Mayors of Marion and Hiawatha react to Cedar Rapids 'Buy Local'

A Cedar Rapids City Council committee recommended expanding the city's “Buy Local” program to include all of Linn County. But, the committe also said it would like nearby communities like Hiawatha and Marion to pass similar ”Buy Local” preference policies. The entire Cedar Rapids City Council must approve the policy change recommendation.

Hiawatha Mayor Tom Theis says he's heard complaints from companies in Hiawatha that have lost business because of Cedar Rapids' policy. He said he's not sure if the Hiawatha council would approve a “Buy Local” policy, but he is willing to propose the idea to the council.

Marion Mayor Paul Rehn says Marion already has a “Buy Local” policy in place that favors Marion first, but also also includes all of Linn County. Rehn says that policy has been in place since at least the beginning of this year.  Rehn says he's also heard from Marion businesses that have lost money because of Cedar Rapids' policy.  He's eager to see if the entire Cedar Rapids council will approve the expanded “Buy Local” policy. “I think it's a good step and will benefit the entire community at large,” Rehn said.