Culver's chief of staff leaves to work for Corbett, council on Event Center project

UPDATED: John Frew, chief of staff for Gov. Chet Culver, has resigned his post to come work for Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett and the Cedar Rapids City Council, Corbett reported this morning.

Frew, 54, and his Arizona-based private development firm, Frew Nations Group, is slated to sign a contract with the city of Cedar Rapids as project manager for the city's proposed Event Center construction project.

Mayor Ron Corbett has scheduled a news conference for 2 p.m. today.

In an interview on Monday, Frew, an Iowa native and graduate of the University of Iowa, explained that he took a sabbatical from his development firm and joined the governor's staff last September to help the governor on a set of specific priorities. Those, he said, included cleaning up the problem-plagued state film office and working through the state budget and its 10-percent across-the-board cuts.

With the legislative session over, Frew said the governor is now turning his attention to his re-election campaign, which Frew said is not something he has an interest in working on.

“That's not what I do,” he said about campaigning. “I did that years ago in my life. I wanted to return to the private sector. It's as simple as that.”

After announcing to the governor over the weekend, Frew said Culver, who has family connections to Cedar Rapids, told him “if I'm going to lose you to any place, my heart's in Cedar Rapids. So I'm happy for you.”

Corbett said Frew and his partner Chris Nations of Frew Nations Group have the experience on event-center development projects that the city needs to make sure its event center is a success.

“That's what's exciting for us,” Corbett said. “To get an Iowa boy in here, a U of I grad, and someone who understands Cedar Rapids.

“I think that fact that he had exposure in the governor's office, he understands how important this project is for Cedar Rapids and for the Corridor for that matter. So we're excited that we could find an Iowa person who has experience around the country.”

City Council members Justin Shields and Pat Shey expressed support for hiring the Frew Nations Group, and

Shey said the council by a wide majority would do just that at its Tuesday evening meeting.

Culver expressed appreciation for Frew's service.

“I want to thank John for his work and counsel as our chief of staff.  I wish John, his wife Marcia and their girls the best as he resumes his long and distinguished career in the private sector,” Culver said.

The governor  named Jim Larew, who currently serves as general counsel, to serve as chief of staff.  Larew has been a longtime member of the Culver/Judge Administration and previously served as Acting Chief of Staff.  His appointment begins immediately.

In his resignation letter, Frew wrote, “This has been a difficult choice, but my decision to leave is in the best interest of my family and the timing is appropriate. … I have been honored to walk into the Capitol building to engage in daily debate with extraordinarily smart people who have a passion and commitment to public service.  My stay, as you know, has been temporary by design and the time has come for me to return to the private sector.”

The project in Cedar Rapids includes a $50-million-plus Event Center convention facility, which will sit on Third Street NE between First and A avenues NE next to the U.S. Cellular Center arena-Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel complex.

The project also includes a $15 million upgrade of the U.S. Cellular Center.

The city has secured $15 million in state I-JOBS funds for the project and, last week, the City Council cleared the way to sell $17 million in local bonds to help with the project.

The city is expecting a $35-million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration to provide the majority of funding for the project.

Frew, an attorney with a background in developing and operating event centers and other public projects, joined Culver's staff in September. He has a bachelor's degree and master's degree from the University of Iowa and a law degree from Creighton University.

Frew ran for mayor of Denver, Colo., in the mid-1990s and has worked in the past for U.S. senators John Culver Sr. and Tom Harkin, Democrats from Iowa, and Tim Wirth, a Democrat from Colorado.

Frew Nations Group is headed up by Frew and Chris Nations. The firm is headquartered in Arizona, but Frew said he will open a Cedar Rapids office.