Cedar Rapids Ward 4: Lisa Kuzela

Have you noticed there's an anti-establishment fervor spreading across our country? It's because people are aching to be heard and represented.

Here in Cedar Rapids, too many people have not had a voice in what's happening in city government. It's been like A Tale of Two Cities where the peasants exist for the amusement of aristocrats.

Local leaders have forgotten that our community is not 'bricks and mortar,” but people. They support the well-connected then claim they don't have money for the community's needs.

I envision a community where our leaders represent the people who voted them into office, regardless of their affiliation.

Where our leaders look for ways to cut unnecessary costs rather than go into further debt.

Where those wanting sidewalks in their neighborhood, for the safety of young children near schools and parks, can get them. Yet elsewhere where they are not needed, residents aren't forced to have them.

Where people needing police assistance can ask for it without any fear of eviction or financial penalty.

Where youth and senior programs are held in higher esteem than buying a hotel or redesigning a historical park.

And where the needs of a neighborhood are addressed fairly, regardless of location within the community.

At a recent Stop the Violence forum, a concerned citizen twice asked the mayor to find funds to support youth programming. Both responses reminded me of Richard Gere's tap dance scene from the film 'Chicago.”

Had an honest answer been provided, it probably would have sounded something like this: 'We don't care enough to change our priorities for you.”

That's the simple truth about government. The money's there. It just depends on how they decide to spend it.

Take for instance our Local Option Sales and Services Tax (LOSST) for our roads. Roads that are in good condition are being worked on while the worst roads aren't on the 10-year plan. Why?

And now why, after allowing the $0.04 library levy to expire, are we being asked to approve $0.27 for library operations?

Is it any wonder why people question their government?

Part of the solution is to be engaged in the process and elect trusted people who share your priorities.

' More information: www.Kuzela4Council.com; Kuzela4Council@aol.com; Facebook: Lisa Kuzela