Taxpayers at mercy of C.R. government

As I have moved out of the Cedar Rapids area, I will miss many good people, but the one thing I will not miss is how Cedar Rapids treats its taxpayers. I have complained in the past years about speed cameras on Interstate 380. I have not received a ticket there, as we all know where the cameras are located. This money hasn't been spent on streets, as we have an added sales tax to pay for this.

Our tax money has been wasted on projects such as the hotel. I hoped a casino could save the hotel project but that is gone also. Others have tried to make the hotel profitable and now the city thinks it can with your tax money.

We 'had” to have a new library and fire station. It was unfortunate that the flood damaged them, but they were concrete buildings that could have been cleaned up and refurbished, but our leaders decided we needed brand new ones and the taxpayers would be glad to pay for them. Residents even get to pay a (higher) 'franchise fee” on our utilities. Cedar Rapids doesn't miss a trick to collect money.

Cedar Rapids has lost its good (top) bond rating. Good luck, Cedar Rapids. You will need it.

Dave Draheim

Washington