Helping the city build and expand

By Brian Fagan

Four years ago, the people of Cedar Rapids honored me with their trust by electing me to the city council. In those four years we've been challenged by a catastrophic flood and the worst economy in a generation. Cedar Rapids is financially sound and poised for unprecedented prosperity because we responded to new challenges in new ways and by building a foundation for one great Cedar Rapids.

The magnitude of the flood required expertise beyond what our residents could provide. We found consultants who were experts in dealing with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and natural disasters. The $8 million investment in consultants helped to secure an additional $75 million to rebuild 16 major city facilities.

The money will build a new library, fire station and animal shelter and restore historic cultural icons, including Veteran's Memorial Building and the Paramount Theatre. That is money well spent and makes sound business sense.

Responding to the flood while maintaining a high level of basic city services requires us to use sensible and effective ways of generating revenue. Cedar Rapids maintains the third-lowest property tax rate in the state among the 10 largest cities. The flood taught us we need fundamental property tax reform in Iowa. I will push our legislators to reform our outdated property tax system.

We must maintain affordability and encourage development. We all recognize that we have huge community needs, and we must all work for a fair tax structure that residents support.

Cedar Rapids residents voted for a local-option sales tax to help flood-affected residents. The council already has designated $3 million for flood-damaged homes. The money must go to our residents in need, not returned to the government because of careless missteps. We cannot place further financial risk on those who need our help. Simple plans and mottos that shortchange the taxpayers of Cedar Rapids do not contribute to a sustainable recovery.

We continue to work with our local economic development organizations to grow our economy. We are working to attract 27 companies in the next six months to invest $445 million and create 3,300 new local jobs. I have worked with the Entrepreneurial Development Center and the Urban Main Street Program to support and expand homegrown businesses. And for those small businesses affected by the flood, the city council provided $3 million of immediate assistance.

Thankfully, we have not been challenged by rising crime; crime is down 22 percent this year. Thanks to our outstanding fire and police departments, no lives were lost in the flood. As a community, we responded with dignity, determination and discipline. I pushed for more community-oriented policing strategies and helped hire the police chief who has worked with our talented officers to put systems in place to help our community.

Four years ago, I asked for your votes. I am asking for them again now. I have the right experience and insight to be your mayor. I will bring prompt decision-making and cohesive leadership to the newly elected council.

From working with state and federal representatives to obtain needed funding to helping neighborhoods clean and rebuild, I work at all levels to get results for you. We are strongest when we are united. As mayor, I will bring our community together by building consensus.

Our community's future depends on the decisions of the mayor and council you elect Nov. 3. With your vote, I will lead the next generation to a better, stronger Cedar Rapids.

Brian Fagan, an attorney at Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman, is council member at large and mayor pro tem.