Vote no, force C.R. to better manage money

Once again Cedar Rapids needs money, and once again Cedar Rapids has proposed a countywide local-option sales tax levy to finance its spending plans. Rather than selling bonds, which would make more sense with interest rates at historic lows, they want to saddle the whole county with a 20-year sales tax levy.

Unfortunately, the Linn County supervisors have signed on to this scheme, promising that the county's share of the windfall would be used for roads, conservation and property tax relief. We've been fed this brand of garbage before. When the most recent LOST increase was approved, we were promised property tax relief. It didn't happen.

I suggest that Cedar Rapids should learn how to manage its money, plan for financial needs and secure the necessary financing without involving the rest of the county. I encourage all Linn County residents to vote no May 3.

Bob Zander

Marion