GO Cedar Rapids handling is wrong

The big boys threw themselves a giant frat party, then pleaded poverty in paying the bill. This elite circle of money holders in Cedar Rapids should be ashamed of themselves. I know they are not, as evidenced by news reports that they 'feel bad for those vendors who did not get paid,” and that they know it is 'little solace to the vendors who don't get paid, but … tried everything (they) possibly could.”

Really? I don't think so.

Instead of hiring another consultant to figure out how to pay, why didn't the GO Board write checks to the vendors they owed?

The Go Board and its friend (i.e., the city of Cedar Rapids) decided they don't want to pay.

They want to keep the taxpayer money to start a whole new tourism program, instead of doing the right thing, which is eating some humble pie and paying the vendors who did all the hard work.

Let this be a lesson and warning to all vendors who partner with the city and whatever tourism group comes next. You will never be a priority. After the music stops and you clean up their mess, no one is going to make sure you get paid.

The people who take out small business loans, lines of credit and jeopardize their mom and pop businesses to serve the wealthy elite are the only ones who aren't invited to the party, and no one cares if they don't bounce back.

Heather Young

Iowa City