Corbett, Fagan Mix it Up

Just got done listening to the radio debate on  Bob Bruce's WMT show between Cedar Rapids mayoral candidates Brian Fagan and Ron Corbett.

A few quick takes:

Tone --I was surprised at Fagan's fire. He clearly came prepared to be aggressive and was a lot less lawyerly than I expected. Corbett was more laid back, but also well prepared and stuck to to the arguments he's been making since he announced his run in March. Fagan got in last week.

Best Exchange --A caller named Ruth asked the candidates whether City Manager Jim Prosser has too much power, prompting a pretty interesting exchange on the form of government and the use of consultants.

Fagan argued that Prosser is a professional manager who is doing his job. "That's what this form of government is about," he said.

Corbett countered that Prosser does have too much clout, and instead of a council-manager form of government, Cedar Rapids has a "manager-council form of government." He then went on to assail what he says is the more than $5 million that has been spent on consultants post-flood.

"They've turned our town over to out-of-state consultants," Corbett said.

That led Fagan to argue that, first, some local consultants have been hired and, second, that the return on investment is more important than consultants' cost. He argues that consultants have been valuable in helping the city squeeze the maximum cash assistance from FEMA without leaving "money on the table."

Fagan dubbed Corbett's call to act more quickly, shun consultants and move back into buildings without public input the "easy" decision and "political expediency."

So now it's "Culture of Delay" vs. "Political Expediency."

Head-Shaker --Fagan was asked about the KGAN TV story this week about a flooded-out family being taken to court by the city for a a pre-flood nuisance code violation. Their garage was without siding. Now they're without a home.

Fagan seemed to justify the city's action and talked of the need to strengthen code enforcement. Corbett seized the wide opening.

"This is embarrassing that the city of Cedar Rapids is suing a flood victim," Corbett said.

Paging Dr. Corbett -- Corbett said Mayor Kay Halloran's health problems had an impact on her job. Then Corbett diagnosed himself and Fagan. He's not a real doctor, he just plays one during debates.

"I'm healthy. Brian looks like he's healthy," Corbett said.

Bottom Line --This 35-minute August appetizer shows that this could be a pretty interesting race focused on big issues, not fluff. They have very different views on some key issue - city facilities, economic development, Prosser's role, etc. And it's clear Fagan intends to be an aggressor, not simply an apologist for past council actions.