At-large Cedar Rapids Council candidates differ on flood control

CEDAR RAPIDS — A couple of political veterans and a newcomer are vying for an open at-large seat on the Cedar Rapids City Council.

Lisa Kuzela, 54, a citizen watchdog and former Cedar Rapids school board member, brings a critical eye to the city's budgeting in her campaign.

Damien Miguel Epps, 45, a pastor at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 6621 C Ave. NE, is new to politics and wants to work for the 'betterment of everyone and not just a select few.'

Tyler Olson, 41, a solar energy executive and a former rising star in statewide Democratic politics, offers experience in leadership, notably taking a lead role when he was in the Iowa Legislature in passing an initiative to help cities, including Cedar Rapids, pay for flood protection.

Election Day is Nov. 7, and early voting is underway. Incumbent at-large council member Ralph Russell is not seeking re-election and has endorsed Olson.

flood protection

'It's our ability to bring people together with different viewpoints, prioritize and ultimately, over the course of four or five years, secure hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild our city and to also protect our city as well,' Olson said. 'And that is really the approach I'm going to take to City Council.'

Olson said he remains committed to securing flood protection, and he wants to speed up construction by prioritizing identification of a local funding source.

Epps called it an 'obligation' to complete the city's flood protection in 10 years; it currently is forecast to take 20. That includes making the case to voters to support public financing of a flood control system, he said.

'Not only has the federal government failed to deliver, but our city has not done an adequate job making the case for its necessity to the general public,' Epps said.

Kuzela offers a stark contrast on this point.

She said the city doesn't need any more money for flood protection, and instead should focus on dredging the river, which also would combat flash flooding caused when storm sewers back up.

'I think we have had plenty of money for flood protection,' Kuzela said. 'I think a lot of it is going toward development. I think we could have had the flood protection by now.'

Kuzela pointed to the price tag increasing on a flood control system. In the early days after the 2008 flood, the budget was pegged at $199 million, she said. The latest estimate from the city is $700 million to $725 million.

'When they find more avenues of funds, then the price tag goes up,' Kuzela said.

other issues

Epps focused on social issues, including creating tax incentives to encourage affordable housing development and create forgivable or low-interest loan programs to support first-time homebuyers.

Safety is another top priority for Epps, who said the city should expand the police budget for community and neighborhood-based policing efforts, such as the PCAT, the Police Community Action Team.

'We must continue to support the men and women of the police department, but we should also encourage greater community policing efforts and implicit bias training,' Epps said.

Kuzela, who became active watching the city in the aftermath of the 2008 flood, has targeted financial waste, particularly overuse of tax increment financing and change orders.

Tax increment financing is a tool used in Cedar Rapids and elsewhere to provide tax breaks for developers. Change orders are price increases on construction projects based on changes in the scope of work that go above the agreed-upon contract.

'They always need to remember that it is the taxpayers' money, not theirs,' she said. 'Elected officials need to spend more time reading contracts and reviewing expenditures.'

Kuzela has had a contentious relationship with city officials over the years. She is under a restraining order through Nov. 20 to avoid Assistant City Manager Sandi Fowler, stemming from 2012 assault charges, which she pleaded down to disorderly conduct. The restraining order would expire by the time the winner of the seat takes office in January.

'While there was no assault, I wish this would've never happened,' Kuzela said. 'People make mistakes, and I can't take it back. I've chosen to use my energies in positive ways so I can help individuals, and that's why I'm running for City Council.'

Olson's philosophy includes supporting inclusiveness, connections with natural resources, and entrepreneurialism.

He said his focus would be on the basic everyday needs of citizens, such as infrastructure, streets, updating storm sewers and flood protection. He said during his time in the Legislature, he valued the 'constituent work,' the one-on-one conversations to find solutions to issues people were dealing with.

'I think we can probably do better with that at the City Council,' said Olson, the nephew of council member Scott Olson, who is running for mayor. 'Not only do you get a chance to problem solve, but you also hear what issues are most important to them."

l Comments: (319) 339-3177; brian.morelli@thegazette.com