Our choice for mayor: Ron Corbett

Cedar Rapids faces a critical mayoral election at a fateful time in its history.

The city's recovery from last year's epic flooding continues. A struggling economy has pushed development and job creation to the front burner. Hopes for revitalizing downtown and urban neighborhoods are hanging in the balance. The future of flooded public facilities has yet to be determined.

Citizens are worried about crime, the condition of their streets and the tax bill they pay.

There is palpable desire for stronger leadership from the mayor's chair. Citizens want a mayor who will lead a more assertive City Council, balancing its authority with the city's professional management staff. Cedar Rapids is looking for leaders who see the value of careful planning, but who are not held hostage to plodding process. Citizens want a leader who is responsive, aggressive and determined to shake up a status quo that has left many residents frustrated with their government.

Three men contend they are up to the challenge; trucking executive Ron Corbett, City Council Mayor Pro Tem Brian Fagan and ACT project worker P.T. Larson. We believe Corbett has made the strongest case for change and earns our endorsement.

Corbett's experience, skills and government philosophy seem best suited to the moment.

He has articulated strong views on the need for the council to become a stronger force in charting the direction of city government. Although he clearly respects the intent of voters who chose a council-manager form of government, he argues, correctly, that the current council too often defers to city staff and takes too little initiative. Corbett has also shown a willingness to consider structural reforms, such as the creation of council committees to dig into issues.

Corbett's experience as a state lawmaker and speaker of the Iowa House will be valuable as the city continues navigating political mazes in Des Moines and Washington D.C. And his time as president of The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce gives him valuable insights into economic development and job creation strategies.

In both capacities, Corbett has shown a willingness to cooperate and form consensus. But he's also shown the ability to fight for his viewpoint even when the odds are against success. Teamwork and tenacity will both be important in the years ahead.

We believe Corbett is the best choice to push the accelerator on flood recovery, to help sell the city to new businesses and support existing firms, and to lead the council on an array of issues, from public safety to potholes.

Although we support Corbett, this was no easy choice.

Fagan is a committed community leader who has shown passion throughout the campaign for his hometown. He served the city tirelessly during trying times. And he has shown an unshakable faith in the city's ability to make long-term plans for its future. If he does not succeed in his quest to become mayor, we hope Fagan finds a way to stay involved in his community. He's an important, visionary voice in Cedar Rapids.

We also have to admire the persistence and tenacity of Larson, who is making his 13th run for city office. His focus on the need for improved public safety has added an important dimension to the campaign debates.

Nonetheless, Corbett is our choice.