Cedar Rapids mayor has ties to AgSugar executives

CEDAR RAPIDS - Mayor Ron Corbett is a small investor in a company along with two Cedar Rapids executives at AgSugar International.

On Aug. 9, Corbett voted with other council members to provide city support for AgSugar International's request for a package of economic development assistance from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, a request that was approved by the state agency.

The council decision was part of a vote on dozens of matters at once that were approved without discussion.

Corbett's investment is in a small company, Cryogenic Engineering Inc. Les Baych and David Snyder of Cedar Rapids are founders and owners of the company. They are also vice presidents at AgSugar International, which has adopted a new name, Vertecra.

Cryogenic works out of a small commercial building at 1119 Wenig Rd. NE, next to a similar building at 1129 Wenig Rd. NE where AgSugar International/Vertecra has an office.

Corbett said he has no financial interest in AgSugar International and obtained no benefit from the council's vote supporting AgSugar International.

“Not even close,” he said when asked about a conflict of interest.

Related stories

AgSugar International lands state aid and then changes course

AgSugar inventor Lewis is eccentric, charming and not all he claims