City should reward Penford’s history

I am a bit confused about the controversy regarding Riverside Park and the proposed Penford Products expansion. It is my opinion that this should be a rather easy decision for the city of Cedar Rapids.

Penford Products has been a staple in this community since 1903, providing countless area residents a comfortable wage, health benefit and retirement package.

Penford has provided a large property tax base to support Cedar Rapids.

Penford has proposed the possibility of adding an additional 50 employees to manage and operate this proposed expansion. These new employees will most likely enhance their current income base, which will lead to increased city tax base and local purchases such as homes and automobiles.

Cedar Rapids has traditionally been viewed as an industrial manufacturing community that has provided above-average-paying occupational opportunities. We have recently witnessed the loss of Cryovac, Iowa Manufacturing and Midland Forge, just to name a few. I would urge the city not to forget the many businesses that put Cedar Rapids on the map while making this decision.

Glen Henry

Palo