ALAN MODRACEK

By Alan Modracek

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I've spent all my life in Cedar Rapids except for six years serving our country in the U.S. Navy. Growing up, I learned quickly that success is not possible without hard work, and failure does not happen until you give up. With hard work and a drive that never quits, our great city will become what we want it to be.

I have a vision for this city, and I believe it matches your vision: a haven for high-tech industry, a well-maintained infrastructure, an educational system that brings out the best in our children, and a variety of entertainment and recreational opportunities with an emphasis on keeping our youth occupied.

These things we want for our city don't come free, but here in Iowa we understand we don't just take what we want, we work for it, we budget for it, and we earn it. If elected, I will not just take more of your hard-earned money by raising taxes; I will work hard on the budget, trimming all the excess to ensure that the money we do take in is spent on our priorities.

Let's budget the money we have to fix our streets, let's use the money we have to continue on flood protection, let's take the money our city brings in and find ways to entice new businesses to join our community.

Our downtown is beautiful, but what is being done with the rest of our city? I see residential streets in dire need of repair. Why would a business owner even consider Cedar Rapids if they need to buy new shocks for their car after a day of looking at houses?

Is a $45 million renovation to a hotel going to do it? I think not. I believe all that has done is take business away from the hardworking franchise owners that have already invested in hotels in our city. I will not hold our streets hostage for a tax increase. I will not tell the downtown businesses that we will not stand behind them by providing some sort of flood protection until we raise taxes. I will not let the investors looking to open a new business bypass Cedar Rapids because we want to raise taxes.

What I will do is fight hard to keep taxes down, fight hard to seek out and recruit new investors, fight hard to make Cedar Rapids the greatest city in the Midwest.

On Nov. 5, I would be honored to have your vote.

Alan Modracek is a Cedar Rapids City Council candidate for District 3. Comments: modracek@aol.com