Letter: Vote Gary Hinzman for Cedar Rapids mayor

Cedar Rapids voters have the opportunity to elect the most qualified candidate for mayor. His name is Gary Hinzman. Hinzman is the only candidate in the field to direct a Cedar Rapids city department. He was police chief for a number of years. I have known him personally for 34 years.

When the Flood of 2008 came, he was directing the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services. He got the State of Iowa to give him VISTA workers to help clean up the aftermath of that flood. When there was a need for affordable housing for people coming out of prison so they could live with families under supervision, he stepped forward and built this housing. He understands economic development having worked with contractors and the trades.

He is out listening to people and has found that street repair is the single most important subject on the minds of the voters. When he is elected he will revisit the street plan with the new council and pass on results to the city manager. Tax payers deserve better. Streets are in worse shape than they have ever been.

He knows that economic development, flood control and affordable housing are on the minds of the voters as well and will promptly address them when elected mayor.

Hinzman is the best problem solver and consensus builder I have ever seen. Please join me in voting Hinzman mayor.

William R. Hoekstra

Cedar Rapids