Canney a good example for today’s leaders

When I was in high school, I attended a Cedar Rapids City Council meeting at which some people spoke out about having their properties annexed by the city.

Then-Mayor Don Canney (who died March 20) listened to them and let them have their say. Then he asked if they enjoyed receiving services from Cedar Rapids even though they live just outside the city limits. Did they appreciate the use of our police and fire departments? Our storm and sanitary sewers?

The mayor firmly but appropriately chided those petitioning the city against bringing their homes into its boundaries, saying something like: “We have a lot of people who don't want to be taxed for education, too, because they say they don't have any kids in school.”

Reminding those in attendance that we're all part of a community, the mayor said it's unfathomable that people should not have to pay for the benefits they clearly participate in.

That's a great lesson in leadership for today's public officeholders, and in citizenship for those who want to live in a progressive community.

Many important and lasting changes did take place during Don Canney's tenure as mayor (1969-1992).

He couldn't do it all alone, though, and showed that progress depends on people working together, and even paying part of the bill, for the common good.

Craig Hlas

Cedar Rapids