City leaders do not listen to citizens

How many times have we heard this from our city leaders - we are here to serve the people of Cedar Rapids and to do what is best for the city. They are doing what they want and what a select group of the citizens want. Did we have any say on the purchase of Crowne Plaza Hotel and the building of the new convention center? Did we have any say on the purchase of the property for the new library? Have the residents of the Time Check area had any say about where the new recreation center is to go?

You can voice your opinions but it doesn't do any good because when the City Council decides something, it is a done deal. With the way the economy is, you'd think the city council would tighten their belts. I stick with a budget, so I feel it's time the city did, too.

There are things this city does need and things we can do without. We can do without a fancy convention center, a Taj Mahal library and unnecessary spending.

Now they are trying to cram the local-option sales tax extension down our throats. Look at who is backing this. It's people who have no worries about where their next meal is coming from. Then they try to bring into what other cities have done for flood protection.

Wake up people, we are not other cities, we are Cedar Rapids.

Jim Cannon

Cedar Rapids