Gary Hinzman declares run for Cedar Rapids mayor

CEDAR RAPIDS — A former top law enforcement official plans to declare a run for Cedar Rapids mayor this week.

Gary Hinzman, who served as chief of the Cedar Rapids Police Department and then director of the Department of Corrections Sixth Judicial District, has scheduled an announcement event at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Grant Wood Memorial Lobby at Veterans Memorial Building, 50 Second Avenue Bridge.

'As mayor of Cedar Rapids, I want to continue to build on this momentum with a pledge and a platform of continued community development, working for the betterment, dignity and security of all Cedar Rapidians,' Hinzman said in a personal statement on his website, GaryHinzman.com. 'Our talented business leaders, our caring neighborhood and community leaders and our dedicated government leaders can work in unity to make Cedar Rapids even better, more equitable and safer for all.'

Hinzman has already been raising money and established a mayoral campaign committee. He disclosed raising $4,450 in the first filing period of the year.

Hinzman's priorities include fueling economic development; neighborhood growth and development; housing options; growing a local workforce; fostering a safe community; and a government that adheres to equality, equity and transparency.'

Hinzman joins City Council members Kris Gulick and Scott Olson, attorney Brad Hart and Tim Pridegon, a pastor and public safety chaplain for the city of Cedar Rapids in the race for mayor.

Two-term Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett announced last year he won't seek re-election as he considers a bid for the Republican nomination for governor, leaving an open mayoral contest on Nov. 7. The candidate filing deadline is Sept. 21.

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