Too many unanswered questions to vote yes

A recent Gazette article stated that Cedar Rapids would build a skywalk across First Avenue from parking lots to the new hotel. If this can be done, why can't a skywalk be built across Second Ave SE for the use of the medical complex people? Why must Second Avenue SE be closed for a business venture?

Why build a new Time Check Recreation Center in an Ellis Park swampy flood-prone area? Permeable parking lots and drainage tile may help build a longer-lasting, flood-resistant building. Will there be parking beneath the building to keep it above any future flooding?

Why must we vote for a 20-year sales tax extension? Why not a five-year tax?

Why do the “chosen few” want to destroy even more of our city? Half-truths, many concrete parking lots, trying to cancel federally mandated rules regarding a train's whistle when coming to a street crossing? Many proposed changes, some good, many not. Dredging the Cedar River in 2008 was offered gratis by King's Concrete. Why wasn't this offer accepted? Perhaps dredging would have saved our friends and neighbors much devastation?

Why were many of the city's not-so-choice vehicles left sitting where they would be flooded? Did someone know that FEMA or other government agencies would help the city replace flood damaged vehicles with brand new ones after the flood? How were the donated funds that were to help families and small businesses used? Where are the funds?

The unanswered questions lead me to vote no on Tuesday.

Fran Hanzel Johnson

Cedar Rapids