Fund Iowa projects done by Iowa workers

I was proud of Cedar Rapids City Council members when they decided to choose an Iowa work force (through a project labor agreement) to renovate the U.S. Cellular Center. I didn't care if it was labor union or not, it was Iowa jobs for Iowa workers. If only all of Iowa operated that way we could bring our state back to its former prosperity.

I have been anxious to see the changes Gov. Terry Branstad would bring to Iowa but admit I am deeply disappointed so far. When he denied state money to Cedar Rapids for the U.S. Cellular Center (and convention complex) because the governor banned PLA agreements on public projects, I could see our state government would not be following our city's example. State funds should never be denied to any approved projects solely because Iowa jobs were kept for Iowa workers. Such practices surely could not assist the governor's attempts to move new businesses to Iowa.

Branstad also is demanding more “great sacrifices” from state unions when they have made many wage and financial sacrifices for several years, while he denies to sacrifice his own wage and retirement package.

I applaud the Cedar Rapids Council. I challenge Branstad to set a better example and provide Iowa funds to deserving Iowa projects and workers. A good Iowa governor should be of the people and for the people, not above and looking down on the people.

Anna Peiffer

Cedar Rapids