Gomers -- What's going wrong

NOT MUCH BETTER: Little change has been seen since many complaints about conditions and business practices at Regency Mobile Home Park just outside the Iowa City limits came to a head about a year ago. Local county government action on beefing up codes has been minimal and often resisted, and state lawmakers haven't done anything. The State Attorney General's Office says one problem involving renters and the company has been resolved but the investigation on other issues continues.

lll

TAXPAYERS IGNORED: The controversial, $9.5 million tax-increment financing deal Coralville made to Von Maur to build a new store in the Iowa River Landing development was made with no public hearing or debate. The City Council quietly approved it five days after a news conference announcing that a deal had been struck. The process appears legal, but doesn't seem to respect Coralville residents' right to know how their taxes are to be used.

lll

PHEASANT POOR: The pheasant hunting season in Iowa has begun on a grim note, with the population at an all-time low. The outlook for improvement isn't great either with another snowy, cold winter predicted.