CREST committee has no hidden agenda

As a member of the CREST committee I watched closely the news coverage of our effort to put an extension of the local-option sales tax to fund flood protection on the ballot. Many commenters online have declared our group to be members of the power elite or a front for the City Council. I feel compelled to respond because these assertions simply aren't true.

Some of our members are business owners and some are community activists. Most are regular citizens concerned about flood protection. Some were directly impacted by the flood and others were not. We even have some members who voted against the sales tax extension last May. But they believe that the shorter time frame and 100 percent focus on flood protection make the new extension proposal the right thing to do.

There are no representatives of the City Council, the mayor's office or any government agency at our meetings. We receive no communication or direction from any outside parties. There is no hidden agenda. Our agenda is crystal clear. Flood protection for both sides of the river.

Please visit our website: www.crest-petition.org. You will see who we are and what we are about. We believe our city needs flood protection for both sides of the river to protect current and future investments by homeowners and businesses. Get the facts and I think you will see the sales tax extension as the best way to fund this critical project.

Mike Canning

Cedar Rapids