Cedar Rapids at large: Ann Poe

I am proud to serve on the current council, it has taken political will, courage and bold moves not just to bring us back from the Flood of 2008 but to make the tough decisions that make Cedar Rapids a place where our neighborhoods and businesses can thrive. I am seeking re-election for Cedar Rapids City Council because we need to continue our commitment to economic growth and redevelopment that provide local jobs, support infrastructure programs like 'Paving for Progress” and a Flood Control System.

Since I have been on Council we have held the property tax levy at $15.22 per $1,000 of assessed value. Last year we executed an Efficiency Study for the Public Works Department which came up with 256 suggestions on how we can become more efficient and save money. In the future we will be implementing some of the recommendations to make sure we are using tax payer dollars in the most effective way possible. I will never stop looking for more efficient ways of serving the public.

Street improvements will continue to be a priority. The Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa State University's Institute for Transportation provided the expertise and technology to analyze the condition of every roadway in Cedar Rapids. We have created an impartial, data driven and measurable method of prioritizing our streets that takes the politics out of the decision making process.

As Chairwoman of the Flood Control Committee we have made substantial progress in the planning process to determine the alignment and atheistic plans for the Flood Control System on both sides of the Cedar River. We will still need to continue our efforts to secure funding to make sure all of our citizens are protected.

Violence in our community continues to be a problem and is a complex issue. This is not something that can be solved by just the Mayor, Council or Police Chief. It is a community problem that requires open and honest dialogue between parents, school administrators, teachers, mental health care professionals and church and community leaders from all quadrants of the City. I know we need strong leadership to help bring the community together and I will make sure that we have the necessary conversations to develop the community solutions it will require.

To continue what we have begun, I am asking for your vote on Nov. 3.

' More information: www.voteannpoe.org