Council’s actions show need for new members

I remember City Council members running for office saying “responsible spending, fix what needs fixing.” They got into office and did a complete turnaround. Spend, spend, spend. Rebuild downtown. For what? The hotel/convention center lost money from the get-go. Has the economy turned around and I missed it?

The streets of Cedar Rapids are a joke. The new project on First Avenue by Lindale Mall is probably the worst job of paving and construction I've seen in 50 years. The no-warning ramp that you hit by Cedar Memorial will surely make you drive out of your way the next time to miss it.

The 22 percent voter turnout for the sales tax vote on March 6 shows that the remainder knows the council will do what it wants no matter what the people say. The wasted money on projects is staggering.

The downtown has been dead for years. When you allow strip malls every mile or so, why drive 5 to 6 miles, can't find a place to park and then walk blocks?

The voters want flood protection but can't trust this council to spend the money on what it is supposed to go for. Time for a change in City Council.

Gene Krenz

Cedar Rapids