Corbett uses campaign funds to survey 400 residents

CEDAR RAPIDS - Mayor Ron Corbett is trying to get a feel for what people are thinking about key city issues. That's why he hired a firm to do a phone survey of residents.

Mayor Corbett used his campaign funds to pay for the survey of about 400 people. He said he hears comments from people all the time, but this was a way to get some numbers and data.

Traffic cameras, flood protection and roads are just a few of the topics addressed in the phone survey.

Corbett wants people to consider extending the local option sales tax for twenty years to help pay for the cost of preventing a future flood.

“At least when you pay for it over time using the Local Option Sales Tax, future taxpayers are going to enjoy the benefit are also contributing to the cost,” Corbett said.

The city's contract with the traffic camera company expires in a few years. Now that they've been around for some time, the mayor is looking to hear people's thoughts and concerns.

“I just want to see if people feel there's been enough publicity about it, people have been notified and are aware of it,” Corbett said.

Finally, everyone knows travel can be tough this time of year. That's why he's also checking to see if the public wants the council to put more energy and money into the streets.

“I think I've got a pretty good idea of what people think of our roads, especially with the freezing and thawing, lots of potholes and breaks in the concrete,” he said.

Results from the survey could ultimately shape future council decisions and life in Cedar Rapids for years to come.

Results and survey questions should be available within the next few days.

Corbett also asked a few “approval rating” style questions about himself and the council.