At large: Justin Wasson

The City Council has proved to be very effective at raising money in the name of flood recovery. From the local-option sales tax that passed in 2009 to much of the Federal Emergency Management Agency money that was acquired by the city, the council has a large cache of available funds to work with.

Where I disagree with the council, though, is how the money has been allocated: replacing many government buildings with brand new buildings rather than rehabilitating the old, spending several million dollars on an animal shelter and amphitheater, and leaving much of the west side of the river poorly kept. The east side of the river seems to be getting all the best perks for flood recovery while the west side struggles to keep its vacant lots looking halfway decent.

The city should continue to seek better alternatives for flood protection. I am in favor of flood protection on both sides of the river, but I am not in favor of raising taxes to pay for it. Property taxes have gone up over the last several years and the “forever” LOST tax is proving to be just as long lasting as its original critics said it would be. If flood walls were a higher priority (above the animal shelter, amphitheater and convention center), this city could have a good portion of the funding for walls already.

Don't raise taxes to pay for flood walls. Find lower-priority items in the current budget and throw them out. The city can pay to build the walls over time. State and federal dollars will match local dollars, so have the money come from the current local budget.

Top priorities for the city should be roads and public safety. If the city fulfills its basic roles, and interferes less with the private sector, Cedar Rapids will see job growth again.

Unemployment has been going up, red tape added, the public sector is building many beautiful new buildings, but the private sector is suffering. Let Cedar Rapids businesses grow by providing fewer restrictions and creating more consistency in the code enforcement department, easing the tax burden, and promoting a more business-friendly environment. More private-sector growth is the best way to attract and keep people in Cedar Rapids.

Justin Wasson, a recent Iowa State University graduate in finance, is vice president at IRT Pressure Washing Services. Comments:jrwasson@live.com