Consider more Iowans in renaming airport

A task force with the responsibility for honoring former Cedar Rapids Mayor Don Canney has recommended renaming The Eastern Iowa Airport for him.

Clearly, Canney had a remarkable successful role in the governance of Cedar Rapids, and it is appropriate to suitably honor him by naming a significant structure in Cedar Rapids in his honor. I will share my initial thoughts:

First, should the airport be renamed, already having a name that was chosen to reflect its position (the portal airport for all of Eastern Iowa) with which the community wishes to identify and promote it? Second, if it is desirable to rename the airport for an individual, is former Mayor Canney the most appropriate choice. For this singularly high honor, should there be consideration for other men or women whose lives also impacted Eastern Iowa? Several names immediately come to mind such as Arthur Collins, Arthur Erskine and our local Medal of Honor hero, Salvatore Giunta.

Rather than deciding to rename the airport from a list of one, such a significant decision should start with the airport, and if it is appropriate to rename it, then select from among the several distinguished potential names, including Don Canney, the one most appropriate.

John Floyd

Cedar Rapids