Letter: Education, housing a priority for Vernon

Monica Vernon doesn't need a title or position to enact real change in our community - she's been at it for years. While she and her husband raised their girls, Monica was running her small business and giving time to advocate for issues that mattered to her. She led efforts to raise over $1.5 million to build the Madge Phillips Center for homeless women and children.

And she didn't stop there - she's gone on to advocate for jobs and economic development, affordable housing, education and neighborhood safety. On the city council she took a holistic approach to the rebuilding efforts that has made downtown Cedar Rapids a place to live, work and play. And when we were threatened by rising waters, she rolled up her sleeves to help.

Now she wants to take that kind of long-term development and growth to communities across northeast Iowa. She knows we don't send a representative to Congress to spend their time fighting partisan battles - we send them to advocate for things that improve our everyday lives. She has shown she knows how to do it so. I hope you'll join me in voting for her.

Cindy Garlock

Cedar Rapids