Choose vision, integrity, discipline

By Brian Fagan

There are no shortcuts to building a great community. It requires a sense of purpose and discipline. Local government must formulate a vision and strategic plan for the community.

We changed our form of government to end public policy driven by two-year election cycles. We replaced it with a transparent government committed to implementing a vision formed by public engagement.

We are a city united by a river that historically divided us. Once we learned to set some of our own interests aside for the benefit of the community, we forged the foundation for a better future. In this important sense, the flood strengthened our community.

While we recover from the worst natural disaster in our history in the toughest economic climate in generations, we must remain focused on improving our quality of life. With the participation of all stakeholders, we have made great strides in strengthening our neighborhoods.

Because of improved community policing strategies, crime is down 22 percent. With more proactive code enforcement and emphasis on historic preservation, we are cleaning up neglected and dilapidated properties. Over the past three years, we have increased the streets budget and are making much-needed repairs to our infrastructure.

However, the most important tool in strengthening our neighborhoods is each other. Together, we raise our residents' expectations of the quality of their neighborhoods.

While the strength of a community lies in its neighborhoods, the city's center determines community vitality and affordability. We must continue to build partnerships to help us build additional downtown housing, attract new retail and commercial services, and invest in a world-class medical destination.

With the assistance of expert consultants, city staff has worked more effectively with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to increase the anticipated reimbursement for flood-damaged facilities by $65 million to $75 million. The federal courthouse is under construction. Funding for rebuilding our cultural venues such as the Paramount Theatre, Legion Arts, Czech Museum, Theatre Cedar Rapids, U.S. Cellular Center, public library and African-American Museum has been secured, and work has begun.

The economic climate has changed dramatically since we adopted our current economic development model. In order to regain our competitiveness, we need to update our strategies. We need an agile, innovative and coordinated effort that:

1) Increases its focus on entrepreneurial development, job creation and retention

2) Incorporates our local colleges and universities to provide a skilled and educated work force

3) Addresses our obligation to air and water quality

4) Understands technology, work force and demographic changes

5) Incorporates the quality of life investments (e.g., arts, culture, parks, recreation, trails, and health and human services non-profits).

As mayor, I will lead by inspiring confidence, developing partnerships and building community consensus. I will advocate for Cedar Rapids to secure public and private investment in our community and to create and retain high-quality jobs.

Voters expect their mayor to have discipline, good judgment and integrity. I will be that mayor.

I have the experience with, and an understanding of, the complex issues we face under ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. I am committed to finishing the job we started together.

With your vote on Nov. 3, we will build one great Cedar Rapids. I will not quit on you.

Brian Fagan, mayor pro tem, is a candidate for mayor of Cedar Rapids.