent -Business Media Institute
At one point in the segment, Roberts asked why rationing is a “dirty word” in the health care debate when it already “goes on all the time in the corporate ...

A key component in a quality health care system is choice. Here are recommendations from the Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center:

Create Value
Improve patient health outcomes and satisfaction with U.S. health care. Decrease medical errors, costs and waste. Read details.

Coordinate Care
To increase value, patient care services must be coordinated across people, functions, activities, locations and time. Patients must actively participate in this process. Read details.

Reform the Payment System
Change the way providers are paid in order to improve health and minimize waste. Read details.

Provide Health Insurance for All
Provide guaranteed, portable health insurance for all individuals, giving them choice, control and peace of mind. Read details.

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It's grassroots: Americans are concerned about Washington D.C. Health Care Reform talk

2009-08-18T23:20:00.002-05:00

About 60,000 senior citizens have quit AARP since July 1 due to the group's
support for a health care overhaul - AARP spokesperson

The Tuesday, August 18, 2009 edition of USA Today features a story titled, AARP loses members over health care stance. For more on health care reform, read Institute Brief: Deafness is Treatable, If You're Listening.

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Good News ... Obama steps back on Public Option in discussion in Health Care Reform

2009-08-17T23:05:00.001-05:00

The Monday, August 17, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features a story titled, Chances Dim for a Public Plan. For more on health care reform, read Institute Brief: More Government Is Not The Answer.

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Enjoying the Dog Days of Summer in Iowa

2009-08-17T21:14:00.005-05:00

It's nice to be back, after taking a little over 10 days off our blog.

There is plenty of Health Care talk around the State, with Rotary Clubs, legislative town meetings and other events around the State.
Despite President Barack Obama's retreat away from a public option, there are still concerns for many retirees regarding the pending Federal legislation in Washington D.C. H.R. 3200 needs to be cleaned up.

Providers, academics, medical industry leaders, businesspeople, insurers, political leaders and patients — recommend four areas of focus per the Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center.

Create Value
Improve patient health outcomes and satisfaction with U.S. health care. Decrease medical errors, costs and waste. Read details.
Coordinate Care
To increase value, patient care services must be coordinated across people, functions, activities, locations and time. Patients must actively participate in this process. Read details.
Reform the Payment System
Change the way providers are paid in order to improve health and minimize waste. Read details.
Provide Health Insurance for All
Provide guaranteed, portable health insurance for all individuals, giving them choice, control and peace of mind. Read details.

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We need to slow down and not rush Health Care Reform

2009-08-06T22:52:00.008-05:00

Some want to argue that we have been waiting since Truman for health care reform. But, clearly that is not correct. First, single payer health care is not the only remedy or option for health care reform in the USA. By the way, Medicare in the State of Iowa should be a good indication to voice 'No' for single payer health care ran by the Federal Government.

One size does not fit all when it comes to health care.

"The debate over health care reform is being shaped by an unlikely player -
Sen. Mike Enzi, the media-shy Republican from Wyoming. Although the Democrats control both houses, reporter Greg Hitt says Enzi's support could be a factor
down the road." - The Wall Street Journal

The Thursday, August 6, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features an article titled, Sen. Enzi Won't Rush Into Health-Bill Deal. For more on health-care reform, read the Public Interest Institute Brief: Let the Market Work, Government Won't.

Market driven health care example:

"To those who say that the free-market doesn’t work, I send you to the
cosmetic surgery clinics. Many baby boomers frequent these clinics. Their
insurance doesn’t pay. They choose to look younger. The number of people getting
treatments has increased by 5 or 6 times, while the costs have either gone down
or remained stable. This is also true for elective laser vision surgery. As
recently as 10 years ago, the cost was double what it is today. There is
virtually no wait time and outstanding results.8 The free-market works, if it
has the opportunity." - Deborah Thornton

The concerns with public controlled and driven health care are sustainability, equality, rationing, choice and quality. We encourage to visit the Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center for more information on health care reform.

Create Value
Improve patient health outcomes and satisfaction with U.S. health care. Decrease medical errors, costs and waste. Read details.
Coordinate Care
To increase value, patient care services must be coordinated across people, functions, activities, locations and time. Patients must actively participate in this process. Read details.
Reform the Payment System
Change the way providers are paid in order to improve health and minimize waste. Read details.
Provide Health Insurance for All
Provide guaranteed, portable health insurance for all individuals, giving them choice, control and peace of mind. Read details.

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We need Health Care in America that is Sustatinable and Market Driven

2009-07-27T22:05:00.004-05:00

“You come in and you’ve got a bad sore throat, or your child has a bad sore
throat or has repeated sore throats. The doctor may look at the reimbursement
system and say to himself, ‘You know what? I make a lot more money if I take
this kid’s tonsils out.'" - President Barack Obama at Wednesday's press
conference

Today's article is from the Monday, July 27, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal newspaper features an article titled, Dr. Obama’s Tonsillectomy. For more on health care reform, read the Public Interest Institute's Brief: A Healthcare Prescription for Iowa.

There's a better direction for the U.S. Congress to proceed with Health Care Reform. Reject Pelosi-ObamaCare and embrace ideas like the Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center:

Create Value
Improve patient health outcomes and satisfaction with U.S. health care. Decrease medical errors, costs and waste. Read details.
Coordinate Care
To increase value, patient care services must be coordinated across people, functions, activities, locations and time. Patients must actively participate in this process. Read details.
Reform the Payment System
Change the way providers are paid in order to improve health and minimize waste. Read details.
Provide Health Insurance for All
Provide guaranteed, portable health insurance for all individuals, giving them choice, control and peace of mind. Read details.

peace

Economic News: Unemployment, Recovery and Impacts

2009-07-26T22:53:00.002-05:00

The Friday, July 24, 2009 edition of Burt Folsom.com. Folsom, a professor of United States economic history, features an article titled, What do we do with 11.7% unemployment. For more on the politics of the 1920s read Public Interest Institute Brief: Governing by the Founder's Constitution: The Presidency of Warren Harding.

Exclusive: Economists surveyed see slow recovery -USA Today
The beginning of an economic recovery appears to be just a few months away but unemployment will continue to ...

Second wave of foreclosures possible - Philadelphia Inquirer‎
... is not being funded at a level necessary to deal with the rising unemployment rate, Dodd said. Stephanie Butler, senior counselor at Mount Airy USA in ...

Bernanke Sees High Jobless Rate, Even in Recovery -New York Times
Latest government data show the US unemployment rate at 9.5 percent, the highest since 1983. "We're doing everything we can to support the economy. ...

Some are saying it may not be til 2011, until unemployment moves in the right direction. With Pelosi-ObamaCare, increasing Federal debt and Big Government on the rise, the private sector has reason to feel a little concerned about jobs and business climate.

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How are the nation's Governors responding to Washington DC today?

2009-07-20T21:44:00.004-05:00

Today's article is from the Monday, July 20, 2009 edition of The Washington Times. The Times features an article titled, Governors resist footing federal projects' bill. For more on the Administration's Keynesian economic policies read Public Interest Institutes Brief titled: Follow the Constitution rather than Keynes.

"Governor Jindal has seen enough, as a health-care policy expert, he
strongly believes that the House Democrat[ic] plan would be a disaster for the
long-term health of the American people, and the long-term health of the
economy." - Curt Anderson for Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA)

Morning Fix: Jindal Rises Again -Washington Post ‎
"Governor Jindal has seen enough," said Curt Anderson, a consultant for Jindal. "As a health-care policy expert, he strongly believes that the House ...

The Heritage Foundation reported on Facebook on July 20, 2009: Governors Balk at Obama Health Plan

President Obama just got turned down by America’s governors. Obama wanted governors to endorse his proposed overhaul of health care, but ran into opposition over the runaway costs, as reported by The New York Times. Instead he got this:
Gov. Phil Bredesen of Tennessee, a Democrat, said he feared Congress was about to bestow

“the mother of all unfunded mandates.”
“Medicaid is a poor vehicle for
expanding coverage,’ added Mr. Bredesen, a former health care executive. “It’s a
45-year-old system originally designed for poor women and their children. It’s
not health care reform to dump more money into Medicaid.”
Mr. Bredesen was
far from alone in his concern. “As a governor, my concern is that if we try to
cost-shift to the states we’re not going to be in a position to pick up the
tab,” said Gov. Christine Gregoire of Washington, also a Democrat.
“I’m
personally very concerned about the cost issue, particularly the $1 trillion
figures being batted around,” said Gov. Bill Richardson, the New Mexico Democrat
who served in the Clinton cabinet and ran for president against Mr. Obama.

Governors worry that Obama’s plan for a major expansion of Medicaid not only will break the bank in Washington, but also in the states—since they would be required to kick in part of the costs. That would worsen the multi-billion dollar shortfalls they already must address. Problems with the governors could be enormous for the White House. As The Heritage Foundation’s Dennis Smith wrote:

Congress and the Obama Administration are banking on using Medicaid to provide
coverage to millions of uninsured Americans. As many as one-third of those who
are uninsured could end up on Medicaid if it is expanded to 150 percent of the
federal poverty level. . . . State opposition could be a tremendous blow to
health care reform. Governors can be game-changers if they mobilize before
momentum is built behind specific legislation that expands Medicaid.

National Write Your Congressman web site reports ...

Blue Dogs Stand Firm on Health Care

The fiscally-conservative Blue Dog coalition of lawmakers in the House is not happy about the way health care legislation is moving through Congress. Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR), Chairman of the Blue Dogs’ health care force, said on Monday that “the leadership has misread this…one” when they ignored Blue Dog requests to be included in drafting measures for health care reform.

“I think between the financial crisis, the auto bailout, the omnibus ... the
stimulus bill, the energy bill, I think it’s reached a point where not only the
Blue Dogs are saying, ‘Let’s slow down here.’ The people back home want us to
stop the spending, they want us to have time to read these bills, they want us
to have time to debate and understand these bills, and they don’t see that
happening.” - Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR)

But, the leadership doesn’t get it, said Ross.

“I think they underestimated the Blue Dogs on this … We’re more united than
we’ve ever been, and so it’s not as easy as inviting one member in after the
next and finding out what their pet project is and helping them with their pet
project for their vote. This is much bigger than that.” - Rep. Ross

Ross said the legislation in its current form will not have the support of Blue Dogs. His tough stance against the overhaul bill drew praise from fellow Blue Dogs and other supporters in Congress.

“He’s doing a good job, and he’s right. When you’re right, you get a lot of
support. Mike has told the Speaker he wants health care reform, but there
need to be changes. So far the message isn’t getting through, for whatever
reason. I don’t know where they’re coming from on this.” - Rep. Collin
Peterson (D-MN)

"He’s expressing a huge sentiment shared by many in our Caucus. We’re trying
to save the bill and do what the president says we need, which is to control
costs.” - Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA)

Table of Contents from the nwyc.com:

Blue Dogs Stand Firm on Health Care
Senators Ask House Members for Advice
Exploring an Overhaul of REAL ID
Health Measures Could Weaken Economy
Consumer Financial Protection Authority

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Let's be careful to expand the Federal responsibilty in Health Care

2009-07-18T11:37:00.006-05:00

We need to get back to the basics in our American society. Equality, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness are basic values that our country was founded on.

But, we are moving far from that. Credit Scores, Nanny State, Big Government, a lack of personal responsibility, government health care ...

Health Care Reform appears to be more of the same. More of the same, in what is wrong in Washington DC and what is wrong in our American society today.

"No, Mr. Chairman. In the legislation that has been reported we do not
see the sort of fundamental changes that would be necessary to reduce the
trajectory of federal health spending by a significant amount. And on the
contrary, the legislation significantly expands the federal responsibility for
health care costs." - Doug Elmendorf, Director of CBO

CBO: Democrats Bend Health Care Cost Curve — in the Wrong Direction - CATO

CBO Sees No Net Federal Cost Savings in Dem Health Plans - ABC News

We need to promote personal responsibility and Liberty again.

It will not be found through expanding the role and size of governments, whether it be at the Federal, State or local level. Of course, local government and local control are far better than a large central government.

We need to get back to traditional mortgages and credit financing.

We need to encourage personal responsibility again.

We need to move away from Big Government.

Limited government is the pathway America was built on.

Health Care Reform is required, but it should remain market driven with proper government oversight.

Oversight is the right role for our government. As you may recall, there were concerns voiced several years ago regarding the need for greater Federal oversight ahead of the 2008 Financial Crisis. A concern many Europeans have about American society is when private corporations get too closely connected with politicians.

The private sector is where the solution can be found in health care and in how our way of life should play out. It comes with better oversight and public policy. It begins with a return to Equality, Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. It is found in Limited Government. Those values that make America the country it has been and can be again.

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Stimulus, Stimulus and Stimulus... it covers just about everything!

2009-07-17T21:31:00.005-05:00

Of course, only about 10 percent of the stimulus has actually been distributed to date. The State of Michigan it was announced this week that state's unemployment rate topped 15 percent.

Some cash-strapped states and school districts are signaling a major
expansion of charter schools to tap $5 billion in federal stimulus funds,
despite strong opposition from some teachers unions. - Rob Tomsho

The Friday, July 17, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features an article titled, Charter schools gain in stimulus scramble. Cash-Strapped States, Districts Signal Expansion of Public-Education Alternative Despite Some Teachers' Strong Opposition.
For more on charter schools read Public Interest Institutes's Brief titled: Charter schools in America: will they be successful?

Some other articles to consider regarding Charter Schools and the Federal Stimulus...

Fenty Alters Proposal To Close Budget Gap - Washington Post
About $125 million will come from the city's rainy-day fund and $188 million from President Obama's economic stimulus package. ...
Patrick charter school plan could net fed funds -Belmont Citizen-Herald o
Patrick on Thursday framed the charter school push in moral terms, as a tool to close significant performance gaps along ethnic and income lines, ...
Morton Kondracke: Who will Congress put first - children or ... -San Gabriel Valley Tribune
So far, Congress has robustly backed Obama and Duncan's efforts with $100 billion in the economic stimulus package for education, including $10 billion to ...

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The Impact a Supreme Court selection can have on the Second Amendment

2009-07-16T17:42:00.009-05:00

The Thursday, July 16, 2009 edition of The Star Tribune features an article titled, Sotomayor: from guns to Perry Mason. For more on the constitutional significance of the Second Amendment read Public Interest Institutes's Brief titled: Do citizens have the right to keep and bear arms? and District of Columbia v. Heller.

NRA Opposes Sotomayor, Cites 'Hostile View' of Gun Rights‎ - Wall Street Journal blogs
The NRA criticized several of the positions Sotomayor had taken on Second Amendment rights. “It is only by ignoring history that any judge can say that the ...

Don't Mess With Sotomayor‎ - Washington Post

Sen. Graham's Second Round of Questioning at Judge Sotomayor's ...‎ - Washington Post

On a local note, Iowa Senator Charles Grassley questioned Sonia Sotomayor in 3Rd round of questions on July 16, 2009. Senator Grassley's questioning was not directly related in any way to the Second Amendment, Transcript from the Washington Post and focuses on "stare decisis." Senators Grassley and Leahy discuss Sotomayor o... - YouTube

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A touch of England for the City of Marion and a pedestrian-friendly look planned

2009-07-12T22:38:00.003-05:00

Marion considers big changes for central corridor - The Gazette
Roundabouts, a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare with fewer vehicles, mixed-use development and green space are part of a new vision for downtown Marion.

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Local Health Care Reform forums scheduled, while Washington discusses Health co-ops

2009-07-10T23:10:00.006-05:00

"I've heard more positives than negatives on co-ops from Republicans, if
it's one and the same (government-run plan), it would be problematic, definitely." - Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME)

The Friday, July 10, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features an article titled, Democrats Open to Idea of Forming Health Co-Op. For more on health care reform, read the Public Interest Institutes's brief titled The Missouri Plan: A Free Market Approach to Health Care.

Consumer-Driven
Health-Care Policy
Public Input Tour
Co-Sponsored by Patients United Now and Public Interest Institute

July 13 - Des Moines

July 14 - Cedar Rapids/Iowa City

July 15 - Davenport/Bettendorf

For more information, click HERE

To RSVP, call 319-385-3462

Read background on
health-care policy issues

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Governor Chet Culver likely will have to tap State's Cash Reserves to balance budget

2009-07-09T20:26:00.006-05:00

"I would say that it's highly unlikely that he wouldn't have to tap the cash
reserves for his authority at least to balance the budget for '09." - State
Auditor David Vaudt

Governor Chet Culver will likely tap cash reserves. Culver and the Democrat controlled Iowa Legislature unveiled a strategy of bonding to help fund Iowa's record budget.

"The rating agencies also gave Aaa credit ratings to Enron, Freddie Mac and
Fanny Mae, and we know what happened to them. So I don't place a great deal of
reliance on what the credit agencies are doing from a due diligence standpoint."
- David Vaudt

The Thursday, July 9, 2009 edition of The Quad City Times features an article titled, "Reserves likely needed to balance Iowa's budget." For more on this issue, read Public Interest Institutes's brief titled "Iowa's State Budget: Spending Our Way to a Crisis Again."

“The governor is acting like this was an accident or an oversight. That
is not what happened. The governor and Legislative Democrats made a
calculated decision to not couple with federal law and force Iowans to
payback tax returns because they needed the money for their spending plans.
House Republicans stand ready to correct this error.” - Iowa Minority
Leader Kraig Paulsen

Democrats Made Calculated Decision to Tax Iowans - Iowa House Republicans

Governor Chet Culver and the Democrat controlled Iowa Legislature unveiled the a strategy of bonding to help fund Iowa's record budget.

"The rating agencies also gave Aaa credit ratings to Enron, Freddie Mac and
Fanny Mae, and we know what happened to them. So I don't place a great
deal of reliance on what the credit agencies are doing from a due diligence
standpoint." - David Vaudt

Plunging revenue causes new problems -Stateline.org - Stephen C. Fehr
The Legislature already cut spending 7 percent for the budget year that started July 1. Iowa finished the 2009 budget year as much as $161 million in the ...

Budget tsunami warning - Denver Daily News

State Tax Surprise: Some Have to Pay Back Refund -KCRG - Rod Boshart
“It was a hit to the budget that, frankly, was not an option. “ he said. Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, who tried unsuccessfully to raise the issue in floor ...

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"And if there are going to be limits, who . . . is going to enforce the rules for a system like that?"

2009-07-08T22:09:00.004-05:00

"President Obama called it the "right question" -- then failed to answer it.
This was not surprising: The query is emerging as the ultimate challenge in reining in health-care costs that now consume $2.5 trillion per year, or 16 percent of the economy. How will tough decisions be made about what to spend money on? In a country where "rationing" is a dirty word, who will say no?" - The Washington Post

The Wednesday, July 8, 2009 edition of The Washington Post features an article titled, "In Retooled Health-Care System, Who Will Say No?" For more on this issue, read the Public Interest Institutes's brief titled "A Health Care Prescription for Iowa."

We need Health Care Reform, but we can certainly argue what that reform should be and consist of.

Health Care Reform Will Succeed This Time, Say Experts -Talk Radio News Service - Laura Woodhead
Speaking at a discussion on health care reform at the Campus Progress National Convention, the experts argued that the mood within the US makes this year ...

Video: Biden Announces White House Deal With Hospitals - The Associated Press
Health Care vs. Rationing - Washington Post
White House, hospitals reach deal on health care - The Associated Press

CQPolitics.com - Chiropractic Economics

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Rising unemployment, mixed views on the Federal Stimulus spending

2009-07-06T21:21:00.007-05:00

"This was supposed to be about jobs, jobs, and jobs. And the fact is, it
turned into nothing more than spending, spending, and more spending on a lot of
big government bureaucracy." - House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Oh)

The Monday, July 6, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features an article titled, Calls grow to increase stimulus spending. For more on this issue, read Public Interest Institutes's Follow the Constitution rather than Keynes.

More misreading? - Dallas Morning News
Any chance they've misread the hoped-for stimulus results? Any chance they've misread what taking over GM is going to mean? Any chance they've misread what ...

Biden: Administration "Misread" Economy - U.S. News & World Report

Cantor open to second stimulus with tax cuts - The Hill

Cantor: Stimulus Isn't Working - RealClearPolitics

"I don't think anybody can honestly say that we're satisfied with the results so
far of the stimulus. But we believe the stimulus was absolutely
essential." - House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md)

Hoyer: Stimulus Slow to Create Jobs, But Time is Not Ripe for New ... - FOX News

2 Democrat said Sunday that he is not satisfied with the results of the stimulus so far, but it's too soon to consider a second package since not all of the ...

The Stimulus: Six Months Later -National Ledger - Jon Kyl
With some now suggesting a second stimulus package, it's a good time to look at some preliminary results of the first package. In January, the president's ...

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Happy Birthday America!

2009-07-04T10:59:00.005-05:00

Today in History - July 4 -The Associated Press
Today is Saturday, July 4, the 185Th day of 2009. There are 180 days left in the year. This is Independence Day. Today's Highlight in History: On July 4, ...

Fourth of July fun facts - Southtown Star

Americans need to wake up to liberty - Tulsa Beacon

What does Freedom mean Anyway? - Canada Free Press

Life - Liberty - Pursuit of Happiness America!

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