Cedar Rapids will do better with Andrews at the helm

Like so many Cedar Rapidians, after the derecho, I spent nine days in the dark, literally and figuratively. Darkness because of the time it took to get power restored to residences. And darkness because I had absolutely no idea what, if anything, my city government was doing to help. Somehow, the city’s emergency action plan didn’t account for the fact that some emergencies mean the power is out and creative action is needed to communicate with citizens.

Amara Andrews understands that city government could have — and should have — done better in August 2020. More than a year later, the city still needs to do better. As mayor, Amara would provide the leadership necessary to support homeowners and small business that are still struggling to recover from derecho, and move us forward as a thriving city.

She has also pledged to hold town hall meetings. Representative government only works if the government knows what the citizens want and need. Town hall meetings are an excellent way to hear directly from the citizens of this great city. The mayor will learn the concerns not only of the handful of citizens who attend formal city meetings, but of the broader public.

I am voting for Amara Andrews because she understands that city government can improve its game and she has good ideas of how to make that happen.

Lynda K. Barrow

Cedar Rapids