Homers: What's going right

PLACES TO MEET: Designated space, indoors and out, to meet is a priority in the tentative design plan for Cedar Rapids' new public library, as presented by library Director Bob Pasicznyuk. We like that. A public library should be a gathering place to trade ideas, collect information, interact and, of course, read and research.

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TAXI RULES: Good to see the Iowa City Council move forward last week on clarifying taxicab rules in a city that, as of earlier this year, had 19 cab companies operating. The council voted initial approval of requiring cabs to have meters so customers are more aware and to base rates on time and distance, among other changes. Two more votes are required to finalize the new rules.

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STAYCATIONS: One bright spot apparently born of the economic recession is that more Iowans are taking “staycations” - vacations and trips to Iowa events and attractions, say many public officials and private operators. That funnels more of our money into local economies. And it also spurs Iowans to rediscover and our state's parks, museums, historical sites, recreation areas and other attractions.