C.R. already could have a new library by now

Eighteen months after the flood, the Cedar Rapids Library Board of Trustees members finally announced that they are almost prepared to make a decision. After consultation with consultants, committee appointments, meetings, public input, closed meetings, advice from the City Council, and an entire checklist of applications, reports and analyses, the trustees may be able to reach a decision as to a site.

After the site is selected, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will do an environmental impact study, the city attorney will examine all aspects of the law, the consultants will analyze the potential for funding, city employees will prepare sundry grant applications, more public meetings shall be held, and the zoning commission will review the site. A committee shall be designated to examine potential architects, drawings and designs will be proffered for more public input, and various bids will be studied.

At the current rate, Cedar Rapids may have a library by the next decade or two.

Frankly, the new library should already have been built if we had any semblance of leadership in this city. We have too many bureaucrats trying too hard to be really nice, and not enough leadership.

Stephen D. Regan

Cedar Rapids