Fagan will work to keep young people in Iowa

As a recent graduate of the University of Iowa, I have seen four of my closest friends decide to leave the state in favor of larger cities. Their reasoning is that Cedar Rapids lacks a strong entertainment and cultural district.

In order to keep recent college graduates with roots in Cedar Rapids in the community, there needs to be a variety of entertainment to satisfy young adults.

If elected mayor, Brian Fagan will strive to keep recent graduates in Cedar Rapids. Fagan has a plan not only to attract businesses back to the flood-affected downtown district but to make it a thriving cultural and entertainment center.

It is common for students of Cedar Rapids colleges to go to Iowa City on the weekends rather than stay in town. Fagan envisions a restaurant and nightlife more along the lines of Iowa City's downtown, offering a variety of interests. With Fagan's vision of downtown Cedar Rapids, more students would be inclined to spend their weekends supporting local establishments.

Cedar Rapids has made great progress attracting restaurants and bars located downtown. But we need an art and music scene that offers free entertainment to give exposure to local artists. This will be budget-friendly for students and families that want to have fun locally.

Brian Fagan has enthusiasm and love for Cedar Rapids that young adults can admire and a necessity that the mayor must have.

Ben Maher

Cedar Rapids